The Buddhist Vegetarian Campaign is a coalition of Buddhist practitioners from all the major schools of Buddhism. We believe that vegetarianism is implicit in the core principles of Buddhism and that Buddhists of all schools should give up the practice of eating meat. We believe that to eat meat causes unnecessary suffering and will bring the Dharma into disrepute. We further believe that if Buddhists are not seen to be promoting vegetarianism then a whole swathe of people will dismiss the whole idea of Buddhism - the kinds of people who in other respects could be attracted to Buddhism - peace/animal/eco activists. If 'engaged' Buddhists that Buddhism has something to offer activists then they must be clear that they advocate moving towards vegetarianism/veganism.
Our objectives:
- to persuade the leaders of all Buddhists sanghas in the UK to advocate vegetarianism as being implicit in the Buddhist message.
- To persuade Buddhists practitioners in the UK to adopt vegetarianism.
Our Strategy:
Expand our coalition of supporters.
Research the current dietary practices amongst Buddhists.
Engage in dialogue sangha by sangha.
Seek to educate Buddhists on the importance of the first precept.,
Buddhists are united in their aspiration to develop and practice compassion and loving-kindness towards all that living beings and to practice non-violence in all possible areas of life. It would be hard to find a Buddhist who disagreed with this. How then can Buddhists be so divided when it comes to something so fundamental as eating meat?
The spirit of Buddhism is well expressed by the Dhammapada verses 129-131
All tremble at violence; all fear death.
Putting oneself in the place of another,
one should not kill nor cause another to kill.
All tremble at violence; life is dear to all.
Putting oneself in the place of another,
one should not kill nor cause another to kill.
One who, while himself seeking happiness,
oppresses with violence other beings
who also desire happiness,
will not attain happiness hereafte.
On these words we take our stand.
