What I Learned About Being a Vegetation and Buddhism

I enjoy reading the advice columns from time to time while I enjoy my coffee in the morning. And every now and them I come across an article where a vegetarian faces some conflict where the host serves a meat based dish. This situation can, and often does, lead to some from of disagreement between the family, host, and guest.

I will tell you my experiences for your consideration. 

For many years I have been vegetarian, borderline vegan, as well as a devout Buddhist. This never posed a problem for me even eating out at a steakhouse with friends, after all there are typically fries, blooming onions, and such on the menu. As a Buddhist I am very aware of the suffering this animal went through as it was being slaughtered. 

However, where I would often encounter my dilemma would be when we would be invited to another persons home and I would be offered a meat based dish. Deep down I know our host went through a lot of effort in preparation and presentation and to see disappointment in their eyes when I would inform them of my vegetarianism was saddening. On these occasions the host would graciously prepare something else so that I too could partake, but the mood was not the same.

Even through all of my experiences witnessing monks eating meat I had a hard time reconciling what to do. Also drawing upon my experiences I know that monks are not allowed to refuse any offering given by laity, including meat based dishes. In fact, Buddha ate meat. Even with his infinite compassion there is a reason for this action.

The Buddha understood this and established rules for monks when it comes time to eating meat. First, the animal was not to be slaughtered especially for them. Second, there are several animal species that may not be eaten like elephants, dogs, lions,...

People want to give and they give what they can. People give because thy know that generosity is it's own reward. People give to the monks out of respect for their path. Monks give up the homelife in order to better the world through meditation and dharma teachings. People give to generate positive karma and earn merit for a better next life. If a monk were to refuse an offering this action would promote suffering for both the giver and recipient. 

This was made so very obvious to me during my last visit to Cambodia. We travelled to many peoples homes, wealthy and poor alike, and each time we were offered meat based dishes. To turn away their generosity would hurt their feelings, which is suffering. Promoting suffering is not nurturing compassion and empathy towards others and is the opposite of the meaning of Buddhism.

So where do I stand now? What are my views towards being a vegetarian?

All of the Buddhas teachings are promoting the 'middle way'. Not living in either extreme of indulgence or deprivation. 

As such, at home or when I go out to a restaurant I do not order meat based dishes. However when I am invited into another's home I do not refuse what is being offered. In doing so, I promote good feelings with the host and those around me which helps ease suffering in the world.

And easing suffering is a step towards liberation.

Sathu. Sathu. Sathu.

 

Educate Your Mind With The Dharma.

 

**********************************************************************************************

Vladimir warmly and skillfully passes on the Buddhas Dharma to a world in need of loving-kindness, compassion, and empathy for the benefit of all living beings.

 

To learn more about us and for free mindfulness and mediation resources you are warmly invited to visit: www.bluelotusmeditation.us

 

Looking for a way to help guide others? Become a Blue Lotus Aspirant here: https://bluelotusmeditation.us/continue-your-journey

 

US Tax deductible donations may be offered here: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=88BRNH3K7Y7FQ

 

Blue Lotus Meditation and Mindfulness Center is a 501(c)(3) Buddhist society.

The Benefits of Incorporating the Buddhist Five Precepts Into Your Life

Our world is troubled and as a result you probably live a troubled life as well. Not necessarily troubled as in entirely anxiety ridden to the point of not leaving your home, although this may be your situation. But more so troubled in the sense that you find fault in many situations, especially ones you have nothing to do with or you live with a sense of general unease. Or perhaps you're simply looking for more meaning in your life and want ot live it more wholesomely.

You most certainly wouldn't be alone in that sense.

The Five Precepts in Buddhism are foundational ethical guidelines that promote personal well-being, harmony with others, and a more peaceful society. While rooted in spiritual tradition, they are remarkably practical, offering clear benefits for anyone, regardless of religious affiliation, seeking a more mindful, ethical, and balanced life.

In doing so, incorporating the Five Precepts isn’t about perfection, it’s about intention and growth. Even small steps toward these ethical ideals can create a ripple effect: more emotional balance, stronger relationships, and a more compassionate presence in the world. You don’t have to be Buddhist to benefit; you only need a desire to live with more integrity and awareness.

