Can buddhists eat chocolate at Easter?

Answer 1

Buddhists have no prohibition against chocolate cake as a food or as a simple part of a meal. However, in many western societies, the desire for chocolate in any form becomes almost an addiction, hence the term chocoholics.

This changes the relationship with chocolate from a need for food to a desire or lust for something beyond bodily needs. In Buddhism lust is not strictly a sexula thing, it is a sudden want for something that is not logical or controlled.

Buddhism is down on lust and in this case the desire for chocolate cake would be an unskillful behaviour.

Answer 2

Buddhism has no dietary rules, just suggestions. The eating of garlic, onions, leaks the flesh of carnivores and birds prey are frowned on for "magic" reasons. Drugs and alcohol are frowned on for their impeding of mental awareness. Some Buddhists who are Asian may not eat dairy products due to lactose intolerance common in non-european or non-African populations.

Answer 3

Some Buddhists do but other Buddhists do not eat diary products. It depends on the individual.

Answer 4

Yes. There is no such thing which forbids one to celebrate the occasion of other religions.