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48 EASTERN HORIZON | FACE TO FACE

Some monastics defend meat eating by saying that
traditionally they are supposed to eat from their alms
bowl whatever lay people offer them. This is not quite
true because in the Mahāyāna scriptures, it is clearly
stated that one should avoid eating meat. I know it
is difficult to be perfect, but it’s better to admit our
incompetence by confessing and dedicating some
prayers on behalf of those animals.

But didn’t the Buddha told his monks that as long
as the meat offered is not seen, heard or suspected,
they can consume it?

The Buddha gave these three criteria to discourage meat
eating. At the same time, he encouraged his disciples
to give up eating meat by explaining to them they will
be reborn as wise and wealthy Brahmans (virtuous
people) after their death. These three criteria should be
understood as skillful methods. The Buddha explained:
“I use skillful means to encourage a gradual transition
to virtuous action. Therefore, I provided these three
criteria on eating meat. For those extremely attached to
Further in the discourse, the following is mentioned: meat eating, I allow if the meat is from animals that died
“Meat-eating is the diet that vanquishes a person in the a natural death. However, in the truest sense, I forbid all
three realms (desire, form and formless realms). It is the meat eating.”
weapon that destroys the potential for liberation. It is
So eating meat and practicing compassion is not
the fire that burns the seed of Buddhahood. It destroys
compatible?
birth in the heavenly realms as well as the human
realm. Hence, those who are committed to practice the
Dharma, particularly those who have taken Bodhisattva Yes. On one occasion, Bodhisattva Kasyapa asked the
vows, should not eat meat as this is tantamount to Buddha, “Lord, why do you not approve eating of meat?”
eating the flesh of fellow beings, who could have been Buddha replied, “Blessed son, eating meat hinders
our parents, children, and friends in past lives.” the development of compassion; therefore, whoever
is mindful of me should not eat meat from now on.”
How do you explain the argument that when we buy Kasyapa asked the Buddha again, “Lord, as monastics
meat from the supermarket, we did not directly kill are dependent on other people for their food, what
the animal? should they do when they are offered meat as part of
the alms food?” Buddha then told Kasyapa, “Separate
As a Buddhist, one must remember that the key the meat from the other food offered, wash your alms
principle in taking refuge in the Triple Gem is to abstain bowl, and then eat what is not meat. If the food has too
from causing harm to sentient beings. Unfortunately, much meat, one should not accept it.”
people defend meat eating by saying that they did not
directly kill the animals. Well, slaughterhouses depend Buddha then went on, saying, “Blessed son, those who
on customers who buy the meat from animals that the have the mindfulness of the Shravakas should never eat
butchers killed. Thus, we are also responsible for the the flesh of any sentient being from now on. An adept
death of the animal if we eat meat. enjoys vegetarian food in the appropriate quantity