Anagārika Jay

I say that there are three instances in which meat may be eaten: when it is not seen, not heard, and not suspected [that the living being has been slaughtered for oneself]. I say that meat may be eaten in these three instances (MN 55 Bodhi). It seems clear, on first reading, that the Buddha allowed the eating of meat. However, the interpretation hinges on the addition of what is not in the original. The phrase "that the living being has been slaughtered for oneself" was added by the translator. The Buddha never said that. A possible alternative translation would be: In three cases I say that meat may be eaten [without fault]: when [the meat] is not seen, heard, or suspected [to have been put in your bowl]. These are three cases in which meat may be eaten [without fault] (MN 55 Sujato). This interpretation, though it goes against the traditional interpretation, is more consistent with the other passages about how it is wrong to "encourage others to kill living creatures&q

I am afraid this will come off as preachy. I don't know how to share this but by saying that I think Buddhists should be Vegan. That is a personal conviction. If you don't share it, please disregard this post.  Many good Buddhists disagree with me. I have no need to convert you to Veganism. I don't look down on those who aren't Vegans. We search are on our own journey. I respect yours, please respect mine. The First Precept The first precept, which all Buddhists are supposed to follow, is to "abstain from taking life" (AN 5.179 Thanissaro). That is, we should not kill living creatures, sentient beings. A "lay follower" is not supposed to do business or trade in "living creatures, meat" (AN 5.177 Sujato). Buddhists should not hunt, fish, or butcher animals. They should not be exterminators. They should not engage in anything that causes animals to suffer and die. The Buddha said: Here, a noble disciple, having abandoned the destruction of li

I thought it would be good to define the word Vegan. The Oxford English Dictionary defines Vegan as "a person who does not eat any food derived from animals and who typically does not use other animal products." I don't eat meat, fish, eggs, honey, or drink mink. I don't buy any leather products and avoid products that have been experimented on animals. I also don't go to the Zoo. I am a member of the Vegan Society in the United Kingdom. They give this definition: Veganism is a philosophy and way of living which seeks to exclude—as far as is possible and practicable—all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose; and by extension, promotes the development and use of animal-free alternatives for the benefit of animals, humans and the environment. In dietary terms it denotes the practice of dispensing with all products derived wholly or partly from animals. Vegan for me is about keeping both the letter and the spirit of

I have been a vegetarian for a while, but I have recently gone Vegan. This has been a long transition with many steps along the way. I went Vegan for the animals, the environment, and my health, in that order. Because I am the only one in my family who is Vegan, I have to cook all my own meals. It is not easy, but I believe that it is the only ethical choice for me. I went spend a lot of time trying to convince you that it is wrong to eat meat. A person convinced against his will is of the same opinion still. You will have to live with the karma you create. Here I just want to share a video the answers all the major arguments against Veganism.