[VYholden]

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.
For monks and nuns they have to eat whatever is put in their bowl, I think that even means rotting flesh if it is put in there (not human flesh)

From my opinion I think it is part of training to as not to follow the path of liking and disliking and instead of being mindful and aware of whatever comes

They then can eat meat, unless


meat should not be eaten under three circumstances: when it is seen or heard or suspected (that a living being has been purposely slaughtered for the eater); these, Jivaka, are the three circumstances in which meat should not be eaten, Jivaka! I declare there are three circumstances in which meat can be eaten: when it is not seen or heard or suspected (that a living being has been purposely slaughtered for the eater); Jivaka, I say these are the three circumstances in which meat can be eaten. —Jivaka Sutta, MN 55
For laymen its a bit more difficult to decide. One should not strangle a chicken to feed oneself, for example, but is buying meat from a supermarket allowed?


Myself I am vegetarian but if I am offered meat by a friend or family and I know it hasn't been killed for me, I will eat it



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 Is that an outdated view, or still commonly accepted today? The intention to kill will lead to unwholesome mind states, so I would say it is still valid

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? Have never thought of this, thanks for raising it lol