---
title: "IN THE ANCIENT MYSTERIES - IVU - International Vegetarian Union"
description: "IN THE ANCIENT MYSTERIES: : (author not given) The first object of worship by all early civilizations was the Sun, the source of life and of fecundation. India, Persia, and all the earliest nations which attained the highest degree of cultural development, the sun was the main object of adoration."
url: "https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu.html?view=article&id=3951:congress-wvc57-souvenir-mysteries&catid=184"
date: "2026-11-06T00:02:23+00:00"
language: "en-GB"
---

#  IN THE ANCIENT MYSTERIES

![IN THE ANCIENT MYSTERIES](https://ivu.org/images/legacy/history/banners/congress-wvc57-souvenir-mysteries.png)
 **IN THE ANCIENT MYSTERIES:** (author not given)

The first object of worship by all early civilizations was the Sun, the source of life and of fecundation. In Egypt. India, Persia, and all the earliest nations which attained the highest degree of cultural development, the sun was the main object of adoration. The moon, which after the sun, runs as second as the source of life, was also worshipped, in those countries. In the third place comes fire, which according to modern scientists, is the best symbol of life, as both fire and life, are very closely connected with each other.

The religions of ancient Egypt were founded on the oneness of life, and their rites consisted in promoting life, in not destroying it. Therefore Egyptians never killed animals, but rather loved them. They abstained from meat and blood. The mysteries of Isis consisted in an approachment of man to nature. Isis, the eternity, was symbolized by the moon, and is the goddess of the Nile, which fertilizes the ground. Isis was also the first physician in Egypt. Osiris, who represents the sun, and who was the origin of Ceres, the goddess of cereals and agriculture of the Romans, is the god of cereals and
 of fruits. Horus is the god of germination, and Ptah the goddess of life itself. This shows the importance with which the conservation of life was held by the ancient Egyptians. Their Hierophants were physicians of the body and of the soul at the same time. The Orphic Mysteries; introduced in Greece by Pythagoras, were nothing else but the Osiric Mysteries of Thebes. ... The principles of the Osirian religion are love, peace, and self-denial. In that respect it is very much like those of Christ. In the Osirian religion they preach love not only for men, but also for animals and plants. and in this respect it is like that of Buddha .. The " Book of the Dead." considered by many an author as the oldest book ever written, is really a ritual of the conservation of life. Massey says that its very name should be "The Book of Life." as it is the conservation of life, the predominant note in all its pages. "Life here, life in the hereafter." as shown by "the following excerpts: 'I have given food to the hungry and water to the thirsty ... I have not committed adultery.. .I have not lied. .. I have not done evil ... I have not stolen ... I have not ill-treated the oppressed ... I am pure ... I am the Lord of Life." Egyptians, Brahmans, Buddhists, Zarathustrians... thought that all lives, all forms of life, were one, and consequently they considered it a crime to kill any kind of living beings, including plants and trees. This fact shows more clearly than their pyramidal monuments how far advanced their civilization.

The *Zend Avesta* (the sacred Book of the Zoroastrians) teaches that "Purity is, next to life, the greatest gift of man"... In one of its chapters, Vendidad, it says : "I bless all those who multiply and who make grow." This book forbids also the picking of fruits from the trees, unless they are ripe and are intended to be used for food ..Hunting and every form of killing or injuring animals is forbidden in the *Zend-Avesta*. In one of its parts, called *Khorda-Avesta* there is a prayer of contrition to be said by all those who have ever done wrong to an animal. According to Porphyr, the aim of the Mitra Mysteries, for which the Persian Magi officiated was to show that we have something in common with all other forms of life. The Zarathustrian religion forbids even the burning of dead bodies. Instead they mere placed in certain spots in the mountains to be devoured by the cultures and allowed to be disintegrated by the elements. Such places were called 'Towers of Silence.' Though this method the suggestion of death was removed from the sight of man, and human corpses were used to feed animals, and therefore, to promote the law of the conservation of life.

