Cultures/ Customs of Buddhists?

105090 SG

hi ppl.. tho m a buddhist, i do not know very well the customs.

i know, for example, cannot eat beef, encouraged to go vegetarian on the 1st/15th of each/every lunar month.

are there some more highlightable customs/ practises?

augleo SG

u know the differences between buddhism & toaism?

An Eternal Now SG

There is no particular rule on not eating beef, however, a lay Buddhist who has chosen not yet to be vegetarian, should follow the guidelines for eating meat in order that the meat is karmically purer (5 clean sources of meat):

(1) That he did not slaughter the animal personally
(2) That he did not instruct others to slaughter
(3) That the slaughter was not committed for his sake
(4) That he did not witness the slaughter
(5) That he did not hear the cries associated with the slaughter

iveco SG

No offence 105090, but I have a feeling Icemoon might give you some kind of long lecture if he sees this thread.

sinweiy SG

the idea of not eating beef meat is because the cows work so hard to help us prowl the field (in the past) and we are so ungrateful and eat them. and when they are slaughtered, you can see tears flowing from their eyes. it's cruel. that's the different from chicken meat or other meat.

/\

An Eternal Now SG

btw, the entire article on 5 clean sources of meat: http://www.jenchen.org.sg/vol5no4a.htm

Apart from Taoism, Hinduism also emphasizes the part on not meating cows.

Buddhism is not really strict on cow. But vegetarianism is generally recommended. Anyway, eating chickens and other meat is also very bad. They also feel very painful. Best is to become vegetarian lor

augleo SG

Pls help to elobrate further:
(3) That the slaughter was not committed for his sake

The rest of the 4, i understand but point 3...when there is demand there always a supply. If i pick my chhoice from the Fair Price poultry racks, am i practicise Budhhism?

thks

An Eternal Now SG

Third rule means you shouldn't buy live animals for food/order any live animals in restaurants.

Frozen meat is OK.

For me, if friend invite me go eat crab, then I eat lor. Or else I won't go and buy.

Not yet a vegetarian, in future hope to be one.

105090 SG

no wonder most food in Singapore that is poultry and most seafood, are dead when it reaches the wet market?

and yes, overall, it is cruel to kill animals to eat.. i agree wholly Smile
but then, people said, chickens are reared to be eaten isnt it?

and, does feeding longkang fish to other fishes also acceptable?

An Eternal Now SG

No la, meat isnt frozen just for the Buddhist. But bcos of importing and hygiene reasons I think.

Chickens can also provide eggs mah.

Anyway best is, no demand, no rearing lor. Smile