Gentle World Archives - Gentle World

Gentle World

VeganLand: An Update

December 28, 2024

During its years in service toward Gentle World's mission, VeganLand's 34 acres provided sanctuary and nourishment to many rescued animals, all of whom now remain in the care of the other organizations we partnered with.

Introducing Hein’s Kitchen!

September 21, 2023

Hein's Kitchen in Chapel Hill, NC, is the creation of Hein Nang, an upcoming vegan chef extraordinaire and one of Gentle World's 2022 visitors! We're proud to say that Hein made his vegan commitment right here at our center! :) We love that he's bringing veganism together with the recipes of his Burmese heritage.

Gentle World at the Big Island VegFest

July 12, 2023

Gentle World's booth at the July 8th Big Island VegFest provided a unique opportunity for attendees to chat with multi-decade vegans

UPDATE: Wholesale Cases Sold Out!

April 10, 2023

April's flash sale marked the last time The Cookbook for People Who Love Animals would ever again be available for wholesale purchase. Thanks to our wonderful readers, many copies of the book have been donated to schools, churches, and public libraries, and also to the lending libraries of no-kill animal shelters.

Rest in Peace, Little Mighty

April 8, 2023

Mighty was much-loved by all, including our guests and visiting volunteers, and he even made an appearance in our YouTube video For the Vegan in Everyone, as a shining example of a 'healthy, happy, tail-wagging vegan dog.'

VeganLand’s First Veganic Harvest!

March 15, 2023

As VeganLand's very first garden bed, this is a milestone for the project, which we hope will be the land's first step in becoming a demonstration model for the production of sustainable plant foods grown without inputs sourced from animal farms, feedlots, or slaughterhouses.

Gentle World’s Veganic Produce Feeds Hungry Families

February 4, 2023

We're proud to share the news that our veganic demonstration garden has begun providing weekly donations to our local food pantry, giving Kohala families in need the opportunity to enjoy healthy veganic greens, including garden-fresh kale, one of the most nutritious foods on the planet.

The Reasonable Man Theory

January 31, 2023

Before long, we decided to devote our lives to spreading the word about the plight of not only the so-called "food animals," but all sentient beings.

Not for Me

January 31, 2023

With this one decision, the false belief I had been holding on to was replaced by a feeling of such relief, such freedom, and such gratitude for the realization that I had the power to liberate myself from the guilt and confusion that was stopping me from moving forward.

A World Restored

December 22, 2022

I knew that as long as there were people who perceived life this way, and talked about justice in its true form, there was hope in this world for other animals.

An Update on Fawn

November 30, 2022

It’s so easy to take for granted those whom we love, but we thought we might lose little Fawn recently when two vets told us that the irregular tissue we had noticed in her left eye was likely a tumor,…

A New Chapter at VeganLand

February 28, 2022

There are a myriad of reasons why horses will end up “last chance auctions." There they will be offered to the public, for sale to whoever will pay more than what their flesh is worth per pound at the slaughterhouse.

Gentle World thanks A Well Fed World

February 7, 2022

In 2021, plant foods advocacy organization A Well-Fed World provided Gentle World with an outreach grant, enabling us to expand our online education with the help of a subscription to the volunteering platform Catchafire.

Demons or Deities?

January 15, 2022

At the end of 2021, Gentle World volunteers put on our animal rescue hats once again. Quite unexpectedly, a little dog had come to us. She was starving and exhausted after braving the elements to escape an abusive situation.

Exciting News: Our First Vegan eBook!

December 13, 2021

For those who are new to veganism, we hope our free vegan eBook will be a helpful and informative guide. For those who are new to vegan advocacy, and those who have already heard these questions dozens of times yourselves, we hope that you’ll find it a valuable resource to assist you in fielding the inquiries of others.

Silhouette in the morning light of a hunter at the opening of Victoria's duck hunting season.

A New Way of Thinking and Living

November 3, 2021

35 years ago I went to see Gentle World when they were based in Florida. I was a full-on carnivore when I arrived with a truck full of guns, fishing gear, and animal skins and hides of every kind. The people at Gentle World gave me the opportunity to make the change fast and painless, and quite frankly I can’t imagine living any other way now.