1. Refrain from Killing

The first precept encourages respect for all forms of life. On a personal level, it nurtures compassion and reduces aggression. When you consciously avoid harming others, even insects or animals, you begin to cultivate empathy and patience. Over time, this promotes inner peace and fosters healthier relationships, since a nonviolent mindset tends to radiate calm and care toward people as well.

• What to do: Practice kindness toward all living beings, including insects, pets, and strangers.
• How it looks daily: Gently escort a spider out instead of squashing it. Choose plant-based meals more often. Support causes that protect life (like environmental or animal welfare efforts).
• Inner impact: Fosters empathy and a deeper sense of interconnectedness.

2. Refrain from Stealing

This precept goes beyond just avoiding theft. It teaches contentment and integrity. By not taking what isn't freely given, you develop a sense of trustworthiness and gratitude. In practice, this could mean resisting the urge to exploit others’ time, ideas, or emotional labor. As a result, your relationships become more genuine and grounded in mutual respect.

• What to do: Be mindful of taking what hasn’t been freely offered, including time, attention, or resources.
• How it looks daily: Don’t take office supplies for personal use. Show up on time for meetings. Acknowledge when someone shares emotional labor or ideas.
• Inner impact: Strengthens trust and self-respect through honest, ethical behavior.

3. Refrain from Sexual Misconduct

Often misunderstood narrowly, this precept promotes respect and responsibility in all forms of intimacy. It encourages honesty and consideration in how we engage with others romantically or sexually. When practiced sincerely, it fosters trust, reduces conflict, and supports long-term emotional and relational stability.

• What to do: Approach all relationships with honesty, consent, and mutual care.
• How it looks daily: Communicate clearly with partners. Avoid flirting with someone in a committed relationship. Reflect before acting on impulse.
• Inner impact: Reduces emotional chaos and cultivates stable, trusting connections.

4. Refrain from False Speech

This precept is about truthfulness and mindful communication. Speaking honestly—and with kindness,  builds credibility and prevents misunderstandings. When you stop exaggerating, gossiping, or speaking out of anger, conversations become more meaningful and relationships grow deeper. It also leads to a clearer mind, unburdened by the stress of maintaining falsehoods.

• What to do: Speak truthfully, kindly, and with purpose.
• How it looks daily: Pause before speaking to ask: Is it true? Is it necessary? Is it kind? Avoid gossip at work. Own up to mistakes instead of deflecting.
• Inner impact: Builds integrity, deepens relationships, and quiets inner conflict.

5. Refrain from Intoxicants

This precept advocates for clarity of mind. It doesn’t necessarily require complete abstinence but invites you to reflect on how intoxicants (including alcohol, drugs, or even media overconsumption) affect your awareness and decisions. With a clearer mind, you’re better able to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively, leading to better choices and improved mental health.

• What to do: Be conscious of anything that clouds your mind, alcohol, drugs, even digital distractions.
• How it looks daily: Set intentional limits on screen time. Notice your motivation before having a drink, celebration or escape? Try a few sober days each week.
• Inner impact: Increases mental clarity, emotional stability, and self-control.

After living with these precepts for some time you being to see people and the world differently. But more importantly, you see begin to see yourself in a condition of unfolding. And after more time elapses you begin to see yourself blossoming. Others see this too and as such perhaps some of these benevolent qualities begin to unfold in them as well. 

Sathu. Sathu. Sathu.

 

Educate Your Mind With The Dharma.

 

**********************************************************************************************

Vladimir warmly and skillfully passes on the Buddhas Dharma to a world in need of loving-kindness, compassion, and empathy for the benefit of all living beings.

 

To learn more about us and for free mindfulness and mediation resources you are warmly invited to visit: www.bluelotusmeditation.us

 

Looking for a way to help guide others? Become a Blue Lotus Aspirant here: https://bluelotusmeditation.us/continue-your-journey

 

US Tax deductible donations may be offered here: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=88BRNH3K7Y7FQ

 

Blue Lotus Meditation and Mindfulness Center is a 501(c)(3) Buddhist society.

