CHAPTER 25 Buddhist Food Practices Overall Buddhism does not specifically restrict certain


foods or their preparation, nor does it provide dietary laws. Principles, noted earlier in Box 2 (the Right Actions in Buddhism), are interpreted and reflected in the personal food beliefs and differing practices of followers; for example, do no harm may be interpreted as following some form of vegetarianism.


The Five Contemplations Major aspects of Buddhist philosophy, addressed earlier, that inform the diet and food practices of practitioners for their spiritual enlightenment are reflected in the Five Contempla- tions by the Buddhist master Tích Nhâ´t Hanh. He suggests reciting them before a meal.25


Tis food is the gift of the whole universe, the earth, the sun, the sky, the stars, and the hard and loving work of numerous beings.


May we eat with mindfulness and gratitude so as to enjoy every bite.


May we transform our unwholesome mental formations, especially those that cause us harm, as they indirectly harm all we touch.


May we keep our compassion alive by eating in such a way that we reduce the suffering of living beings, preserve our precious planet, and reverse the process of global warming.


We accept this food so that we may realize the path of understanding and love.


With regard to dietary practices, the Five Contemplations address mindfulness, the concept of moderation, maintain- ing humoral balance, fasting for gaining spiritual strength, nonviolence, and the ethical appreciation for the centrality of food in life. Mindful reflections, a practice based on Zen Buddhism, relate to the sourcing of food, eating according to the season, and handling and consuming food with intention and without judgment in the moment. Te Five Contemplations also encourage attributes such


as inner strength and peace of mind, gratitude, compassion, and generosity toward all beings, as well ecosystems, inter- personal relations, sense of community, and both spiritual and physical health.


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Vegetarianism and Other Food Prohibitions Vegetarianism in Buddhism—typically a vegan or a lacto- vegetarian diet—is influenced by two prohibitory precepts: one forbids taking life and another forbids indulging in any addictive substance or behavior. Deciding to avoid meat (e.g., animal flesh of any type in all its forms) or to follow a vegan or lacto-vegetarian diet is a personal choice. In counseling, nutrition professionals must assess the type of vegetarianism practiced and what foods are allowed or avoided. Sections of Mahayana texts advocate vegetarianism, highlighting the spiritual importance of respecting life, both human and animal. Te decision to avoid meat is influenced by the principal of nonviolence, viewed as a karmic activity with repercussions for afterlife and continued suffering. Beliefs about the ill effects on health, as well as concerns for the environment and for the sustainability of natural resources, are other reasons for the ethic of meat avoidance.26,27 In practice, a vegan or a lacto-vegetarian diet is favored


among strict Buddhist followers and the monastic commu- nity; however, much geographic diversity exists. Monastic followers typically are expected to follow strict vegetarian food traditions, yet they consume with gratitude any foods provided by others in their food bowl; refusing to consume a food offering is perceived as an egoistic gesture.12 Te decision to eat or not eat meat likely depends on an


individual’s choice and belief systems. In addition, they may eat it under circumstances where they have little control over their food choice (e.g., if given in their food bowl) or if they are involved in slaughtering the animal.12


Buddhists who


live in locations such as Tibet, for instance, do eat meat since their high-altitude environment does not support a vegetar- ian diet. Other food proscriptions for Buddhists include abstaining from alcoholic beverages, which are prohibited intoxicants, and from the Five Pungent Spices—onions, scallions, chives, garlic, and leeks. Historically, these foods were avoided during long retreats, especially if held near the community’s habitat where Buddhists gather to meditate and reflect. Te community’s cooking with these foods and ingredients could create smells or odors that could distract retreat participants and thus impede their spiritual path to enlightenment. Examples of permitted foods include boiled or stir-fried noodles, rice, soy sauce, sesame oil, and herbal teas.28


Current practices may be individually determined and therefore warrant assessment.


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