What is Buddhism?

Simply, sans semantics, "Buddhi" means "intelligence". Metaphysically, one established in INTELLIGENT AWARENESS of WHAT IS, can be called a BUDDHA.

AHIMSA or NON-VIOLENCE, in India, where Buddhism originated, means, "Non-Killing" of ANY, not just "human" LIFE.

Why is it prohibited to take "life"?

This injunction in HIGHER SPIRITUAL WAY(s) of India is inviolable. Unlike Semitic religions or other "paths" elsewhere, taking of "life" of animals, specifically for "food", is a strict no-no here. Excuses “forwarded” by so-called Buddhists for partaking meat are of "LAMA" kind. Of an "alien culture". It is an “outsider” ethos.

Admittedly, a chunk of "less evolved" Indian Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists too take meat. They are in millions. The majority or popular "belief" is, more often than not, of a lower kind. That is why it has more followers. A "higher kind" of Seeker, from anywhere in the world, is no “easy” sheep that can be "herded" to take "feed" with the common flock.

Thus, it may rightly be said that "we are all either moving towards Correct Understanding [Enlightenment] or away from 'That' place of Understanding."

And, pray, what is "this" RIGHT UNDERSTANDING?

It is that ALL is ONE. It is LIFE. And, this “life substratum” is ONE.

This is ENLIGHTENMENT of a BUDDHA.

As in THE END, in SELF-REALIZATION, it is "found" that ALL IS ONE "LIFE", the sages and seers of India prohibit MEAT-EATING. 

As did BUDDHA.

Hence, who eats meat, is no Buddhist.

About Meditation

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Buddhism and Vegetarianism: Would Sid Eat Meat?

“I undertake a vow to abstain from taking life.”

Buddha thus laid down The First Precept of his faith.

What doubt does it leave in any intelligent person’s mind about Meat-Eating? Any excuse to the contrary is willful, wishful waywardness. If, reportedly, Dalai Lama continues to eat meat, then, he, very much like other “lesser mortals”, strays from The Basic Foundation and The First Precept of Buddhism. 

So, how did meat-eating creep into Buddhism?

It happened when Buddhism spread outside India. The regions, countries it took root, had an age-old non-vegetarian culture. Be it Japan, China, Thailand, Vietnam, Burma, Korea, Tibet. And, now, it is the West.

All these “alien”, Non-Indian, cultures were also very violent and volatile. “Taking Life” was The Way here. Much pride was taken in one’s ability, readiness for settling scores. An Eye for An Eye prevailed. It still does.

Lastly, in these civilizations, spirits/devil/demons/deities etc. were a part and parcel of everyday “reality”. Hence, REALITY AS IS, or, the Realization that SELF is ONE, remained then, as does it now, missing. View of WHAT IS, as DUALITY not UNITY, prevails now, as it did then. Thus, there was, yet is not, respect for “other” life or soul. Be it so-called “higher life” (man). Or, “lower life” (animal).

Siddhartha, “Sid”, Buddha led a Non-Violent life. The Master preached ‘Ahimsa’. His teachings are distorted. Taking “life” is against Buddhism.

Who eats meat, is no Buddhist.

Read the Article at HuffingtonPost