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Jonathan Tracey
Kimberly Lark
History 134
June 8, 2015
Dietary Restrictions in Buddhism
Buddhism is composed on multiple branches which each have there on traditions. Each
branch has different variations of their diet. There is no set restrictions for diet. Religions such as
Judaism give clear distinctions on what is okay and what is not okay to eat. This results in the
variation of food consumption between branches. The same concept remains between the
branches. Reincarnation is believed to occur after death. Animals can be reincarnated as human,
therefore many Buddhists are vegan while those that do eat meat do so sparingly. Food is viewed
as a necessity and should not be eaten with greed, but used for reaching enlightenment.
Monks have strict dietary restrictions. They are expected to eat twice per day. They are
given a variety of foods in their bowl and are expected to eat whatever is given to them. These
foods can include meat or even spoiled foods. This is the practice of feeding themselves by alms,
and is practiced by those who follow Theravada1. After noon, monks are also restricted to liquid
foods as a means of purification. Fasting is also common practice for monks. Fasting takes place
on each full moon and new moon. On these days, monks will eat no food.

1 Theravada is a branch of Buddhism that uses the teaching of the Pali Canon, a collection of

the oldest recorded Buddhist texts, as its doctrinal core, but also includes a rich diversity of
traditions and practices that have developed over its long history of interactions with various
cultures and communities.

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Theravada, Mahayana, and Tibetan branches of Buddhism have different views on diet. The
Tibetan branches allow the consumption of meat. Agriculture is poor in Tibet and the primary
means of obtaining food is through livestock. Buddhist in Tibet will eat the meat for dietary
reasons. When they choose the animals to eat from, the larger animal will be chosen to provide
the most food per life. For this reason, they do not eat fish and typically do not eat fowl. They do
strongly believe in the sanctity of life. They pray over the plate in order to purify it before
consumption. The Mahayana do not believe in the consumption of any meat. All beings share the
same Dhatu2 and are all related, therefore eating meat is a form of cannibalism according to
Buddha. Any food that had touched meat should be cleansed before eaten and any meal that
included meat should be rejected.
There is no set guideline for Buddhist to follow in terms of diet. There are many set practices on
dietary restrictions depending on branches. Diet is an important aspect of Buddhist faith and is
practiced throughout the world.

Works Cited
2 interconnected body tissues that are produced from metabolism and energy and
anchor mind and spirit

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Julius, E. The Essence of Buddhism. Auckland, N.Z.: Floating, 2008. Print.

Lister, R. F. Buddhism in the Tibetan Tradition: A Guide. London: Routledge & K. Paul, 1984.
Print.
Rinpoche, Wangchen. Buddhist Fasting Practice: The Nyungne Method of Thousand-armed
Chenrezig. Ithaca, N.Y.: Snow Lion Publications, 2009. Print.
Trainor, Kevin. Buddhism: The Illustrated Guide. Oxford: Oxford UP, 2001. Print.