Is a Buddhist allowed to eat meat or fish?
Buddhism and diet
Can a Buddhist eat meat or fish?
Buddha explained that in order to protect all living beings, meatless foods are to be preferred.
But Buddha did not know about modern meat factories. The so-called "modern diet" with "hamburgers" on every corner, "kebab" in every underpass, this was certainly not imaginable at the time of the historical Buddha.
How can a follower of the Buddhist philosophy in the Western world eat today? Without meat or meat products there is almost nowhere to eat. If you travel, for example, you can hardly eat vegetarian food.
As a Shaolin you are allowed to consume meat when you are training, Shaolin martial monks are exempt from the obligation to be vegetarian.
Personally, I eat meat and fish, but I pay attention to the quality. I strive to use it correctly, meaning that no piece should be wasted or thrown away. Animal welfare is an important issue for me. I also make sure that meat is "only" rarely and always a small portion on the plate.
The most important thing is that I dignify the animal I consume.
If you think about the animal when you eat it, you will automatically have a different relationship with meat and fish, you will be grateful to the animal, honor it, and generally be thankful for its food.
This gratitude makes a big difference, just try it!
Spend more money on the animal products you consume, eat meat (and fish) more consciously, in smaller quantities, gratefully and thoughtfully.
IF MODERN MAN HAD TO KILL THE ANIMALS HE USES FOR FOOD HIMSELF, THE NUMBER OF PLANT EATERS WOULD INCREASE IMMEASURABLY.
- CHRISTIAN MORGENSTERN - GERMAN POET - 1871 TO 1914
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