Should Buddhists be vegetarians?
Must Buddhists be vegetarian ? This is a constant debate among the Buddhists schools. In fact, many modern Buddhists do not know the reason or rational behind this 'rule'. So, what did the Buddha say ?
The Buddha teaches that a person is considered pure & virtuous by his thoughts, speech & actions, and not whether he eats meat or not. A person may be a strict vegetarian (Hitler is a very good example) but still commit heinous crimes. A person may eat meat, but he can still practise the Dhamma diligently.
In the Jivaka Sutta, the Buddha taught that there are three cases in which meat may not be eaten by a monk : Having (1) seen (2) heard, or (3) suspected that the meat has been especially acquired for him by killing an animal (i.e. the animal has been killed specifically for the monk). This rule is called the Rule of Tikotiparisuddha (Pure in Three Ways).
However, the meat of the following ten beings is forbidden to be eaten by the monks : human, elephant, horse, dog, snake, lion, tiger, leopard, bear, and wolf. (Vinaya, Mahavagga, Book 4)
In one of the Sutta, Devadatta, one of the Buddha's disciples, tried to create a schism in the Sangha by suggesting that the Buddha make vegetarianism compulsory, but the Buddha rejected the idea. Why ? Because the Buddha understood that not all landscape can support the growth of vegetables to support the population. When living in places such as mountains and deserts, one has no choice but to eat meat due to the scarcity of vegetables.
According to the Pali Nikaya, the Buddha did not forbid the eating of meat for neither monks nor lay-followers. The Buddha and his Sangha ate meat when they went on alms, and monks are allowed to accept "what has been put in their alms bowl".
The Buddha teaches that a person is considered pure & virtuous by his thoughts, speech & actions, and not whether he eats meat or not. A person may be a strict vegetarian (Hitler is a very good example) but still commit heinous crimes. A person may eat meat, but he can still practise the Dhamma diligently.
In the Jivaka Sutta, the Buddha taught that there are three cases in which meat may not be eaten by a monk : Having (1) seen (2) heard, or (3) suspected that the meat has been especially acquired for him by killing an animal (i.e. the animal has been killed specifically for the monk). This rule is called the Rule of Tikotiparisuddha (Pure in Three Ways).
However, the meat of the following ten beings is forbidden to be eaten by the monks : human, elephant, horse, dog, snake, lion, tiger, leopard, bear, and wolf. (Vinaya, Mahavagga, Book 4)
In one of the Sutta, Devadatta, one of the Buddha's disciples, tried to create a schism in the Sangha by suggesting that the Buddha make vegetarianism compulsory, but the Buddha rejected the idea. Why ? Because the Buddha understood that not all landscape can support the growth of vegetables to support the population. When living in places such as mountains and deserts, one has no choice but to eat meat due to the scarcity of vegetables.
According to the Pali Nikaya, the Buddha did not forbid the eating of meat for neither monks nor lay-followers. The Buddha and his Sangha ate meat when they went on alms, and monks are allowed to accept "what has been put in their alms bowl".
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Laura on -
It is my opinion, as deluded as it may be, that if you are able to, by means of environment, finances, health, etc., to eat a vegetarian diet that you should make an effort to do so because it is nonviolent. It took me many years to finally be able to give up meat and many tries, but finally I was able to make the connection between the meat on my plate and the suffering and sacrifice of the animal that died. Living in cattle country, I got the opportunity to get up close and personal with the animals that were being killed for my dinner. Having the means and the ability to eat a vegetarian diet, there was no reason for me to eat meat other than the selfish reason that I liked the way it tasted and the habit of doing so for my entire life. Now, I have found that when I do try to eat meat it makes me sick, so I just don't anymore. That is my experience. I know that others may not be able to do the same, but I would hope that they would try to respect and understand the sacrifice that has been made by the animal that died for them. They are sentient beings too. Again, this is just my opinion. What is yours?
