Vegetarianism in Buddhism

Many Buddhists are vegetarians. Especially those who follow the Mahayana. Though Buddha wasn’t vegetarian, nor did he ever say to be a vegetarian, many Buddhist traditions advocate to do so. Mostly because eating meat is kinda like breaking the First Precept (Abstain from killing/taking life). Though you may not be directly killing the animal, you’re still indirectly contributed to it.

“But the animal is already dead, so how did you contribute to it?” is a question that comes up often. Think of it as a “supply and demand” approach. Yes the animal is already dead, but if you didn’t contribute to buying it, then there’s one less animal that needs to be sold. The less you buy, the less the supply for more meat will be needed, which means less killing of animals.

Lunches or dinner at almost every Mahayana temple will always be vegetarian. I like to call myself a “Buddhist vegetarian.” The Buddha always said to accept what is offered to you. So I’m vegetarian when it comes to me supplying myself with food and whatever, however, if meat if offered to me, served to me, or bought for me then I’ll accept it. So if I went over to a family’s or friend’s house and they were serving BBQ or something, then I’d have to accept their generosity. When going out to dinner and if someone else was buying, I still always try to get a veggie dish, however, sometimes there’s absolutely nothing besides a side salad, so I’m almost “forced” to order something with as little meat as possible. I know that somewhat contradicts what I said above about “supply and demand,” but hey… I’m not perfect!

Smile and be well!