Our Partnership with Magical Creatures Sanctuary

October 11, 2021

Bella, Iolana, Naevia, Anela and Mirijam had been rescued as calves from a closing dairy, and rehomed at Magical Creatures. In 2020, to aid in the sanctuary's rescue efforts, they were brought to VeganLand, where they spent six months grazing on the abundant grass.

A wide shot of one of Gentle World's veganic gardens in Shangri-La, New Zealand

Shangri-La’s Veganic Magic

March 8, 2021

Gentle World's master grower has hit a home run with his 2021 veganic ventures. Our readers were given a first glimpse of the new garden last September, and we are now over the moon to see his efforts quite literally coming to fruition.

My 40th Birthday Wish

February 15, 2021

A couple of weeks ago, a friend asked me what I find myself wishing for, as I approach my 40th birthday. Where can I possibly begin? Health and comfort for everyone I love. A light at the end of the…

Celebrating 40 Years!

February 11, 2021

February of 2021 brings with it the 40th anniversary of Gentle World’s incorporation as an educational organization. As we reflect on this milestone, we invite our readers to celebrate with us as we look to the future with a brand new vision for GentleWorld.org.

Garden Therapy

September 15, 2020

The expansion of Shangri-La's veganic growing will help us to provide even more farm-fresh veganic produce to our future guests and volunteers, as well as those participating in Te Whare Rongoa's plant-based nutrition counseling program.

A double portrait of Gentle World's founders, then and now

50 Years of Veganism!

March 13, 2020

Back in 1970, Gentle World was not even a dream in the minds of its founders. But these two individuals were beginning to lay its foundation.

A 50th Veganniversary Interview with Light, GW co-founder

March 12, 2020

As we observe the Golden Anniversary of Light and Sun’s shared pledge to observe the Golden Rule, Gentle World’s co-founder Light is interviewed by Butterflies Katz about his 50-year experience with veganism.

Guests attending Gentle World's vegan film screening in Kaitaia, New Zealand

A Vegan Evening in Kaitaia, NZ

March 1, 2020

Gentle World is continuing our summer education program in New Zealand’s Far North, collaborating once again with Te Whare Rongoā for our first event at the Te Ahu cinema in Kaitaia. The evening was a big success, and we have…

The possum-proof fence around Gentle World's newest garden bed in New Zealand

Farming with Possums

January 20, 2020

With Shangri-La surrounded by native bush, we've had to find creative ways to live and farm alongside these persistent garden explorers. Living with possums presents a challenge, but we focus on finding nonviolent solutions.

Partnering with Te Whare Rongoā

December 19, 2019

Serving NZ's Far North community with a high percentage of Maori clients, Te Whare Rongoā (House of Medicine) offers well-being services through education in plant-based food and herbal medicine.

A beautiful little red-breasted bird perched on a branch

Letter from JP

December 18, 2019

When I came to visit you all, I was elated to find there were people like me and I was not alone. I will never forget those days as they molded me into the person I am.

A Gentle World volunteer manning the vegan booth at the Te Hiku Expo

Gentle World
at the Te Hiku Expo

December 15, 2019

With close to 400 people coming through the doors of Kaitaia's beautiful Te Ahu Center, our efforts at the Te Hiku Expo were met with unprecedented enthusiasm.

Child smelling giant sunflower in a sunflower field

Ode to Joy

November 8, 2019

This is a reprint of a previously posted article. It was originally written and published in 2012. When I was five years old, I unhappily discovered that I was the only girl in my kindergarten class who didn’t have a…

Sun Shines On

March 2, 2019

Those of us who have been inspired by this pioneering woman offer our heartfelt thanks for all she has given to us and to the world, and trust that she rests in the peace she has earned as a result of the countless lives that have been changed for the better thanks to her courage, her generosity of spirit, and her commitment to bringing to life her truly inspired vision of a vegan world.

As We Should Be

December 31, 2018

Veganism is not simply a different way of eating. It is a different way of seeing and feeling that embodies the principle of ahimsa, or reverence for life. Simply put, veganism is feeling for another’s feelings.