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Permalink Reply by kevin on -
I have been practicing Buddhism since 2005 ;(newbe) starting in 2006 I became a Vegetarian in attempt to be more compassionate towards all beings. I did feel much better as a result and even began to look at all beings in a different way, I then began to have health issues, digestive problems , acid reflex , severe stomach pains ect. To make a long story short after a year and a half of suffering and finally talking to a Homoeopathic doctor and others I discovered I had food intolerance to all forms of soy, Chick peas and beans (toxicity to my body). After stopping eating these and going back to eating chicken and fish I have began to recover from my illnesses. This was very tough for me at first because I felt I could not be the same compassionate person and it took time mentally to adjust....however I believe it is true that being a vegitararin does not make for a kind, compassionate heart as I have experience form others that are Vegetarian. So in my opinion if you can be vegetarian and maintain proper health you should, however eating meat mindfully should not discourage anybody from practicing Buddhism Deeply and without Guilt. I wish I had more time to explain and discuss.....Just work towards acts of Kindness and compassion.
Peace,
Kevin
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Permalink Reply by Laura on
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It sounds as though you suffered much in trying to be vegetarian and I am sorry, but that is exactly what I was saying. If you can not, then at least be aware and do not eat mindlessly. I am not sure if this is true, but someone told me once that even His Holiness has some sort of problem and has to eat meat several times a week. My point is, if the only reason you are eating meat is because of habit or because you have attachment to it then I think you should make an effort to be vegetarian and it sounds like you made a sincere effort. I still cook meat for my husband who is not vegetarian, which is kind of strange I guess (I do mantras over the meat while I prepare it for him). Anyway, my intent was not to lay a guilt trip on anyone just to maybe make them aware. I know it was kind of a scary thing for me. I grew up in the deep south in the US and everything we ate was deep fried, smothered, or bar-b-qued. I did not know how to cook vegetarian. I still struggle with trying to find new things to make and end up eating a lot of salads most of the time. I have found a few web sites for veggie cooking and some cook books, but it was like learning a whole new language. I did not know what tofu or seitan was much less what to do with it. I know my son would love it if I could learn a little faster....lol. Anyway, is there anyone else that has struggled with vegetarianism?
kevin said:I have been practicing Buddhism since 2005 ;(newbe) starting in 2006 I became a Vegetarian in attempt to be more compassionate towards all beings. I did feel much better as a result and even began to look at all beings in a different way, I then began to have health issues, digestive problems , acid reflex , severe stomach pains ect. To make a long story short after a year and a half of suffering and finally talking to a Homoeopathic doctor and others I discovered I had food intolerance to all forms of soy, Chick peas and beans (toxicity to my body). After stopping eating these and going back to eating chicken and fish I have began to recover from my illnesses. This was very tough for me at first because I felt I could not be the same compassionate person and it took time mentally to adjust....however I believe it is true that being a vegitararin does not make for a kind, compassionate heart as I have experience form others that are Vegetarian. So in my opinion if you can be vegetarian and maintain proper health you should, however eating meat mindfully should not discourage anybody from practicing Buddhism Deeply and without Guilt. I wish I had more time to explain and discuss.....Just work towards acts of Kindness and compassion.
Peace,
Kevin
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Permalink Reply by Tseten Badheytsang on -
Prior to becoming a vegetarian, I very much like to eat meat, especially a meat of Tibetan Yaks and sheep, but later on I became mindful too, so I learned to recite mantras " Om-avey-rakhey-tsara-hoong" seven times and blow it on the meat and than I say prayers for that animal's higher rebirths, and also dedicate all the physical positive deeds, which is derived from the protein of that very meat. However, during the 2002 Kalchakra initiation by HHDL in Bodh Gaya, I was very much moved to learn about the suffering of horses in the slaughter houses in Poland, how much they are feared and sad with such cruel acts by their own masters, Khenpo Jigmey phuntsok's detailed descriptions on suffering animals was also the factor, which prompted me to stop eating meat, and than I gave a serious thought on becoming vegetarian, I went near the Bodhi tree, where Buddha Shakyamuni achieved Buddhahood, at that sacred place I made up my mind to stop eating meat and dedicated my merit of abandoning meat for the Long live of HHDL and for all our grateful Buddhist masters, with such motivation I felt so happy to become a vegetarian, but still sometimes in the dream I was eating chicken tandoori and momos and I feel guilty of breaking my vows at that very moment, and when later on I realize that it was just a dream and than again I feel at ease and happiness. At present I feel much healthier, my stomach feels much lighter without any troubles and pains. Well...anyways, I think it would be good if one can stop, if not lessen it and if not be always mindful while eating meat, recite mantras, blow it on the meat and say prayers, such acts will truly make huge differences in between humans eating meat and animals eating meat!
