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.
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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.
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