Buddhism and the Art of Patience

How often do you find yourself wanting to get to your destination in a rush. Or maybe you can’t wait to get out of a Friday afternoon meeting. Or you can smell delicious food almost done emanating from the oven.

Whatever the situation is where you find yourself being ‘impatient’ know that it’s root cause is the craving for a different sensual experience. Sensual here meaning pertaining to sensory responses.

In Buddhism is a foundational quality on the path to enlightenment. Known as kṣānti in Sanskrit, patience is one of the six perfections (pāramitās) that a practitioner must cultivate. More than the ability to wait calmly; it's the mindset to endure suffering, adversity, and even injustice without anger or resentment. Patience is a powerful tool for transforming how we relate to the world, helping us respond to challenges with wisdom rather than impulse.

The Buddha in his First Noble Truth reveals that suffering is an inherent part of life. From this understanding comes a deep encouragement to meet difficulties with a calm and open heart. The Dhammapada, the foundational text of Buddhism, teaches us: “Enduring patience is the highest austerity.” This doesn’t suggest passive resignation, but rather an active, mindful acceptance that allows us to pause and reflect before reacting. Through patience, one cultivates the clarity to see things as they are, unclouded by anger or frustration.

Meditation plays a key role in developing patience. Sitting with one’s thoughts, discomfort, or restlessness without judgment builds resilience. Each moment we choose not to flee from discomfort, we strengthen our capacity for patience. As practitioners encounter distractions or bodily discomfort during meditation, the invitation is to observe without reacting. Over time, this practice extends beyond the cushion, into conversations, traffic jams, and life’s bigger upheavals.

Ultimately, Buddhism teaches that patience is an expression of compassion, for us and others. It allows space for healing, growth, and deeper understanding. When we are patient, we’re not suppressing emotions but creating room for skillful responses. It’s a slow but transformative path, one that nurtures inner peace and supports harmonious relationships. 

In a world that prizes speed and instant gratification, Buddhist patience is a necessity for cultivating wisdom.

Sathu. Sathu. Sathu.

 

Educate Your Mind With The Dharma.

 

**********************************************************************************************

Vladimir warmly and skillfully passes on the Buddhas Dharma to a world in need of loving-kindness, compassion, and empathy for the benefit of all living beings.

 

To learn more about us and for free mindfulness and mediation resources you are warmly invited to visit: www.bluelotusmeditation.us

 

Looking for a way to help guide others? Become a Blue Lotus Aspirant here: https://bluelotusmeditation.us/continue-your-journey

 

US Tax deductible donations may be offered here: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=88BRNH3K7Y7FQ

 

Blue Lotus Meditation and Mindfulness Center is a 501(c)(3) Buddhist society.

Exploring Mindfulness For Teens

Being a teen in this day and age is much different than when your parents were your age. I'm sure you've heard this before. This same sentiment was certainly felt when your grandparents talked to your parents as well about most of the same concerns. If you choose to have children, these same feelings and sentiments will be expressed to them. It's a normal cycle from parent to child. 

But for now, let's explore mindfulness today and how it will benefit your current as well as your future wellbeing. Your thoughts and concerns about so many changes and new experiences may all seem overwhelming. So as you read this know that this time, right now is all about you, your relationship with your parents, teachers, friends, the future, and the most important relationship you’ll ever have: with yourself.

So many aspects of your life are at a point where they may feel like they just want to burst out. This is normal. Our bodies experience many different sensations that are a result of our brains releasing different hormones into our system. This may, at times even manifest itself in an uncomfortable physical sensation. 

Sometimes, depending on the intensity of the sensation our mind may construct some type of story which oftentimes isn't true. We may feel overly sensitive to some from of rejection when there was no intended malice. Before we respond, we need to mindfully examine the situation for what is is and not what we 'think' it is. 

So when we experience these uncomfortable sensations it is important to recognize these conditions in the moment so we may bring mindful awareness to them. Remember, being mindful is also being non-judgmental towards having those feelings.

As a teen I'm sure you have many different types of relationships, but how do you walk a wholesome path with your relationships? 