A black and white portrait of an elephant's face against a black background

The Elephant in the Room

December 30, 2018

We are called vegans, and although we come from differing nations, cultures, religions, economic stations, genders and ages, we share a powerful bond. We have all seen the elephant in the room, and agree that the only humane response is to withdraw our support.

Looking up from within a circle of tall trees almost covering the sky with light at the top

A Saner Way

December 18, 2017

The many symptoms of our shared illness are easily seen on any street corner, in homes, schools, work places, courtrooms or anywhere else human behavior is on display. But the most serious is our seeming obsession with some form of violence.

Vegan Gathering

November 17, 2017

At the beginning of the month, Gentle World hosted an event that attracted over 70 vegans, for a beautiful day of education and celebration. In the year 2000, when Gentle World first came to the Big Island, there was no…

Group of brown cows looking at the camera in a farm land in Uruguay. This is the result of intensive livestock business in South America 2014.

If Not Now, When? If Not You, Who?

October 2, 2017

If they could, every animal in the world would rise up, and with one pleading voice, say to you: “What on earth are you waiting for?”

Artist's rendition of a path through a green meadow in the sunlight

Paradise Bound

March 29, 2017

Veganism is as essential to peace as peace is to Paradise. It topples the foundation of violence and cruelty upon which our terribly imperfect governments, cultures, societies and religions are built. It frees us from the self-absorption that fuels our conflicts. It inspires an expansive and inclusive way of living heretofore unknown to our species.

Co-founders of Gentle World vegan community Light and Sun

Pioneers of Peace

March 29, 2017

On February 22nd, Gentle World’s Co-founders Light and Sun celebrated their 47th veganniversary, providing living proof that vegan human beings can not only lead an exemplary, love-filled, respectful, responsible, caring, healthy, active and vibrant life, but also inspire countless others…

Baby green plant seedlings growing in soil

Veganic Growing in Action

March 13, 2017

It's always a joy to give people the opportunity to reconnect with where the food we eat comes from, and the veganic cultivation of plant foods is a beautiful thing to take part in.

2017… and here we are

January 1, 2017

Veganism is non-violence in action; a sure, safe, practical, painless, easy, highly effective and absolutely free choice that everyone can make to help save all who live from humanity's most destructive, dangerous addiction.

Plant-Based Medicine Event

November 20, 2016

On October 23rd, Island-based cardiologist Lawrence Derbes spoke at the Gentle World educational center in North Kohala, bringing his message of plant-based healing to dozens of inspired attendees.

A signpost with a rainbow colored sky in the background

Which Will We Choose?

July 7, 2016

Is there any hope at all for a peaceful resolution of the opposing forces in our nature, which are driving us mad? If so, the answer must be the pillars of sanity we call reason and compassion.

A beautiful golden dog sleeps in her bed outside in the sun

A Feeling of Home

May 8, 2016

Dogs have not only been some of my best friends, but some of my greatest teachers. There is no doubt in my mind that my feeling for dogs was a significant factor in my vegan epiphany, since it was not a far leap from the eyes of my best friends to the eyes of the first cow I ever saw crying tears of sorrow.

An orange and pink sky with many birds flying through it

If We Were They

November 12, 2015

The other animals, although born into different physical bodies are, like us, victims of circumstance. Like all people, they are who we might have been, there but for we know not what. They too, are us, if we were they.

Vegan Voices

November 10, 2015

On October 18th, Gentle World welcomed over 60 people to our North Kohala center for an afternoon of education and inspiration. Guests had the chance to take home free samples of vegan alternative products, as well as enjoying a delicious…

Beautiful sunset sky, with full sun and orange clouds

Why?

July 8, 2015

Why don't those who make the laws do so with respect for our essential needs, and deepest feelings? Why do we continue to cause so much suffering and death to others? Why is there so much cruelty and violence in the world?

Partial sunflower in front of a deep blue sky

Let Your Conscience Be Your God

April 7, 2015

The conscience is the one and only place inside us where reason and compassion live harmoniously, side by side. Its purpose, as should be that of any God figure, is to guide us to our better nature.