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Permalink Reply by Rajagopal on -
Eating Meat encourages Killing animals are birds or fish for business. So it is a way promoting killing business.
One must see the poultry farmsm meat farms and the pig farms to know how the animals are treated.
Any amount of reasoning will not absolve one from being a cause for the sufferings of the voiceless creatures.
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Permalink Reply by William McILwain on
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Please correct me if i'm wrong but I think the Buddha taught that we should not take any pleasure in the suffering of others [animals included] the sensual pleasures one gets from eating meat would in my mind be included in this. I can only wholeheartedly agree with Laura that if we are in the position geographically or physically, then we should refrain from eating meat. I became a vegetarian before I took the Buddhist path and I felt more than comfortable that Buddhism supported my belief that eating meat was supporting the suffering of other sentient beings, but I do not deride people for eating meat that is their choice and their paths MUST be respected, we are judged by our actions and intolerence to others is rightly judged accordingly. The mere fact that people reflect on the sacrifice an animal has made in order for someone to be fed is I believe Karmically good for the animal and the person recieving the food. Bill
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Permalink Reply by Michael John Smith on -
I just want to say how happy I feel after reading these postings. I have been on other forums where vegetarianism was debated in such a way that it was obvious people were getting upset and upsetting each other. In our discussion here all have clearly understood the compassionate nature of the Buddha, Buddhism and ourselves. I have only recently become vegetarian and my wife and I are learning what that means, as her cooking must now include vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian. I just want to repeat that I am very happy and I want every being on this planet to be happy and have the causes of happiness. Let there be an end to hunger whether it be that of people or animals or even ghosts.
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Permalink Reply by Tsering Samdup on -
In Lankavatara sutra, Lord Buddha forbids eating meat for those who follow him. The reasons are quite clear. And also, it is scientifically proved that vegetarianism is good for health. But there is a debate to define vegetarian and non vegetarian. And its demarcation.
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Permalink Reply by Roan Carratu on -
Eat what is available. Be fully aware while you eat what is available. Think nothing about it.
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Permalink Reply by MONKA BLANKE on -
I grew up vegetarian, I started eating meat when I was 17, after I had a lack of vitamin B. I still do eat very little
amount of meat, no porc, and I try to be fully aware of what I consume....I think there's nothing wrong with
eating a little meat from time to time. Even his holiness eats meat sometimes.
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Permalink Reply by Glyn Davies on -
In what way does being vegetarian prevent the killing of sentient beings? How many beings die to bring you a slice of bread or a bowl of rice? This is samsara, suffering is inherent in food of all sorts. Don't feel comfortable in eating vegetables samsara cannot be made to be 'nice'.
Laura said:It is my opinion, as deluded as it may be, that if you are able to, by means of environment, finances, health, etc., to eat a vegetarian diet that you should make an effort to do so because it is nonviolent. It took me many years to finally be able to give up meat and many tries, but finally I was able to make the connection between the meat on my plate and the suffering and sacrifice of the animal that died. Living in cattle country, I got the opportunity to get up close and personal with the animals that were being killed for my dinner. Having the means and the ability to eat a vegetarian diet, there was no reason for me to eat meat other than the selfish reason that I liked the way it tasted and the habit of doing so for my entire life. Now, I have found that when I do try to eat meat it makes me sick, so I just don't anymore. That is my experience. I know that others may not be able to do the same, but I would hope that they would try to respect and understand the sacrifice that has been made by the animal that died for them. They are sentient beings too. Again, this is just my opinion. What is yours?
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Permalink Reply by FRANCOISE-Tenzin Dakar on -
I believe we have just to take what we really need .I don't eat meat for about 30 years and if before I ate fish from time to time now I don't feel that I need it so no fish anymore too ..And I am very healthy, I don't kill even the little ham how can I accept an animal to be killed for my food ...exept if my body needed it for survivance then I will eat meat with all the respect and thankfullness that I have to give to the animal who gave me his life....... but I hope I will never need it
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