How do your peers feel? Your peers have the exact questions as you and are experiencing the same feelings of uncertainty you are, although they may express it differently.

Some common questions you may have are:

    - Do my friends like me? Sure, they're your friends!

    - What will I do after high school? Does it truly matter? I promise you it doesn't but what does matter is how kind you are. That's what people will remember.

    - Are you the class clown? This 'hey, look at me' suggests that one is desiring affirmation or some form of positive reinforcement from a bad behavior. A sarcastic remark perhaps?

    - Social media presence. Keep it 'G - Rated'. There was an old saying during World War II that went 'loose lips, sink ships'. You don't want that sinking ship to be yours next week, next year, or five-years from know. Besides, you shouldn't be doing hurtful things anyway, right?

    - Parents. Yes, they love you and yes, they're proud of you. Sometimes parents get mad at you because of 'their' expectations for you. It's an extension of their world view that doesn't necessarily align with yours. Be cool about it and simply bring awareness to the fact that they don't want to see you hurt.

    -Teachers. This is a hard job, no question about it. Imagine you coming into work each day and seeing probably over 100 different people each with their own unique personality and needs going through life changes. Not to mention teachers are people too that are also dealing with sometimes stressful life events. Be empathetic and compassion towards them. 'After' you graduate recall a few of the good ones and friend them on Facebook (old people don't use Snapchat) and keep in contact with them. Knowing they made a positive difference in a students life is truly why they're in the profession.

    - Yourself. You will always have you. The face in the mirror will change as you get older but your essences will always be 'you'. Long after your body has ceased to exist, your conscience will always be there. Do good and engage in kind actions in this life so that you have a better future in this life and the next.

As you begin to experience more situations it’s important to start now to develop the necessary skills to mindfully address not only adversity and disappointment but overwhelming joy and good times as well. Both circumstances can lead to additional suffering if not viewed appropriately.

How can too much joy cause suffering?

When either side of our emotional state is out of balance suffering occurs but when we are too overjoyed for too log we develop an emboldened ego. This leads to feelings of superiority which may lead to risk taking behavior.

You will make mistakes along the way, we all do, including adults, and the mistakes we make aren’t the problem. It’s living in them long after they have occurred. Learning to let go of guilt and shame are liberating and allow you to experience life in a more wholesome way. Learning to let go also holds true to those who may have hurt you.

So how can you, as a teen, begin mindfulness practice?

Meditation is certainly involved in the process but even before you begin this truly search your feelings before you speak or engage in an action. Ask yourself, is it wholesome?

Be certain to help others. Look at service activities at your school (homeless, food pantry, relief funds). Being of service to others develops empathy and compassion and lets go of greed and callousness.

Do your best to try and not wish away your life. Statements like 'I can’t wait until I get my drivers license, or go off to college' take you out of the present moment. Being mindful is about being in the present moment, not the future nor the past.

Apologize first, no matter what the offense. This offers grace and compassion to both of you.

Use kind speech and don’t be sarcastic. The humor wears out quickly and is unappealing even when people laugh.

And last but not least, join our teen sangha - it’s free Wednesdays at 3:30 PM CST. It's important to have a mindful community to help you along.

Wishing you continued peace and wellbeing,

 

Vladimir

 

You are warmly invited to follow on us on Facebook and Instagram at @bluelotuscenter for more ways to improve your mindfulness practice and wellbeing.

Blue Lotus Meditation and Mindfulness Center is a registered 501(c)(3) religious organization.

Website and monthly newsletter: www.bluelotusmeditation.us

For guided meditations and Dharma talks, please visit and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

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Mindfulness As A Family Practice

Mindfulness and meditation isn't a way of life that's about solitude or sequestering ourselves from others. In fact, it's very much the opposite. When we look at the purpose of mindfulness and meditation we see that it’s focus is on connections and the easing of suffering. Not only our suffering but others as well.

This inherent nature makes a mindfulness and meditation practice ideal for the family that will help strengthen this vital relationship.

Let's explore ways to include the family.

As is often the situation whenever there's a new aspect involving family it’s not uncommon that we find some resistance. This resistance is often true with teens but may present itself in anyone. As a mindful behavior we don’t force or shame anyone to try these practices.

