Comments on: Veganism Isn’t a Buddhist Teaching (Yet)

By: fred

fred — Sat, 10 Nov 2012 15:41:24 +0000

Actually there are plenty of Theravadin vegetarians and there are many vegetarians in the Mahayana school as well. The Shan people in northern Burma are Theravadin vegans for example. Also the Mahayana Shuragama sutra extoles ethical veganism (no animal products at all). We just don’t hear much about any of these for reasons that are unclear to me. Is there any doubt what is the most compassionate course? Persevere! Fred

By: Fred

Fred — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 19:45:10 +0000

Hello Christie,
I have done a great deal of research on Buddhism and the vegetarian/vegan issue even though I’m not that into texts that much. There in fact is a passage in the Mahayana Ch’an (Zen) Surangama Sutra that speaks in favor of ethical veganism (Chapter X) very strongly. Ethical veganism at that- clothing, etc. Historically there were quite a few Mahayana teachers who promoted vegetarianism at least. Please, I hope you haven’t gotten discouraged by your associates. I’m leaving my email address if anyone would like references to teachers/texts: ormondroyd2002@yahoo.com. Fred

By: Prakriti

Prakriti — Sat, 14 Jul 2012 01:42:18 +0000

Thanks for your comment.. beautifully said. I too feel strongly about the clear linkage today between the core values of veganism and buddhism, and am somewhat surprised that I did not make the connection sooner. Being vegan has become the central component of my lived spirituality, for it places compassion at the core of my every interaction.. “for the benefit of all sentient beings”. I have since struggled to accept that my fellow practitioners are no more inclined to embrace a vegan lifestyle than my non-buddhist friends. The best approach, I agree, is to extend compassion to all those who are not yet in a place (right conditions, inspiration, information) to make the connection, and to resolve to work towards creating those conditions with them (to the extent possible and practical) while accepting their present efforts to practice wisdom, compassion, and mindfulness. However, people can and do change their minds all the time, and I think buddism offers a powerful platform for opening hearts and minds to veganism, and vice versa. Good luck on your journey!

By: Edward I.

Edward I. — Sun, 27 May 2012 01:20:00 +0000

Hi, Christie. I realize that I’m late to this conversation and I’m just a stranger passing by, but I thought you might want to know that veganism is part of the highest ideal in Ch’an Buddhism, as taught explicitly in the Shurangama Sutra and indirectly in other texts. In addition to forbidding meat-eating, the Shurangama Sutra discourages the consumption of “milk, cream, or butter” and the wearing of “silk, leather boots, furs, or down.” It also teaches: “Both physically and mentally one must avoid the bodies and the by-products of living beings, by neither wearing them nor eating them.” (The Brahmajala Bodhisattva Sila Sutra in addition to prohibiting meat eating, directly and indirectly supports certain aspects of veganism and the non-exploitation of sentient beings as well.) Avoiding products derived from other animals, according to the late Venerable Master Hsuan Hua, is a way to “thoroughly uphold” the precept against killing and the way of those who “hold precepts with a maximum of purity.” Moreover, within the Ch’an tradition, the doctrine of ping deng (“equality”) encourages us to see that all sentient beings have “equal status” and should be treated equally.

I wish you the best in your search for the right teacher, if you haven’t found her already. May your practice benefit all beings.

By: Noah-D.M.Sanchez

Noah-D.M.Sanchez — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 11:51:02 +0000

Happy vegan Losar 2012. Being vegan is a true blessing. Having a Lama that practices veganism is a quest I have been doing also. I hope not to offend the Lama. My woman and I are both vegan and do electronic cigarettes. We have much compassion for animals and don’t advocate slaughter. Supreme Master Ching Hai founder of the Loving Hut is a vegan also. I wish her much success on her quest to save our planet. I commend you for addressing the vegan Sangha issue. I to am careful at celebrations that the food be vegan. I am happy that my Sangha would only want wellbeing for all being and likes me being vegan. Much success. Vegan tashi delek.

By: 明輝子 (Akiko)

明輝子 (Akiko) — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 09:11:38 +0000

A large amount of Japanese Buddhist temples very much promote vegan life styles. And it’s very much a part of their belief system.

By: Fred

Fred — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 22:17:26 +0000

The answer to your dilemma is really very simple, those who aren’t at least vegetarian are not really Buddhists no matter what title they may hold nor where they originally came from. What sort of person would cause unneccessary suffering? Certainly not anyone who considers themselves Buddhist (note I wrote UNNECCESSAY there). The first precept applies to all, monks and lay-persons alike. So, in the oft quoted passages who is depositing the meat in the monk’s alms bowl? Can’t be some devout lay-person who upholds the first precept can it? Must be some charitable neighbor who isn’t Buddhist I guess. And should not the monk be advising the donor he is breaking the precepts?

To me this cvontroversy is also fueled by some teachers so eager for Western converts they are willing to overlook the most glaring inconsistencies in their interpretations of the doctrine so as not to offend. Peace fRED

By: Andy Montgomery

Andy Montgomery — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 16:53:40 +0000

I really appreciated reading this, Christie, on many levels.

=/\=

-Andy

By: Amy Farrell

Amy Farrell — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 22:36:48 +0000

Reading this made me really happy. I knew this was bothering you, but didn’t realize it had been keeping you from sangha activities. I’m glad you’ve found an insight that resolves this painful conflict, and lessens the space between you and others.

I wish you luck in finding a spiritual guide who is vegan.

By: Daitetsu

Daitetsu — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 19:28:19 +0000

This is very inspiring and insightful. Thanks for the clarity and transparency of your process. Although I am not a strict vegan I try to maintain honesty and consciousness about what I eat. Your integrity on this issue has been very meaningful. I look forward to sitting with you again.