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**Marc Spilkintin** · 01-27-2011, 01:57 AM

I have been very surprised to read that meat-eating is not prohibited necessarily in all Buddhist traditions. Is this true? I always assumed all Buddhists must be vegetarian

One aspect of Buddhism which always has impressed me is that Buddhism doesn't tell us what to do and say. Yes, there are volumes of strict rules for monks, and there are lists of qualities to assist and guide us lay people on the path. There are no Commandments.

What we eat and how we live is very much up to us, and the consequence of our actions comes back to us.

Similar to Kaarine, I was vegetarian before I was Buddhist. For me there's hardly any connection. I always decline meat or fish, even on the few occasions when it's been prepared for me. That's might not be very "Buddhist" of me, but it is being "me", that's just being who I am.

Milly, I hope these posts have given you some ideas about your eating choices. Don't stop eating meat to be a better Buddhist because that's just not the issue. It's also the more difficult way, because you might feel that you have to work at denying something for yourself.

Wait until you know, from personal conviction, that you don't want to subscribe any longer to the slaughter and cruelty, or some other reason, and make your choice. Then your action will be fully in harmony with your belief.

01-27-2011, 01:57 AM	#14
Marc Spilkintin Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 538 Senior Member	I have been very surprised to read that meat-eating is not prohibited necessarily in all Buddhist traditions. Is this true? I always assumed all Buddhists must be vegetarian One aspect of Buddhism which always has impressed me is that Buddhism doesn't tell us what to do and say. Yes, there are volumes of strict rules for monks, and there are lists of qualities to assist and guide us lay people on the path. There are no Commandments. What we eat and how we live is very much up to us, and the consequence of our actions comes back to us. Similar to Kaarine, I was vegetarian before I was Buddhist. For me there's hardly any connection. I always decline meat or fish, even on the few occasions when it's been prepared for me. That's might not be very "Buddhist" of me, but it is being "me", that's just being who I am. Milly, I hope these posts have given you some ideas about your eating choices. Don't stop eating meat to be a better Buddhist because that's just not the issue. It's also the more difficult way, because you might feel that you have to work at denying something for yourself. Wait until you know, from personal conviction, that you don't want to subscribe any longer to the slaughter and cruelty, or some other reason, and make your choice. Then your action will be fully in harmony with your belief.
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