The Vedas, another of the oldest Books, tacitly or explicitly present the conservation of life as the synthetic principle of morals. It condemns the killing of animals and the habit of eating meat.. . All religions derived from the Vedas forbid us to injure any kind of life which has feeling, including trees, plants, and grass. These religions are so strict in that respect that Brahman priests are forbidden to be farmers, because "the plough hurts living beings." The *Mahabharata* (Vana-Parva, 116-34) says : "Neither was there nor will there be a higher gift than the gift of life. "The book of the great legislator Manu is full of places in which it forbids the killing of animals and the eating of meat. Similarly in the Buddhist Scriptures :

"Do not kill, nor encourage others to kill" (No hanaye, no ghataye), says Lord Buddha. "Him I call a Brahmana who does not kill nor causes to kill" (*Dhammapada*, XXVI, 405). "None should destroy life himself, or cause others to destroy life, or sanction the acts of those who destroy life." (*Sutta-Nipata, Dhammika-Sutta*. 19). "A being with three dispositions will be taken into heaven. What are they? One who abstains from slaying; one who restrains others from slaying, and one who is not fond of slaying. (*Angultara-Nikaya, Tika Nipata, Acepala-Vagga* 153)."

The Ancient religions of China are based also on the conservation of life. Like Buddha, Confucius also considered immoral the custom of destroying life of any kind and in any form, even for making sacrifices or for food. The following sentence which we find in the book *King* is very illustrative of that fact : "The aim of cereals and of fruits is to nourish man. Consequently the habit of converting that food into a liquid which only serves to harm man is a two-fold crime against the conservation of life." Confucius also says : "Do not unto others as you would not that others should do unto you." - a negative statement of the Golden Rule enunciated by the Chist : "Do unto others as you would that they should do unto you."

"Paganissn, the religion of ancient Greeks and Romans, presents us with a striking proof of the importance which these two old and advanced civilizations gave to the conservation of life. The Golden Age as the paradise of Greek Mythology. At that time all living beings lived peacefully with each other and none killed. In singing that age, the philosopher Empedocles, said: "In early times people did not kill animals as in this, and to devour their noble limbs was considered a sin." (*De Natura* vers. 404-5) ... Greek mythology imputes the fall of man to Prometheus. He was the first one to kill a bull and to steal the fire from heaven to cook it. For this crime Prometheus (mankind) was thus punished: he was tied to a rock, where a vulture (disease) devoured his liver forever. A fair symbol of mankind, his sins, and his logical unhappiness indeed. One of the oldest and greatest gods of Greek mythology was Dionysius, who like Ahhra-Mazda of the Zarathustrians, and Osiris of the Egyptians, represented the principle of life, the creator of life. Dermeter was the Goddess of agriculture, of marriage, and therefore of promoting life. In Ceres the Romans had a goddess corresponding to Demetcr of the Greeks. Orphious the great singer ascetic lived simply and prevented men from killing animals and from eating meat. Venus was the goddess of love, and Apollo that of health. Xenocrates and Porphyrius say that the following three laws of the Athenian Triptolemus ruled in Eleusis : "To sacrifice only fruits to the gods; not to harm any harmless being, and not to eat meat." All great Greek philosophers supported those laws. Like the Buddhistic monks, Pythagoras forbade his pupils from having any dealings with killers (butchers, hunters, etc.) He introduced into Europe the custom of sacrificing animals of dough.

The importance of life as the most sacred thing was also recognized by all ancient Semitic religions, from Assyrio-Babylonians, down to Muhammad. The latter preached physical culture, and forbade the killing of animals and the use of alcoholic drugs. Muhammad himself lived so plainly that he very seldom used fire in his home, either for light or for cooking.

