Buddhism is actually a life theory and not so much a religion. Buddhists strive for purity of both body and mind. A Buddhist’s philosophy of life influences food choice and the way food is handled. Most Buddhists believe that eating meat is dishonorable. Foods that arouse an irritable mood or feelings of pleasure are avoided. A Buddhist will also not drink alcohol because it affects consciousness and health.
Buddhism
The name Buddha was originated by the founder Siddhartha Gotama . This man lived about 2,500 years ago in northern India. After years of effort, he achieved enlightenment at the age of 35, during a deep meditation. Buddha means ,the awakened one, or the ,enlightened one,. He spent the rest of his life traveling through northern India teaching his teachings, the path to enlightenment. He is 80 years old. Buddhists believe in karma. This means that everything we do, say or think comes back to us. Buddhism is characterized by a philosophy of life, which also influences the choice of food.
Karma and food
Most Buddhists are vegetarians because they are against killing animals. You may not harm a living being. Some Buddhists believe that Buddha took various forms during his life on earth, including the form of an animal. Eating meat is considered dishonorable. Every Buddhist has his own addition to vegetarianism. There are Buddhists who don’t eat meat at all and there are Buddhists who just don’t eat beef.
Forbidden vegetables
Buddhists do not eat foods that induce feelings of lust and an irritable mood. Therefore, vegetables such as garlic, onion, shallots, chives and leeks are avoided. These vegetables also give off a bad odor when eaten raw. These vegetables affect consciousness.
Alcohol
Buddhists strive for purity of both body and mind. Alcohol and other addictive substances are therefore not an issue. Using these substances makes you no longer able to think clearly. This also damages health.
Buddha identified desire as the main cause of suffering. If a person allows himself to be tempted by the senses to eat all kinds of delicacies, he will enjoy healthy food less and less.
Fasting
There are no rules regarding fasting in Buddhism. Buddhist monks sometimes choose to fast twice a month; at the new and full moon. Many monks do not eat or drink anything after noon.
Fasting is seen by some Buddhists as an exercise to focus on the wisdom and understanding of life.
Food tied to culture
Food is seen by many Buddhists as culture-related and this varies per country. For example, Buddhists in Tibet do eat meat because the climate makes growing crops very difficult. Theraveda Buddhists are only allowed to eat alms. This is eating from what people sacrifice in the temple. For example, Chinese and Korean Buddhists are usually completely vegetarian.
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