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. 
