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Buddhism and Vegetarianism
From Anthony Flanagan
Your Guide to Buddhism
Of course, one of the most frequently discussed issues is whether Buddhism and vegetarianism go hand in hand. After all, the first precept is to abstaining from harming living beings - eating meat on a regular basis would suggest that the systematic killing of animals is necessary.
As with many ethical issues, it's a question of interpretation. The Buddha ate meat and therefore was not a vegetarian. Indeed, it is thought that he died from food poisoning after eating contaminated pork. However, he advised that meat should only be eaten when it was not seen, heard or suspected that the animal had been specifically killed for the monk's consumption. In Buddhism, therefore, meat is not something that is forbidden. However, the circumstances which result in the meat being served for consumption is a crucial factor.
So how does this apply to the modern world? Our supermarkets are filled with meat.
Those that buy such meat and consume it have no direct involvement in the slaughter of the animal. Does this make them innocent?
Many Buddhists would argue that to eat meat bought from a supermarket would indirectly (if not directly) support the systematic slaughter of animals, and would thereby be breaking the first precept. For such people, vegetarianism seems to be the only practical option. Others may argue that if they are not directly involved in the slaughter of such animals then it is not ethically unwholesome. Indeed, in countries whose cultural orientation is Buddhist, you will find meat being eaten which has involved the killing of animals specially for this purpose.
Source: Buddhism and Vegetarianism
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