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**PekHyvac** · 01-06-2011, 01:37 AM

Well im glad all of you also had many questions when you started as well. I was worried I was perhaps being too analytical/literal. (Though I am aware analytical thinking is a big aspect of Buddhism, which is one of the major reasons I turned towards it, as opposed to "blind faith" in other religions).

As for the aspect on vegetarianism... Does everyone agree here agree you do not have to be vegetarian to fully follow the noble eightfold path? I think this topic may have differing opinions throughout the Buddhist community from what ive seen so far.

I read somewhere the opposing arguement "bugs and other life must be killed with pesticide for plants to grow as well", but I suppose it is possible to strictly eat 100% organic naturally grown fruits/veggies, but not possible to eat meat without having the animal die.

Furthermore, Buddha mentions staying away from unwholesome work, and includes being a butcher in that description. Is that an outdated view, or still commonly accepted today?

Im also curious as to why plants arent considered equal "life" as bugs/animals? How is ripping a potato out of the ground any different than killing a cow?

01-06-2011, 01:37 AM	#23
PekHyvac Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 500 Senior Member	Well im glad all of you also had many questions when you started as well. I was worried I was perhaps being too analytical/literal. (Though I am aware analytical thinking is a big aspect of Buddhism, which is one of the major reasons I turned towards it, as opposed to "blind faith" in other religions). As for the aspect on vegetarianism... Does everyone agree here agree you do not have to be vegetarian to fully follow the noble eightfold path? I think this topic may have differing opinions throughout the Buddhist community from what ive seen so far. I read somewhere the opposing arguement "bugs and other life must be killed with pesticide for plants to grow as well", but I suppose it is possible to strictly eat 100% organic naturally grown fruits/veggies, but not possible to eat meat without having the animal die. Furthermore, Buddha mentions staying away from unwholesome work, and includes being a butcher in that description. Is that an outdated view, or still commonly accepted today? Im also curious as to why plants arent considered equal "life" as bugs/animals? How is ripping a potato out of the ground any different than killing a cow?
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