Phramaha Bhatsakorn Kota. Theravada Buddhist ethics and the issue of meat consumption : a critical study . Master's Degree(Ethical Studies). Mahidol University. : Mahidol University, 2004.
Theravada Buddhist ethics and the issue of meat consumption : a critical study
Abstract:
This research was a qualitative study based on religious ethics and focused
on Therãvãda Buddhist Ethics. It was conducted using documentary research and
discussion of the results of the documentary study was done with the following
objectives: 1) To study the Therãvãda Buddhist teachings related to meatconsumption,
2) To study the viewpoint of agreement and disagreement on meat
consumption and 3) To consider the attitude of Therãvãda Buddhist Ethics towards
meat consumption.
The studies which addressed the first objective found that the condemnation
on meat eating as a violation of the precept of not killing was insufficient because the
meat consumer himself did not kill the animal and was not in a position to be judged
on killing. From the evidence found in the Pãli Canon, its Commentaries and Subcommentaries,
it was obvious that the Buddha and his disciples in early Buddhism did
eat meat and fish, as they were mendicants relying on the alms-round.
The studies which addressed the second objective found that the controversy
over meat consumption has arisen since the Buddha’s day and still exists among the
Buddhist community. The pros agreed that meat consumption is not against the
precept of not killing (Pãnãtipãta), as the meat eaters themselves did not kill the
animal, but they accept that through meat consumption the animal was killed. The
cons gave the reason that meat consumption clearly violated the precept of not killing
and it was the cause of the cycle of endless slaughter. To break this cycle, human
beings must quit eating meat.
The studies which addressed the third objective found that Therãvãda
Buddhist Ethics has the stance that meat consumption is an individual matter. If it
were agreed that vegetarianism is good, then it should be put into practice based on a
skillful mind and real reasons. The vegetarian himself should not have an arrogance
belief that he is better or superior than one who was not vegetarian. Having
understood the real objective of consumption, whether it is meat, fish or vegetable,
that all is for the being’s sustenance. The point is that consumption alone does not
make beings pure or impure.