Gentle World: A Brief History

March 5, 2015

Gentle World's co-founder Sun offers her unique insight into the multi-decade history of the organization she helped to create.

The Power is Ours

January 4, 2015

If we want a gentle world, we must reject violence. If we want a free world, we must be willing to free our human and non-human slaves. And if we want a peaceful world, we must first find a way to make peace with ourselves and one another.

Cowspiracy
on the Big Island

November 30, 2014

Last month we were thrilled to host a screening of the film Cowspiracy, which is a truly eye-opening exposé of the environmental and ethical impacts of animal agriculture, produced by Kip Anderson and Keegan Kuhn. With close to 60 very…

The Foundation of our Higher Selves

October 31, 2014

In the heat of the summer of 1966, revolution was in the air. Black people were revolting against the injustice of whites, women against the domination of men, and young people everywhere were expanding their minds beyond the restrictive perceptions…

They Can Count On Me

September 30, 2014

This is the first irrefutable truth I discovered in my life; that eating and using animals is, no matter how you look at it, an act of abject cruelty. When we eat or use animals, we are hiring the butcher…

Vegan author Will Tuttle speaking on stage

An Afternoon with Will Tuttle

March 4, 2014

Gentle World's latest vegan event was a blend of philosophy and food. Dr. Tuttle provided the philosophy, and Gentle World provided the delicious food that is the reward for living in alignment with that philosophy.

Table full of delicious vegan food for afternoon lunch

A Vegan Afternoon…

November 17, 2013

On November 9th, our Hawaii location was filled with excitement and enthusiastic attendees for “A Vegan Afternoon.” The event was chock-full of informative talks/videos, delicious food and resources to help people embrace the vegan way of life.Upon arriving, guests had…

A human hand caressing the head of a beautiful white horse

The Vegan Inside Us

November 1, 2013

Now is the time for those of us who are willing to be the essential change this world so desperately needs, to open the closet door and set the vegan inside us free to unashamedly show the world who we really are.

A close up of a beautiful white and golden rabbit with pink ears, sitting in green grass

The Rabbit Story

October 31, 2013

Gentle World's co-founder reads aloud his piece The Rabbit Story, originally published in 1987.

The thinker statue with a blue sky in background

An Open Letter to the Leaders of the Progressive Movement

July 2, 2013

If you are not yet vegan yourself, you might be moving in that direction or have a friend or two who is. You may even be convinced by now that veganism is a reasonable solution to many of the world's problems. Perhaps, you have secretly envisioned doing it yourself, someday... when you are ready.

Distant silhouettes of people standing in front of colorful sunset clouds

Why I Love Vegans

June 1, 2013

Vegans recognize the inherent right of every animal, human or otherwise, to be the sole owner of his or her body, and they acknowledge our ethical responsibility to treat every body with respect and even reverence for the mystery that gives them life.

A black dog with copper markings resting under a bush looks directly at the camera

The Spirit of Kisses

May 29, 2013

It was easy to forget that Kisses had good reason for behaving the way she did. She had been taught to fear. She hadn’t just chosen to believe that humans were dangerous. She had been forced to accept it on a very primal level – she had had it beaten into her.

Light and Sun celebrating 43 years of veganism

Our Dedication Will Never Waiver

March 29, 2013

We didn't know that there was a word "vegan" at the time. There were no health food stores, no tofu, and no animal rights movement that we knew of. We have been spreading the word since we knew there was a word to spread. If we kept silent and that silence allowed more animals to suffer, we would wonder if our words could have saved their lives.

Close up shot of a country path surrounded by magical wildflowers

It Must Have Been Lovely

March 2, 2013

43 years after Tom Paxton wrote such poignant lyrics mourning our impending loss, the loveliness of my own garden holds more meaning to me than ever... Will we always have flowers? Will the forest always have trees? Will meadows always be green?

A woman sitting on a wide swing watching sunset

The Conscience: Our Guide to a Truly New Year

December 31, 2012

Most of us have had our moments, even in the midst of our busy lives, when we have found ourselves face to face with our conscience and can hear its voice clearly and distinctly.

