The three conditions are: first, you have not witnessed that killing for consumption. Next, you have not heard anyone killed the animal for consumption. Lastly, you do not doubt if someone killed it for consumption. People often misinterpret this as approval of meat-eating. Some even misinterpret the precious alms tradition of the monks and nuns in justifying meat-eating by saying you respectfully eat what a devoted follower has offered.
The unfortunate truth is common to all cultures and faiths, which is a lot of misinterpretation of the teaching of holy religions worldwide. Buddhism has also gone through that a lot and maybe more today following the modern race of selling and marketing. Therefore, as we move towards awareness and a more compassionate lifestyle with plant-based foods, people will reduce raising animals for their meat. Thus, the brutal and bloody killings will happen less and less. As the Buddha taught over two and a half thousand years ago, there are many benefits to following a vegetarian lifestyle — both for us and for other beings as well.
In recent years, the world has become a very unbalanced place. The human consumption of meat directly causes, no doubt, part of this imbalance. In industrialized countries, the meat industry is guilty of causing substantial environmental problems: methane gas produced by cattle contributes to global warming; acidic pig feces pollutants subterranean aquifers; over-fishing is emptying the oceans of their fish; livestock have recently even spread severe and fatal illnesses to humans!
Not only are we hurting our environment by raising meat, but we hurt ourselves when we eat it. Following their beliefs about living things, most Buddhists are opposed to:. Buddhists have respect for all forms of life, no matter how small.
This is reflected in the practices of monks:. The belief in Right Intention is very important. Buddhists believe that all practical measures should be taken to avoid harming life, in accordance with the first Precept. If these practical measures have been taken but an animal is hurt accidentally and unintentionally by human actions, then this will not have been a result of wrong intention and not a bad action of harm.
Instead it might be seen as a bad action of absent-mindedness or failure to think ahead. This means they consume dairy products but exclude eggs, poultry, fish, and meat from their diet. Nonetheless, most dishes considered Buddhist are vegetarian, despite not all traditions requiring lay followers of Buddhism to follow this diet 2. Another ethical teaching of Buddhism prohibits intoxication from alcohol given that it clouds the mind and can lead you to break other religious rules. Still, lay followers of the religion often disregard this teaching, as some traditional ceremonies incorporate alcohol.
Aside from alcohol, some Buddhists avoid consuming strong-smelling plants, specifically garlic, onion, chives, leeks, and shallots, as these vegetables are thought to increase sexual desire when eaten cooked and anger when eaten raw 3. Buddhists are expected to abstain from food from noon until the dawn of the following day as a way to practice self-control 4 , 5.
However, as with the exclusion of meat and alcohol, not all Buddhists or lay followers of the religion fast. Like other religions, Buddhism has specific dietary practices that followers may or may not practice. Some Buddhists may fast or refrain from consuming animals, alcohol, and certain vegetables.
A plant-based diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, legumes, and beans, but it may also include some animal products. This diet provides important compounds, such as antioxidants, phytochemicals, vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which have been associated with a decreased risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer 6 , 7 , 8 , 9.
Aside from these health benefits, following a plant-based or vegetarian diet may also benefit your waistline. Studies have found that Buddhist lacto-vegetarians had calorie intakes similar to those of non-vegetarian Catholics. However, they had higher intakes of folate, fiber, and vitamin A and consumed less protein and iron 3 , Consequently, they had lower levels of iron and vitamin B Low levels of these nutrients can cause anemia, a condition characterized by a lack of oxygen-carrying red blood cells 3 , 10 , Aside from iron and vitamin B12, other nutrients that vegetarians may be lacking include vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, and zinc Fasting is an important practice in Buddhism.
Buddhists generally fast from noon to dawn of the following day. Depending on your preferences and schedule, you may find fasting for approximately 18 hours every day to either be a pro or con of the Buddhist diet. Consuming your entire daily calorie intake before noon can not only be physically difficult but also interfere with your social and professional life.
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