Charles Brandt, from whose comprehensive book "The Vital Problem," we have collated the above from his chapter on Religion, then goes on to show that the supreme importance of life is most conspicuous in the Bible. The ancient Hebrew prophets spoke sternly against blood sacrifices, and that the sacrifice of animals which Moses tried to eradicate, was successfully abolished by the Christ who taught the law of Love and Compassion. Mr. Brandt. concludes this chapter :

So we see that all the most important religions of the world including those founded by Zarathustra, Osiris. Buddha, Brahma, Muhammad, Confucius, Moses, Christ, and the ancient Greeks recognize this principle : *Do not destroy life, but increase it through hygiene, through peace* ... *To love* is the most positive, and *not to kill* the most negative form of the vital imperative. Consequently, in all the most important religions : "*Do love*" and "*Do not kill*" constitute the two most important Commandments. This allows that the most important religions implicitly recognize that the basis of morals consists in the law of the conservation of life. The Founders of all religions have devoted themselves to preach peace, and to cure the sick. Because peace and health are the two most effective means to promote life, as well from the general as from the individual point of view.

 | A note on this archive. The history section of this website is drawn from a body of legacy content originally compiled by John Davis, former manager of the International Vegetarian Union. It represents his curation of historical material, and in places includes passages written by him directly.  Over the years, the IVU website has migrated between several different hosting servers. In the course of these migrations, a number of PDF files were unfortunately lost, and **some links to PDF documents may no longer function**. Where this is the case, we have chosen to leave the original link text in place, as it may itself carry information of historical value.  - Hits: 1172    ###  1957 World Vegetarian Congress   - [1957 World Vegetarian Congress](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-1957-congress-wvc57-index.html) - [1957 World Vegetarian Congress: Souvenir Book](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-1957-congress-wvc57-souvenir-index.html)      - [History of IVU](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu.html)      ###  Vegetarian Congresses: Main Archive   - [Illustrated History of IVU Congresses: 1908-2008](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-main-congress-2008-ivuhistory-index.html) - [1847 England Physiological and Vegetarian Conference](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-main-congress-1847-index.html) - [1850 American Vegetarian Convention](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-main-congress-1850-index.html) - [1890 International Vegetarian Congress](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-main-congress-1890-index.html) - [1893 International Vegetarian Congress](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-main-congress-1893-index.html) - 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[Asia and Pacific Vegetarian History up to 1900](https://ivu.org/hv-timelines-eras-history-east-index2.html) - [Europe: Middle Ages to the 17th Century](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-history-renaissance-index.html) - [European Vegetarian History: 18th Century](https://ivu.org/hv-timelines-eras-history-renaissance-europe18.html) - [Food in England Since 1066](https://ivu.org/hv-timelines-eras-history-renaissance-food-england.html) - [England: Early 19th-Century Vegetarianism](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-history-england19a-index.html) - [Europe: Late 19th-Century Vegetarianism](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-history-europe19b-index.html) - [Europe: Early 20th-Century Vegetarianism](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-history-europe20a-index.html) - [Europe: Late 20th-Century Vegetarianism](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-history-europe20b-index.html) - [North America: 18th-Century Vegetarianism](https://ivu.org/hv-timelines-eras-history-northam18-index.html) - [USA: 19th-Century Vegetarianism](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-history-usa19-index.html) - [North America: Early 20th-Century Vegetarianism](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-history-northam20a-index.html) - [North America: Late 20th-Century Vegetarianism](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-history-northam20b-index.html)      ###  2008 Dresden Congress Archive   - [2008 World Vegetarian Congress: Dresden](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-2008-congress-2008-index.html) - [2008 