Although different Buddhist traditions hold different views on the matter, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III has been very clear that it is an erroneous view to believe that monastics may eat meat. Laymen and laywomen may eat meat, but they are expected to raise the consciousness of any living being so consumed. Shakyamuni Buddha stated that “… meat should not be eaten under three circumstances: when it is seen or heard or suspected (that a living being has been purposely slaughtered for the eater); these, Jivaka, are the three circumstances in which meat should not be eaten, Jivaka! I declare there are three circumstances in which meat can be eaten: when it is not seen or heard or suspected (that a living being has been purposely slaughtered for the eater); Jivaka, I say these are the three circumstances in which meat can be eaten.” Even given this Sutta, many lay Buddhist are vegetarians. In another Sutta, the Buddha also declares that the meat trade is a wrong livelihood or not correct on the path of a Buddha.
Erroneous View #11: THE VIEW THAT ONE MAY EAT MEAT AFTER ONE IS TONSURED AND BECOMES A MONASTIC
After one is tonsured and becomes a monastic, one will receive precepts, such as the precepts for novice nuns, the precepts for novice monks, the precepts for nuns, the precepts for monks, and so on. Once you received such precepts, you may not eat meat. This is a very strict rule. No matter what your status may be, you will be violating the precepts if you eat meat.
Add comment