2007-02-08 08:26:31 · 12 answers · asked by Smart Puppy 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Chinese Buddhism emphasises a vegetarian diet. Thus, some people thought that one who practises Buddhism must be a vegetarian. People who cannot stop eating meat misunderstood that they are not ready to start to learn about Buddhism. If we look around at the Buddhists in Japan, Sri Lanka, Thailand or Tibet and Mongolia, not to mention the lay followers, we find even the monks and nuns have meat in their diet. Can you say that they are not practicing the Buddha’s teaching? They are not Buddhists?
Do not think that one must be a vegetarian in order to learn about the teaching of the Buddha and that one cannot practise Buddhism if one cannot be a vegetarian. To practice Buddhism and be a vegetarian are not the same thing. Some people who become a Buddhist, do not learn much about the teachings but only know how to be a vegetarian.
If there was a man who was a very strict vegetarian but who was selfish, dishonest and mean, and another man who was not a vegetarian but who was thoughtful of others, honest, generous and kind, which of these two people would be the better Buddhist?
2007-02-08 18:48:27 · answer #1 · answered by sista! 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
What is a real Buddhist? Some allow it and some don't. Does that mean that some Buddhists are real Buddhists and others aren't? I suppose if you wanted to be a Buddhist and eat meat, you'd have to join the particular group that "allows" this practice. To be regarded, then, as a "real Buddhist" would have to be up to you.
2007-02-08 17:36:02 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Definitely yes. There is no laws of Buddha saying that we must eat vegetables only. This misunderstanding may have barred the the Path to Buddhism of many people. Evidently, it is better for man to eat vegetables, but it is not a strict law for all believers. Fasting or diet is only a way of training among many other ways.
The most essential part of Buddhism, as well as of all other religions, is constant meditation to maintain the purity of our last breath. If it is musked with the divine love, we have obtained the best thing inside and outside the universe. If it is filthy with evil thought, that is our eternal failure. And miraculously, this purpose, although extremely difficult, is at the reach of all mankind.
2007-02-08 16:46:44 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Nope, Buddhism is very ascetic (non-extremist). You can either be a vegetarian and a Buddhist or nothing.
Edit: Sorry, I need to add this: In the Theravada and Vajrayana schools the act of eating meat is not considered wrong, in Mahayana schools they generally prefer a vegetarian diet
2007-02-08 16:29:25 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Sure, the different interpretations of the Buddha's teachings claim differently, and the original Buddha's teachings are not firm on the issue. One thing is certain, never directly kill another living being if you are striving to follow the Buddha's teachings.
Buddhism is not about excluding or looking down upon people. It is about learning about yourself and those around you, how we are all connected on so many levels. Through this knowledge one can become to not be controlled by their feelings and desires. You can still love someone, but you can not become attached to the love, for all things are constantly changing. It is the same with all desires.
2007-02-08 16:29:57 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
A real Buddhist is not only a vegetarian, he can't drink wine and can't have sex.
If you can do the last two rules, you will do the first rule.
Maybe you can do it in your next life.
2007-02-08 16:41:37 · answer #6 · answered by Henry 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Not all Buddhists are vegetarian and not all vegetarian are Buddhist.
2007-02-10 12:26:47 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually, Tibetan Buddhists do eat meat. They are forbidden to kill the animal, but if one should suffer misadventure, such as a fall, they are permitted to collect and butcher the carcase. It is similar to the reason Chinese and Japanese Buddhists are permitted to eat fish, they are not killing them, just removing them from the water.
2007-02-08 16:33:20 · answer #8 · answered by rich k 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends on which sect of buddism you are talking about. If you want to believe in Buddah and eat meat, I think you are going to be ok. Think of all the Catholics who used to not be able to eat meat on Friday - man made laws come and go with men.
2007-02-08 16:34:00 · answer #9 · answered by fancyname 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Buddha says (and I paraphrase): Believe nothing, no matter where you read it or who has said it unless it makes sense to you.
Each person has their own path to enlightenment. You must decide where yours lies.
2007-02-08 16:33:24 · answer #10 · answered by Phoenix, Wise Guru 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