Be the roll model. It's important to let others witness first hand the benefits that come from a mindfulness practice. But as a reminder, these benefits don't appear over night so be patent.

Here are some wonderful and readily available home examples:

• Let family members visible see you practice mindfulness
• Mindful walking
• Outside and in the home
• Journaling
• Cooking
• Eating
• Cleaning
• Driving
• Shopping
• Talking
• Laundry
• Even meditation

As you mindfully engage these activities invite someone to try any one of the above (or more) mindful actions. For the resistant family member you can even ask them mindful questions nonchalantly.

For example, if you're cutting a carrot for a salad ask them ‘where do you think this carrot came from’? Prompting them to go from the store all the way back to the farm.

Follow up by asking ‘how do you think the body will react to receiving the nourishment from the carrot’?

Continue by asking ask them to cut the carrot, if they’re old enough, and have them describe how it feels to slice it. Is it easy or hard? Is the fragrance pleasing? What about the texture and color?

Like all new ‘habits’ mindfulness may take some time to nurture and to come into its own, and that's OK. Our bad habits are the result of the constant bombardment of our worlds distractions and negativity and wont dissolve in a matter of weeks even. Give it time. Be patient. 

As you slowly progress feel confident in knowing that your family is growing and unfolding from one that was distracted to one that is blossoming.

And as a reminder to you below are only some of the positive outcomes of your families new journey.

Benefits of a family mindfulness practice:

• A more nurturing family relationship
• No yelling or arguing
• Trusting
• Quality time instead of ‘busy’ time.
• Stronger outside relationships too
• Accepting of others
• Empathetic of others
• Compassionate towards others
• Improved grades for school age children

Wishing you continued peace and wellbeing,

 

Vladimir

 

You are warmly invited to follow on us on Facebook and Instagram at @bluelotuscenter for more ways to improve your mindfulness practice and wellbeing.

Blue Lotus Meditation and Mindfulness Center is a registered 501(c)(3) religious organization.

Website and monthly newsletter: www.bluelotusmeditation.us

For guided meditations and Dharma talks, please visit and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

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Opening Your Heart To Understanding Others

Life is like a box of chocolates…full of wonderful surprises, but sometimes we bite into something we may not like. And what you may not like someone else may find joy in. Likes and dislikes are as varied as flowers on the planet.

With this myriad diversity of tastes is where we open our hearts so that we may better understand why someone may have a particular interests or behave in the way they did. We listen with mindful awareness.

Regardless of whether we like what we’ve bitten into, we have learned a valuable lesson. And with the right perspective this too is a positive.

What does it mean to open to others?

Opening to someone else's perspective shows you value them as a living being. It's not necessary that you even like their perspective or action. It's merely the acknowledgment of their existence that's truly powerful. Recall a time when something you said or did that was glossed over with a nonchalant shrug. Did you feel seen or valued at that time?

It shows that you are opening up to vulnerability.

This may be the hard part for most as we often view vulnerability as a weakness. Look at all of the tough guy movies people seem to love. Characters in these fictional stories are often the loner type with a grudge against the world. Ego gets involved and clouds your judgment. Think back to a time when you thought it was 'right' to be unmoving in front of someone else because you felt you couldn't show an imaginary weakens.

How to be open to others?

Empathy. Recall a similar experience (hard or joyful) you faced; it doesn't need to be exactly like theirs. Don’t respond with ‘toughen up’ or ‘if I can do it, so can you’ or similar phrases. Phrases such as these are hurtful and suggest to the listener that their actions or feelings are less than.

Compassion. There’s nothing wrong with someone or yourself in being ‘soft’. Remember, the world is full of suffering. As Dharma and mindfulness practitioners, when we help ease the suffering of others, we help ease our own suffering. We also show compassion by adhering to personal boundaries. If we always say ‘yes’, we may be perpetuating suffering. Listening and not speaking while the other person is talking. Avoid saying ‘you should have / could have’ comments. Instead, if you have insightful suggestions phrase ‘have you tried’ or what works for me.

