“One positive development within modern society is the way in which, together with a growing appreciation of the importance of human rights, people are coming to have greater concern for animals. For example, there is growing recognition of the inhumanity of factory farming. It seems, too, that more and more people are taking an interest in vegetarianism and cutting down on their consumption of meat. I welcome this. My hope is that in the future, this concern will be extended to consideration for even the smallest creatures of the sea.”

  - Dalai Lama

“By eating meat we share the responsibility of climate change, the destruction of our forests, and the poisoning of our air and water. The simple act of becoming a vegetarian will make difference in the health of our planet.”

  - Thich Nhat Hanh

Buddhist teachings on consumption of meat and treatment of animals

The following words from Buddhist scriptures express concisely the Buddha’s view on using animals and also the Buddhist ideal of non-harming (ahimsa):

“All tremble at violence,
life is dear to all.
Putting oneself in the place of another
one should not kill
nor cause another to kill.” 
  ~ The Dhammapada - The Buddha’s Path of Wisdom, Chapter 10:130

“Abandoning the taking of life,
he abstains from the taking of life.
He dwells with his rod laid down,
his knife laid down,
scrupulous, merciful, compassionate
for the welfare of all living beings.
This is part of his virtue.”
  ~ Digha Nikaya - Long Discourses of the Buddha, DN2: Samanaphapa - The Fruits of the Contemplative Life

The Buddha abstained from and prohibited his monastic disciples consuming meat from certain kinds of animals, such as elephants, horses, dogs and snakes, and also from any animals killed specifically for him or his monastic disciples. While the Buddha ate meat and fish on many occasions, this must be understood in the context of the ancient India 2500 years ago, where for many people eating animals at times was necessary for survival.

Traditionally all ordained and lay Mahayana Buddhists who cultivate the great compassion are vegetarians. More recently many practitioners from all 3 main Buddhist traditions have adopted a vegetarian diet and many meditation centres in the West now serve only vegetarian food.

While for Buddhists vegetarian diet is a personal choice, the Buddhist Council of NSW supports both the ARRCC Meat-free Day and vegetarian diet where practically possible.

Weblinks

• Access to Insight: Readings in Theravada Buddhism
• VegPeace: Buddhist Vegetarianism
• Shabkar: Non-sectarian website dedicated to vegetarianism
• Society of Ethical and Religious Vegetarians (USA, Interfaith)

Meat and Religion:  Baha'i  |  Buddhism  |  Christianity  |  Hinduism  |  Islam  |  Judaism