Dresden Congress: Lecture Texts](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-2008-congress-2008-texts-index.html) - [Illustrated History of IVU Congresses: 1908-2008](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-main-congress-2008-ivuhistory-index.html) - [2008 Dresden Congress: Historical Materials](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-2008-congress-2008-index-old.html)      ###  2006 Goa Congress Archive   - [2006 World Vegetarian Congress: Goa](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-2006-congress-2006-index.html) - [2006 Goa Congress: Lecture Texts](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-2006-congress-2006-texts-index.html) - [2006 Goa Congress: Photo Gallery](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-2006-congress-2006-jdphotos-index.html)      ###  2004 Brazil Congress Archive   - [2004 World Vegetarian Congress: Florianopolis](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-2004-congress-2004-index.html) - [2004 Brazil Congress: Speakers and Food Demonstrators](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-2004-congress-2004-speakers-index.html) - [2004 Brazil Congress: Lectures](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-2004-congress-2004-lectures-index.html) - [2004 Brazil Congress: Reports and Comments](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-2004-congress-2004-reports-index.html) - [2004 Brazil Congress: Cruelty-Free Fashion Gallery](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-2004-congress-2004-photos-fashion-index.html) - [2004 Congress: Rio Grande do Sul Tour Gallery](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-2004-congress-2004-photos-postcong1-index.html) - [2004 Brazil Congress: Historical Materials](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-2004-congress-2004-index-old.html)      ###  Vegan Recipes   - [![Egyptian Charoset](https://ivu.org/media/zoo/images/egyptian-charoset-1775515322_b3f2bef22a2f5668adeca16618a2b634.jpg "Egyptian Charoset")](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/item/egyptian-charoset.html "Egyptian Charoset")           ####  [Egyptian Charoset](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/item/egyptian-charoset.html "Egyptian Charoset")            [Egypt](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/egypt.html) [Snacks](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/snacks.html) [Starters & side dishes](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/snack-side-dishes.html) [African](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/african.html) - [![Ethiopian Lentil Salad](https://ivu.org/media/zoo/images/ethiopian-lentil-salad-1775244357_85b6c541da75cfc6efe6eca0852cb9f7.jpg "Ethiopian Lentil Salad")](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/item/ethiopian-lentil-salad.html "Ethiopian Lentil Salad")           ####  [Ethiopian Lentil Salad](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/item/ethiopian-lentil-salad.html "Ethiopian Lentil Salad")            [African](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/african.html) - [![Bananas Ghana](https://ivu.org/media/zoo/images/bananas-ghana-1777938426_8a88fa00a03e49232a958eb06bfabccc.jpg "Bananas Ghana")](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/item/bananas-ghana.html "Bananas Ghana")           ####  [Bananas Ghana](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/item/bananas-ghana.html "Bananas Ghana")            [Desserts](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/deserts.html) [Ghana](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/ghana.html) [African](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/african.html)       ###  VFA Blog   - ####  [Vegan Egg Substitutes: Transform Your Recipes with Creativity and Flavor](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/blog-front-page/item/vegan-egg-substitutes-transform-your-recipes-with-creativity-and-flavor.html "Vegan Egg Substitutes: Transform Your Recipes with Creativity and Flavor")                - [Read more](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/blog-front-page/item/vegan-egg-substitutes-transform-your-recipes-with-creativity-and-flavor.html)       ###  Science   - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/science/207-rapid-global-phaseout-of-animal-agriculture-has-the-potential-to-stabilize-greenhouse-gas-levels-for-30-years.html)     [ Rapid global phaseout of animal agriculture has the potential to stabilize greenhouse gas levels for 30 years](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/science/207-rapid-global-phaseout-of-animal-agriculture-has-the-potential-to-stabilize-greenhouse-gas-levels-for-30-years.html) Popular - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/science/206-animal-agriculture-and-climate-change-a-qualitative-holistic-note.html)     [ Animal Agriculture and Climate change a Qualitative holistic note](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/science/206-animal-agriculture-and-climate-change-a-qualitative-holistic-note.html) Popular - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/science/202-environmental-impact-of-two-plant-based-isocaloric-and-isoproteic-diets-the-vegan-diet-vs-the-mediterranean-diet.html)     [ Environmental Impact of Two Plant Based Isocaloric and Isoproteic Diets The Vegan Diet vs the Mediterranean Diet](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/science/202-environmental-impact-of-two-plant-based-isocaloric-and-isoproteic-diets-the-vegan-diet-vs-the-mediterranean-diet.html) Popular            ###  History     [ ![Taiwan's climate legislation embraces plant based eating](https://ivu.org/joomlatools-files/docman-images/generated/0f49c89d1e7298bb9930789c8ed59d48.jpg)    Taiwan's climate legislation embraces plant based eating                ](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/history/vegan-nutrition-history/283-taiwans-climate-legislation-embraces-plant-based-eating.html "Taiwan's climate legislation embraces plant based eating")       [ ![Chinese Dietary Guidelines 2022   Guideline 4 Eat fish poultry eggs, and lean meat in moderation](https://ivu.org/joomlatools-files/docman-images/generated/6a9aeddfc689c1d0e3b9ccc3ab651bc5.jpg)    Chinese Dietary Guidelines 2022 Guideline 4 Eat fish poultry eggs, and lean meat in moderation                ](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/history/vegan-nutrition-history/282-chinese-dietary-guidelines-2022-guideline-4-eat-fish-poultry-eggs-and-lean-meat-in-moderation.html "Chinese Dietary Guidelines 2022   Guideline 4 Eat fish poultry eggs, and lean meat in moderation")       [ ![Reply to Proposal No 4748 (Agriculture and Water Conservancy Category No  297) of the Third Session of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People´s Political Consultative Conference](https://ivu.org/joomlatools-files/docman-images/generated/e3796ae838835da0b6f6ea37bcf8bcb7.jpg)    Reply to Proposal No 4748 (Agriculture and Water Conservancy Category No 297) of the Third Session of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People´s Political Consultative Conference                ](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/history/vegan-nutrition-history/281-reply-to-proposal-no-4748-agriculture-and-water-conservancy-category-no-297-of-the-third-session-of-the-13th-national-committee-of-the-chinese-peoples-political-consultative-conference.html "Reply to Proposal No 4748 (Agriculture and Water Conservancy Category No  297) of the Third Session of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People´s Political Consultative Conference")                              ###  2002 Edinburgh Congress Archive   - [2002 World Vegetarian Congress: Edinburgh](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-2002-congress-2002-index.html) - [2002 Edinburgh Congress: Programme](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-2002-congress-2002-program-index.html) - [2002 Edinburgh Congress: Talks and Recipes](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-2002-congress-2002-texts-index.html) - [2002 Edinburgh Congress: Photo Gallery](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-2002-congress-2002-photos-index.html) - [2002 Edinburgh Congress: Jeff's Journal](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-2002-congress-2002-journal-index.html) - [2002 Congress: Edinburgh and Scotland Travel Archive](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-2002-congress-2002-scotland-index.html)      - <a href="">Archives by Language </a>     - [Chinese People Archive: Traditional Chinese (Big5)](https://ivu.org/hv-language-archives-group/hv-language-archives-chinese-people-index-big5.html)     - [Chinese Writers Archive: Traditional Chinese (Big5)](https://ivu.org/hv-language-archives-group/hv-language-archives-chinese-people-writers-index-big5.html)     - [Chinese People Archive: Simplified Chinese (GB)](https://ivu.org/hv-language-archives-group/hv-language-archives-chinese-people-index-gb.html)     - [Chinese Writers Archive: Simplified Chinese (GB)](https://ivu.org/hv-language-archives-group/hv-language-archives-chinese-people-writers-index-gb.html)     - [French Famous Vegetarians Archive](https://ivu.org/hv-language-archives-group/hv-language-archives-french-people-index.html)     - [French IVU Magazine Archive](https://ivu.org/hv-language-archives-group/hv-language-archives-french-news-magazine.html)     - [French 2008 Dresden Congress Archive](https://ivu.org/hv-language-archives-group/hv-language-archives-french-congress-2008-index.html)     - [German IVU Magazine Archive](https://ivu.org/hv-language-archives-group/hv-language-archives-german-news-magazine.html)     - [German 2008 Congress: Historical Materials](https://ivu.org/hv-language-archives-group/hv-language-archives-german-congress-2008-index-old.html)     - [German Illustrated IVU Congress History](https://ivu.org/hv-language-archives-group/hv-language-archives-german-congress-2008-ivuhistory-index.html)     - [German 2008 Dresden Congress Programme](https://ivu.org/hv-language-archives-group/hv-language-archives-german-congress-2008-program.html)     - [Italian Famous Vegetarians Archive](https://ivu.org/hv-language-archives-group/hv-language-archives-italian-people-index.html)     - [Italian IVU Magazine Archive](https://ivu.org/hv-language-archives-group/hv-language-archives-italian-news-magazine.html)     - [Italian 1997 European Congress Archive](https://ivu.org/hv-language-archives-group/hv-language-archives-italian-congress-euro97-index.html)     - [Italian 1999 Thailand Congress Archive](https://ivu.org/hv-language-archives-group/hv-language-archives-italian-congress-thai99-index.html)     - [Italian 2008 Dresden Congress Archive](https://ivu.org/hv-language-archives-group/hv-language-archives-italian-congress-2008-index.html)     - [Portuguese 2008 Dresden Congress Archive](https://ivu.org/hv-language-archives-group/hv-language-archives-portuguese-congress-2008-index.html)     - [Spanish Famous Vegetarians Archive](https://ivu.org/hv-language-archives-group/hv-language-archives-spanish-people-index.html)     - [Spanish 1999 Thailand Congress Archive](https://ivu.org/hv-language-archives-group/hv-language-archives-spanish-congress-thai99-index.html)     - [Spanish 1999 Thailand Congress Programme](https://ivu.org/hv-language-archives-group/hv-language-archives-spanish-congress-thai99-program-program.html)     - [Spanish 2008 Dresden Congress Archive](https://ivu.org/hv-language-archives-group/hv-language-archives-spanish-congress-2008-index.html)        ###  Download the Vegetarian Nutrition Booklet for Kids and Adolescents   - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/117-vegetarian-nutrition-booklet-for-kids-and-adolescents.html)     [ vegetarian-nutrition-booklet-for-kids-and-adolescents](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/117-vegetarian-nutrition-booklet-for-kids-and-adolescents.html) Popular               7676 downloads - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/122-booklet-ivu-portugues-web.html)     [ Booklet IVU portugues web](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/122-booklet-ivu-portugues-web.html) Popular               7319 downloads - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/123-nutrition-guide-for-students-with-khmer-translation.html)     [ Nutrition Guide for Students (with Khmer Translation)](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/123-nutrition-guide-for-students-with-khmer-translation.html) Popular               6052 downloads - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/130-2023-05-03-18-17-13.html)     [ ベジタリアン・ヴィーガン栄養ガイド](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/130-2023-05-03-18-17-13.html) Popular               5524 downloads - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/124-vegetarian-nutritie-cartea-pentru-copii-si-adolescenti.html)     [ BROȘURA DE NUTRIȚIE VEGETARIANĂ - Romanian](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/124-vegetarian-nutritie-cartea-pentru-copii-si-adolescenti.html) Popular               5040 downloads - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/131-cartel-de-nutricion-vegetariana.html)     [ CARTEL DE NUTRICIÓN VEGETARIANA](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/131-cartel-de-nutricion-vegetariana.html) Popular               4558 downloads            ###  Nutrition   - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/294-what-are-the-best-sources-of-protein-introducing-the-bpi-score.html)     [ What are the best sources of protein Introducing the BPI Score](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/294-what-are-the-best-sources-of-protein-introducing-the-bpi-score.html) Popular               603 downloads - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/250-2024-the-omniveg-study-health-outcomes-of-shifting-from-a-traditional-to-a-vegan-mediterranean-diet-in-healthy-men-a-controlled-crossover-trial.html)     [ 2024 The OMNIVEG STUDY Health outcomes of shifting from a traditional to a vegan Mediterranean diet in healthy men A controlled crossover trial](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/250-2024-the-omniveg-study-health-outcomes-of-shifting-from-a-traditional-to-a-vegan-mediterranean-diet-in-healthy-men-a-controlled-crossover-trial.html) Popular               