Does consciousness require action

[exhale]

In the video "How to control your anger: part 2" Leo talks about expanding your consciousness through considering the perspective of others, particularly those that make you angry.  My perspective is that he suggests that once you become conscious of the alternate perspective, this remedies the conflict; meaning, you no longer can be angry.  Which I believe makes a lot of sense, both theoretically and practically.   

Similarly, the same principle is explored in "What is the Devil? where Leo talks about expanding your consciousness through considering the perspective of others, particularly those that are "harmed" by your unintentional actions.  If you recall, he uses the example of human exploitation to manufacture cell phones.  I believe this also makes a lot of sense theoretically.  But how can this be applied practically?

If 'one' becomes conscious of the atrocious conditions humans are subjected to in the manufacturing industry in second and third-world countries for electronics or clothing, and the 'one' continues to purchase and use these products, is that person truly conscious?  Have they truly placed themselves in the shoes of the alternate perspective?  Is an action required?

Another example: Leo also discusses the deplorable lives of animals that are raised in factory farming for human consumption.  I believe most people can place themselves in those shoes,  and have compassion and empathy for those individuals.  I will rephrase the question with the appropriate context: Is 'one' truly conscious of the alternate perspective (the animal) if they continue to purchase and consume the products?  

I realize that this is tricky ground as I am trying to be conscious of not moralizing.  I am not saying one should or shouldn't consume these products due to the negative conditions.  I am asking, can you be fully conscious of the alternate perspective if you are not making changes in your life to reduce or prevent the harm to the individual with the alternate perspective?

[Nahm]

@exhale It’s all relative to each person’s perspective from their current awareness. There are paradigms, and full circles in the experience of raising awareness. They arise in every category and are easily seen with food. 

[Jamie Universe]

As I see it, you have a reason for not making those changes in your life. 

You continue to harm those individuals for some reason. Yes you may feel more empathetic towards them, you may be more open to their perspective. But their are billions of animals on this planet, for which you wouldn't want to put your entire life into that. Its not your priority. 

Because I mean, one could ask. If Leo is so enlightened and is everything, then why isn't he out there trying to find a way to save the whales? That's probably because he has a reason not to

 

As for gaining more consciousness. I'm not a hundred percent sure... but I would define consciousness as some kind of knowing. And if you know about the animals alternate perspective, and you know the reasons for not necessarily preventing the harm done to this individual. Then your more conscious as I see it. 

 

Also I'm a vegetarian, I started when I was pretty young. And though I'm not that strict/picky with what I eat. I haven't faltered since I've started, and my reason, as it continues today, is that I love these animals to much to let them be eaten. And that wasn't based off any first-hand experience (at least that I can remember). 

 

If your trying to become more conscious, then just ask questions, contemplate. Become more open-minded, consider that there could always be something more that your missing.