Thoughts on Buddhism and eating vegetarian.

[sumanathenovice]

This topic has been done to death, I know, but it's still a valuable and fruiful topic of conversation.

Here are my thoughts, inspired by Bhikkhu Aggacitto's post on the subject

Comments

[sumanathenovice]

Well put! I'll admit, I'm only fractionally above ignorant when it comes to the tantric vehicles, so I learned something new today. Thank you. :-)

[kymus]

The Shaolin Monks as well are allowed to eat meat and consume wine. They had saved the Tang Emperor and he made a decree that allowed them to partake in this.

This article expands on it: http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/ezine/article.php?article=521

There are two different types of monks though; warrior monks (wu seng), who learn Kung Fu and practice Ch'an, and monastic monks who only practice Ch'an. It's my understanding that monastic monks do not eat meat or drink wine.

[stefan11]

it's good to distinguish two things

[stefan11]

Then, perhaps, you could explain your perspective so I can understand it.

Yes, from the point of view of shunyatta ... I almost said "Everything is (still!) completely, perfectly okay, and always will be" but then I stopped. From the point of view of shunyatta categories like perfect or imperfect do not apply, shunyatta transcends all categories.

But, form is shunyatta and shunyatta is form. Ethical categories apply at the level of form (and other shandhas). From this point of view certain things are wrong. And one of those things are factory farms. That's why they ought to be abandoned.

Frankly, have you watched the Earthlings (the link below). Could you look straight into those animals eyes and honestly say: "everything is completely, perfectly okay, and always will be"?

[stefan11]

This is different to have this conversation with a human being who has an ability to understand the spiritual matters, the problem of maya-illusion, and so on. This kind of talk, especially coming from someone who has had an insight into non-duality, may bring solace and peace

[stefan11]

I will add two things:

1) In his "Ethics for the New Millenium", the DL raised serious questions about the ways we treat animals and especially about factory farms (in Chapter X).

2) If I were a member of this group (noy just a visitor or a guest), I would bring all the issues I have discussed in my notes to the leaders. If they did not change their ways, I would stand up in the middle of their "noble" ceremony and throw this meat straight into the face of the highest lama. Then I would live never looking back.

[ext_797747]

You've been through a lot of difficult situations lately.
Is this perspective that you have recently reached worth all the suffering you've felt?
If you had to go through it again, would you do it?
If someone gave you the possibility to get back to your mother's womb and choose again whether being or not being born, what would you choose?

[ext_797747]

Your answer brings me much hope and happiness!!!

Thank you.

I think you might also like this here:

In gassho.

Mike.