Initially, it may appear confusing that the Theravada eat meat,
the Chinese Mahayanists do not and the Tibetans, who practice the
Vajrayana, do. This difference in practice depends on the different
emphasis of each tradition: the emphasis of the Theravadin teaching
is to eliminate attachment toward sense objects and to cease the
discriminating mind that says, "I like this and not that." Thus,
when the monks go out on alms round, they are to accept silently
and with gratitude whatever is offered to them, be it meat or not.
It would not only offend the benefactors but would also harm a
monks own practice of detachment, if he said, "I cannot eat meat,
so give me more of those delicious vegetables." Thus, provided that
the meat comes from an animal that the monk neither orders to be
killed, nor sees, hears or suspects is killed to give him the meat,
he is permitted to eat it. However, it is wise for those who make
offerings to remember that the principal premise of Buddhism is not
to harm others, and to choose what they offer accordingly.
Upon the foundation of detachment, compassion for other beings is
emphasized, especially in the Mahayana tradition. Thus, for such a
practitioner it is advisable not to eat meat to avoid inflicting
pain on any being and to prevent potential butchers from committing
negative actions. Also, because of the vibration of meat, it can
impede an ordinary practitioner from developing great compassion.
Therefore, vegetarianism is recommended.
The tantric path or Vajrayana has four classes. In the lower
classes, external cleanliness and purity are emphasized as a
technique for the practitioners to generate internal purity of
mind. Therefore, these practitioners do not eat meat, which is
regarded as impure. On the other hand, in the highest yoga tantra,
on the basis of detachment and compassion, a qualified practitioner
does meditation on the subtle nervous system, and for this, ones
bodily elements need to be very strong. Thus, meat is recommended
for such a person. Also, this class of tantra stresses the
transformation of ordinary objects through meditation on
selflessness. Such a practitioner, by virtue of his/her profound
meditation, is not greedily eating meat for his/her own
pleasure.
In Tibet, there is an additional factor to consider: due to the
high altitude and harsh climate, there is little to eat besides
ground barley, dairy products and meat. To stay alive, the people
have to eat meat. His Holiness the Dalai Lama has encouraged those
Tibetans in exile, who now live in countries where vegetables and
fruits are more plentiful, to refrain from eating meat whenever
possible. Also, if a practitioner has severe problems with his/her
health due to not eating meat, then the master may give permission
to take it. Thus, each person must check his/her own level of
practice and bodily requirements and eat accordingly.
The fact that there is such variety within the Buddhist doctrine
attests to the Buddhas skill in being able to guide people
according to their dispositions and needs. It is extremely
important not to be partial and sectarian, but to have respect for
all the traditions and their practitioners.