Gentle World at the 2012 Kohala Country Fair

October 26, 2012

The Kohala Country Fair this year was filled with local craft and gift vendors, food, music and games for all. With a record number of 50+ food booths ready to feed the crowd, among them was our Incredibly Delicious Vegan…

Florida Vegan Event a Huge Success!

September 29, 2012

On September 8th, Gentle World sponsored “It’s Easy to be Vegan!” – a free vegan educational day in South Florida that attracted over 200 people. This vegan extravaganza was facilitated by M. Butterflies Katz, along with a fantastic team of…

A tiny baby sparrow with eyes closed, sitting on a human hand

Phoenix Rising: A Second Chance

July 25, 2012

This tiny (but feisty) little fighter was covered with ants and just beginning to get her feathers. Our friend told us she frequently sees birds that have fallen from their nests, but this baby bird in particular seemed determined to survive.

A back view silhouette of a woman watching the sunset

Satisfy Your Soul

April 30, 2012

When the world and its religions can't quite satisfy your soul, and the hymns and prayers and chanting sound like one droll rigmarole...

A Vegan Earth Day Celebration!

April 30, 2012

Earlier this month, Gentle World volunteers participated in a local Earth Day celebration, which brought the magic of plant-based healing to hundreds of people... What were we doing there? Serving food, of course!

Blue sky filled with puffy clouds and sun rays

A Newer Age

February 29, 2012

The vegan evolution will inspire a heightened spiritual awareness, purify the body, and make possible personal and planetary healing unprecedented in human history.

Just This One…

December 31, 2011

The New Year is unlike other holidays, as it is not limited to those who belong to one religion or nation, but is a celebration we can all relate to: the ending of the old and the beginning of the new.

A single cow stands silhouetted against a sunset sky

Occupy Humanity

October 31, 2011

Even many of the most progressive among us, seemingly without thought, continue to exclude certain sentient beings from the shelter of their compassion by accepting, condoning, supporting and even applauding the most unspeakable injustices perpetrated against those they see as "others," because they happened to have been born other than human.

Crowd of People Having Fun At The Kohala Fair

Kohala Fair 2011 – Bigger than Ever!

October 18, 2011

At the beginning of this month, a bustling group of Kohala Country Fair-Goers learned why mealtime is our favorite time at Gentle World! This annual event always attracts thousands of attendees, but a change of venue made the Country Fair…

Sunset over lake creates golden light on water

An Idea Whose Time Has Come

July 29, 2011

The vegan concept is not a fad that will pass with time. It is a necessary shift in thinking, that will lead to a heightened empathy and concern for others.

An Irrefutable Truth

June 29, 2011

What a boost to my self-esteem to discover that I knew something that was absolutely right; something that no one, no matter their station in life, could convince me was wrong.

Full healthy happy and proud volunteers and co-founders at Gentle World

Gentle World on New Zealand National Radio

June 29, 2011

Gentle World and veganism were featured on nationwide New Zealand radio this month, with a slot on a show called Spectrum, where we had an opportunity to speak to over 80,000 people throughout New Zealand and the rest of the world.

Two youngsters surrounded by garden plants

Garden Fun with Little Ones

March 30, 2011

A few weeks ago, we had a super-fun day here in Shangri-La, as we hosted a gathering of aspiring little gardeners from the local Playcenter.

Woman Holding A Place With Vegan Food From A Cooking Class at The Herb Shack New Zealand

Sharing the Joy of Vegan Cooking

March 30, 2011

On Saturday, March 12th, Gentle World volunteers hosted a free vegan cooking class at our favorite NZ venue: The Herb Shack. With 22 attendees who showed lots of interest in the vegan culinary techniques, the day was a fantastic success!

Gentle World’s Giant Pear!

March 30, 2011

Every now and then, our veganic growing program rewards us with a giant vegetable or piece of fruit… To give you some idea of the scale, the flower to the left is a magnolia, which usually measures between 6 and…

Harvest Time

February 27, 2011

Here in Gentle World, we sometimes forget that many people don’t have the luxury of enjoying home-grown vegetables, let alone delicious veganically-grown fruit… But in Shangri-La, thanks to the hard work of our team of dedicated volunteers and expert gardener…