Buddhism and Food

Buddhism and Food
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Buddhism and Food
Different religions have different beliefs and practices. Such beliefs and practices are important as they demonstrate what the believers think is spiritually and morally right or wrong. Buddhism is one of the religions widely known for their unique culture, beliefs, and practices. Besides its emphasis on the practices believed to eradicate human suffering, the religion professes some dietary beliefs that shape the eating habits of the believers (Buddha, N.D). The Buddhist dogma on food has it that some foods should be avoided and that the believers should adopt certain eating habits, for instance, eating at particular time of the day. Although such practices and beliefs are different among the traditions of those who practice Buddhism, there are certain dietary beliefs and practices that seem to be common among a majority of Buddhist community in the world.
Articulating to religious food ways is important for the Buddhist community. This helps them to appeal to indispensible experiences of holiness that every individual seeks to enhance the quality of life (BBC, 2014). Among the Buddhists, a majority of them have chosen to become vegans to avoid killing animals for food. They believe there exist a close relationship between human and animals because both possess Buddha nature (BBC, 2014). Buddhist religion believes in reincarnation after death where a human soul may be reborn in the body of an animal. For that matter, killing an animal may be killing a reincarnated soul. Further, Buddhism has a doctrine of right livelihood that prohibits the believers from killing any animal. The doctrine of karma also warns them that for every wrong doing one does to another being, one would have to experience the same in the future. This way, Buddhists would avoid killing animals for food as a way to show their love and kindness to animals, and to avoid any misfortune that may befall them in the future as a punishment for having treated animals badly (Faithandfood.com, 2009). Although some Buddhist still eats meat, some of their communities such as the Mahayana are strictly vegetarians up to today.
While Buddhism advocates for similar cultures when it comes to dietary rituals, different Buddhist communities have different cultures when it comes to matters of food. While most of the Buddhists such as the Mahayana and Theravada shun eating fish, dairy products, and meat, others would not mind to consume such foods (Garduno, 2011). Even among those that do vegetables, some avoid foods such as onions, leek, and garlic as they are considered pungent foods that boost anger and sex drive, which are not advisable especially among the monks (Faithandfood.com, 2009). Many Buddhists also avoid consuming alcohol. As much as a variety ...