2782 downloads - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/205-plant-based-nutrition-exploring-health-benefits-for-atherosclerosis-chronic-diseases-and-metabolic-syndrome-a-comprehensive-review.html)     [ Plant Based Nutrition Exploring Health Benefits for Atherosclerosis, Chronic Diseases, and Metabolic Syndrome—A Comprehensive Review](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/205-plant-based-nutrition-exploring-health-benefits-for-atherosclerosis-chronic-diseases-and-metabolic-syndrome-a-comprehensive-review.html) Popular               3834 downloads - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/204-2024-plant-and-animal-fat-intake-and-overall-and-cardiovascular-disease-mortality-main-folder-all-cause-mortality.html)     [ 2024 Plant and Animal Fat Intake and Overall and Cardiovascular Disease Mortality Main Folder All Cause Mortality](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/204-2024-plant-and-animal-fat-intake-and-overall-and-cardiovascular-disease-mortality-main-folder-all-cause-mortality.html) Popular               4052 downloads                                ![](https://ivu.org/media/yootheme/cache/02/adult-guide-029d8cad.png)### The International Vegetarian Union’s Vegan Nutrition Guide for Adults  In 2 versions:  - [For healthcare professionals](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutritional-guide/the-international-vegetarian-union-s-vegan-nutrition-guide-for-adults-healthcare-professionals.html) - [General Public Edition](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutritional-guide/guide-for-non-healthcare-professionals.html)    [Get it now](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutritional-guide.html)         ![](https://ivu.org/images/banners/booklet2.jpg)### Vegetarian Nutrition Booklet A Dietary Approach to Vegetarianism for Kids and Adolescents  The intention of this booklet is present to kids and adolescents a healthy vegan diet    [Read more](https://ivu.org/nutrition/vegetarian-nutrition-book-for-kids-and-adolescents.html)                 Vegan Nutrition            ![](https://ivu.org/media/yootheme/cache/a6/logo_IVU_01_SLOGAN-a678b962.png)               ### Presidents, Chair and Council  - [IVU President and Chair of the International Council](https://ivu.org/ivu-chair.html) - [IVU Honorary President](https://ivu.org/ivu-honorary-president.html) - [International Council](https://ivu.org/international-council.html)       ### Departments  - [Fund-raising](https://ivu.org/fund-raising.html) - [Global Health](https://ivu.org/global-health-department.html) - [Medicine and Nutrition](https://ivu.org/nutrition/medicine-and-nutrition.html) - [Policy Initiatives](https://ivu.org/policies-initiatives.html)     - [Articles](https://ivu.org/policies-initiatives/policies-iniciatives-articles.html)       ### Regions  - [Europe](https://ivu.org/europe-union.html) - [Latin America](https://ivu.org/latin-america.html) - [North America](https://ivu.org/north-america.html) - [Africa](https://ivu.org/africa-continent.html) - [Asia-Pacific](https://ivu.org/asia-pacific-region.html) - [Asia-South & India](https://ivu.org/asia-south-west.html) - [Asia-West & Middle East](https://ivu.org/asia-west-middle-east.html) - [Contacts](https://ivu.org/contact-ivu.html)       ### Blogs  - [Cynthia Schuck](https://ivu.org/cynthia-schuck.html) - [John Davis](https://ivu.org/john-davis.html) - [Marly Winckler](https://ivu.org/marly-winckler.html) - [Vegan Food Academy](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/blog-front-page.html) - [Login](https://ivu.org/login-2.html)

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    "@context": "https://schema.org",
    "@type": "Article",
    "mainEntityOfPage": {
        "@type": "WebPage",
        "@id": "https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu.html"
    },
    "headline": "IN THE ANCIENT MYSTERIES",
    "description": "IN THE ANCIENT MYSTERIES: : (author not given) The first object of worship by all early civilizations was the Sun, the source of life and of fecundation. India, Persia, and all the earliest nations which attained the highest degree of cultural development, the sun was the main object of adoration.",
    "publisher": {
        "@type": "Organization",
        "name": "International Vegetarian Union",
        "logo": {
            "@type": "ImageObject",
            "url": "https://ivu.org/images/logos/logo-ivu-tranparent-background.png"
        }
    },
    "author": {
        "@type": "Person",
        "name": "Alex Fernandes",
        "url": "https://ivu.org/international-council.html"
    },
    "datePublished": "2026-06-30T23:45:26+00:00",
    "dateCreated": "2026-06-25T00:14:42+00:00",
    "dateModified": "2026-10-08T00:52:43+00:00"
}
```