Avoiding gossip. Gossip perpetuates suffering and is neither nurturing nor developmental to ones wellbeing. Remember 'Right Speech' from the Noble Eightfold Path. When we listen to such talk, we are diminishing the persons experience in favor of a hurtful moment.

In order to understand someone we don’t necessarily need to have experienced the same exact situation as they. In fact, two people that experience the same situation may and often do take away completely differing experiences.

For example, when I was in Marine Corp boot camp, I had an enjoyable experience overall (don't get me wrong, it was still challenging!). Others, not so much and they had an extremely hard time. So, when we want to understand others suffering we need to open ourselves up with empathy and compassion to their experiences without judgment.

So as you bite into each new experience with someone be sure you do so with openness so that you may truly learn and potentially teach from the experience.

Wishing you continued peace and wellbeing,

 

Vladimir

 

You are warmly invited to follow on us on Facebook and Instagram at @bluelotuscenter for more ways to improve your mindfulness practice and wellbeing.

Blue Lotus Meditation and Mindfulness Center is a registered 501(c)(3) religious organization.

Website and monthly newsletter: www.bluelotusmeditation.us

For guided meditations and Dharma talks, please visit and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

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Purpose And Goals: A Mindful Approach

Purpose and goals. These are two words we frequently hear and often misuse. What is your purpose in life? Where do you see yourself in five years? Let's explore the differences and see if there may be an overlap between the two.

In living, sentient beings, purpose is not function or usefulness. Purpose is simply 'meaning' in the spiritual sense and may only be bestowed on a living, sentient being. A screwdriver cannot have 'purpose' because it is not alive, obviously.

Whereas a goal is a desire that may only be accomplished in the future. Therefor once it’s been achieved it’s no longer a goal. I would like to eat lunch today. I see myself as a business owner. Or I would like to finish college by next year. As you see we may have many goals in life.

Do you need 'purpose' to live a meaningful life? We all would like to think so. We would like to think that our existence will have a positive impact on at least one person. So, the question of ‘do I have purpose’ may weigh heavy on your mind.

So how do we answer this question from a Buddhist and mindfulness perspective? For this discussion we are going to exclude any notion of divinely derived causality for our existence and simply look at what the Buddha taught.

When we look at Buddhas very first teaching he explains the Four Noble Truths: There is suffering in the world, attachment is the cause of suffering, there is a way to end suffering, and that way is the Noble Eightfold Path.

No one wants to suffer and that’s why we have goals. We hope that with a college degree we may get a better job which will ease our suffering. Or maybe we’d like a bigger house in the country away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Or perhaps we'd like to move into the city because country life is too quiet.

But accomplishing any one or more of these goals will not ease your suffering for any meaningful length of time. If you get a bigger home, then you might need to worry about protecting your possessions and get a security system. Certainly this scenario cannot be the purpose of your life, can it? 

Let’s circle back to the First Noble Truth, there is suffering in this world. Since we know this to be a factual statement then couldn’t our purpose be to help ease the suffering of others? Rather than focusing on ‘I” or “me’ as we have been taught instead, we shift our perspective to ‘we’ and ‘others’. This paradigm shift is certainly meaningful, for what greater good can there be than helping those that are suffering.

Buddhism isn’t about achieving enlightenment or Nirvana. These outcomes may be the result of the practice and maybe not even in this lifetime. The heart of Buddhism is easing suffering for us and others and the way to accomplish this is through the Noble Eightfold Path. Following this path, even to a small degree, helps you change your outlook to one that is purposeful and meaningful instead of one that is materialistically goal orientated.

Do you need purpose to have a meaningful life? The simple fact is you already do. It’s an innate quality of being born a sentient being and a quality that is often overlooked in our busy and distracted lives.

Wishing you continued peace and wellbeing,

 

Vladimir

 

You are warmly invited to follow on us on Facebook and Instagram at @bluelotuscenter for more ways to improve your mindfulness practice and wellbeing.

Blue Lotus Meditation and Mindfulness Center is a registered 501(c)(3) religious organization.

Website and monthly newsletter: www.bluelotusmeditation.us

For guided meditations and Dharma talks, please visit and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Facebook

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