Vegetarian Foods & Buddhism

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In Buddhism, views on vegetarianism vary among different schools of thought. The Mahayana schools generally recommend a vegetarian diet, claiming that Gautama Buddha stated in some sutras that his followers should not eat the flesh of any sentient being. Vegan Buddhism represents an evolution toward a more altruistic and compassionate lifestyle, aligned with the first precept of Buddhism: non-harming. Unlike vegetarians, Vegan Buddhists refrain from consuming meat, eggs, dairy products, or any other products derived from animals, thereby helping to eliminate animal suffering. Milk, while devoid of life and unrelated to killing, is generally considered acceptable for consumption. However, some Buddhists choose to abstain from milk, possibly due to lactose intolerance or personal beliefs. Fortunately, Asia, especially Southeast Asia, has a robust tradition of using plant-based milk. Soy milk and coconut milk, for instance, are commonly incorporated into various dishes or served as beverages. Noteworthy Chinese desserts like Bobo Chacha and Gingko Barley are typically coconut-based and soy-based, respectively.

In contrast to milk, Buddhists strictly avoid alcohol consumption. This prohibition is important because alcohol can lead to accidents, reckless behavior, and potentially harm an individual’s well-being. True abstinence from intoxicants extends beyond avoiding alcohol; it includes refraining from drug use. Drugs, like alcohol, can impair mental faculties, discourage work and self-improvement, and even lead to the breakdown of families and fortunes. Many serious crimes have their roots in the detrimental effects of drug use.

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A vegetarian diet excludes all meat and seafood, though variations exist. Some vegetarians may consume eggs and dairy, while others avoid one or both. A vegan diet, a stricter form of vegetarianism, consists solely of plant foods, excluding all animal products, including meat, seafood, dairy, eggs, and sometimes honey and gelatin.

Vegetarian diets can offer many health benefits, providing all the essential vitamins and minerals needed for a long and healthy life, provided they are well-planned. However, people who are breastfeeding and children on vegetarian diets need to take particular care to ensure they receive all the essential nutrients required for healthy growth and development.

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Regarding eggs, opinions differ. Some refrain from eating eggs because they believe eggs can potentially develop into chicks, thus involving the taking of life. Others argue that most modern eggs, particularly those from commercial egg-laying chickens, are unfertilized and cannot hatch into chicks, making them acceptable for consumption. However, within the context of Buddhist precepts, the principle of ‘avoiding suspicion’ advises practitioners to avoid actions that may provoke doubt or criticism from others. For example, a monastic may feel compelled to explain their consumption of eggs by stating, “The eggs I consume are not fertilized, lack life, and come from commercial egg-laying chickens.” Such explanations might invite unnecessary scrutiny. Therefore, practitioners are encouraged to adhere to guiding principles that inform their dietary choices.

Buddhist vegetarianism is practiced by significant portions of Mahayana Buddhist monastics and laypersons, as well as some Buddhists from other sects. Notably, there are still many flavorful ingredients that Buddhists can enjoy, such as chili, peppercorn, and ginger. Asia, especially Southeast Asia, has a rich history of plant-based milk usage, making soy and coconut milk readily available in dishes or as beverages. While not always mentioned, another common restriction is alcohol. Drinking is discouraged, and intoxication is frowned upon because it impedes mindfulness. Thus, it is best to drink in moderation or not at all.

Ba Baou Ge is a vegetarian restaurant located in Anping, Tainan. All dishes served are meatless and Buddhist-friendly, without onion, garlic, or scallion. All soybean ingredients used are non-GMO. The restaurant aims to attract non-vegetarians, encouraging them to try vegetarian dishes even without meat. They serve delicious vegetarian foods such as Daikon Cake, Vegan Mackerel Thick Noodle Soup, Taiwanese Sausage with Sticky Rice, and Vegetarian Milkfish Belly Soup. In Tainan, Milkfish Belly Soup is a famous street food. The restaurant uses natural ingredients, like tofu, to create imitation meat flavors to appeal to gourmets. One of their signature dishes, Sauteed Vegetarian Tuna, is made from mushrooms instead of bean curd.

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