My Reflection on Vegetarianism and Buddhism

I have been a lacto-ovo vegetarian for over eighteen years, and during this time, I have observed how people in my local community perceive vegetarianism. While I do not wish to overgeneralize my experiences, I have often noticed that many regard being vegetarian as wrong or inconsistent with Theravāda Buddhism.

A phrase I frequently hear is: “The Buddha never said people should become vegetarian.”
That may sound convincing, and indeed, it is true that the Buddha did not explicitly instruct people to be vegetarian. Yet, the Buddha also never encouraged people to be non-vegetarian or to eat meat.

There are two points, however, that he clearly taught:

1. “Do not kill” — the very first precept for lay followers.
2. Three types of meat that bhikkhus (monks) should not eat.

According to Venerable Mahasi Sayadaw U Sobhaṇa Mahāthera in his discourse on the Sallekha Sutta (page 34)

A bhikkhu should avoid eating three kinds of meat — the meat of an animal that he has seen being killed expressly for his meal; the meat of an animal that he understands has been killed for him; and the meat that has raised doubt as to whether the flesh of the animal has been intended for him.

In some villages where there are no meat vendors, the chicken curry that a layman serves a visiting monk is suspect. Unless he can remove his suspicion, it is not proper for the monk to eat. Eating the three kinds of unallowable meat is not a karmic act of killing, but according to the Vinaya rules, it constitutes an offence, so it is unwholesome.

If Buddhists truly reflected on these words, there would be no meat to buy in the markets of a Buddhist community.

Even though some people use the Buddha’s words to discredit vegetarians, many overlook the Buddha’s first precept — Do not kill. As a result, they may not consider the karmic consequences or the law of cause and effect that follow from taking life.

I do not wish to debate or criticize anyone for eating meat. I am not against non-vegetarians, nor do I intend to preach or teach moral values. My focus has always been on learning and improving myself.

I acknowledge that some forms of vegetarianism are influenced by non-Buddhist philosophies, and therefore may not align with Theravāda teachings. However, not all vegetarians follow such belief systems. There are even people who, by nature, cannot eat meat since birth. My case is somewhat similar — starting around age sixteen, I gradually stopped being able to eat different kinds of meat until I became fully vegetarian.

Throughout these eighteen years, I have often told myself that if I ever truly craved meat again, I would eat it. Yet, that desire never returned. In fact, I cannot even eat mock meats that resemble the texture or smell of real flesh. This does not make me better than those who eat meat — it simply means I am not going against the Buddha’s teachings as I understand them.

Many people refrain from eating meat during the Buddhist Lent or on the day of the week they were born, which shows that they still believe abstaining from meat is a meritorious act, even if they choose not to become fully vegetarian.

Human life is complex, and belief systems are equally so. People naturally defend what they believe is right, and I do not wish to challenge or debate that.

I write this to support young vegetarians who may feel confused or pressured by society to conform. May they find confidence in knowing that their choice, when rooted in compassion, is indeed in harmony with the Dhamma.

Last updated: 1 November 2025
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