Information on Buddhist Food Laws

Answer 1

Buddhists generally don't have food prohibitions. Monks and nuns who have taken vows don't consume intoxicating substances because it diminishes their ability to meditate and comprehend the true nature of reality, but in most sects, at most levels, it isn't prohibited. Some monks and nuns also take vows to not eat anything after noon in order to help them understand the nature of desire and sacrifice. Most practicing Buddhists also avoid gluttony the same way they avoid excessive anger.

Answer 2

The First Precept of the Buddhism dietary law is to avoid harming any living thing, means that many Buddhists regard killing animals for food as wrong. As a result, many Buddhists turn to vegetarianism. In some cultures fish and meat is in their diet, but offer a portion of it to the monks for offerings and don't fish on holy days.

Answer 3

Theravada Buddhists do not have any food restrictions according to the scriptures. Note that even Lord Gautama Buddha ate anything that was alms, including meat. Even today, you can offer a Theravada monk meat if and only if the animal was NOT purposely killed for the monk or the monk knew that the animal was killed because of him. As for the Eastern Buddhism as practiced in East Asia (usually Mahayana), they have adapted to be vegetarians because of circumstances such as being self-sustaining and hostile environment (bandits - hence Shao Lin monks also learn kung fu to protect themselves). Japanese Buddhism even allow monks to drink alcohol. In Chinese and TIbetan Buddhism that has heavy folklore and Hindu influence, it is said that those who seek refuge from the Bodhisatta Avalokiteshvara must not eat beef. Chinese Buddhism monks and nuns have strict vegetarian followings such as they cannot eat garlic. Food must be eaten only to sustain and not for craving.

Answer 4

Buddhist dietary laws are reminiscent of kosher laws: one may not kill. One may not accept meat from an animal killed in order to provide one with the meat. One may not consume, draw or touch blood. One may not cut into a living being that bleeds. That's it.

Answer:

Buddhism has no dietary rules. A Buddhist can eat or drink anything he wants. It is required that a Buddhist eat whatever is offered to him. the Buddha himself is said to have died from eating spoiled pork.

Many consider Buddhists to be a group of strict vegetarians like Jains. However the re are many Buddhist who, due to alack of vegetarian foods, consume meat as a regular part of their diet. The Dalai Lama was not vegetarian before moving to India. As far as rules for the preparation of food, there are none,

As far as forbidden foods, there are none. It is suggested that foods from carnivores be avoided, garlic and onion should be avoided and alcohol and drugs be avoided (as they cloud the mind.)

Answer 5

The only edict that The Buddha said about food is that you should not, nor should you have anyone else, kill a sentient being (animal, fish, bird, etc) to make your food. If you are offered meat you can eat meat. Many Buddhists prefer to be vegetarian because they believe that buying already packaged meat supports the killing of that animal.

Answer 6

Buddhists do not have any set dietary laws. The dietary restrictions do not include a clear distinction between foods permitted and forbidden foods.