Dietary Customs of Buddhism
Quinn Meurer B1 B3
Overview of Buddhist Dietary Customs
Like in many other religions, food in Buddhism, is somewhat related to religion. Buddhist dietary laws are based around the five precepts, moral laws that all Buddhists live by. Even though only Buddhist monks and nuns follow Buddhist dietary rules to their core, ordinary Buddhists can follow the rules lightly also. The First precept is to refrain from harming any other living being. This means that Buddhists should be vegetarian, in order to avoid killing animals for food. The fifth precept is to refrain from using intoxicants. This mean that some strict observers of Buddhism do not eat flavorful food because it is similar to intoxicants. Some buddhists believe that food is only for nourishment and not for enjoyment. According to the fifth precept mixing food is encouraged also. Mixing food also mixes their flavors, so it is thought of just as food rather than thought about as a source of pleasure. The second precept is not to take what hasn't been given, and give freely. This means that in some countries giving food
to Buddhist monks is encouraged, but even giving to food pantries help.
Stir Fry
Cook vegetables in oil until tender and crisp. Serve over rice. This dish is vegetarian.
Lo Han Jai
This dish is a Buddhist vegetarian stew. Traditionally it is served on the first day of the Chinese New Year to cleanse the soul. It used to be made of dried oysters, gingko nuts, dried mushrooms, and dried fungus but modern variations usually use fresher ingredients.
Kenchinjiru
Kenchinjiru, or Kenchin soup is a Japanese dish that comes from the Kenchoji temple. The soup is centered around tofu, which is crumbled into the soup. Vegetables, mushrooms, and roots are added also
The Five Precepts
Guidelines on how Buddhists should live.
Buddhist Monk
A Buddhist monk meditating in Thailand.
Buddhist Monks Having a Meal
An example of how Buddhist monks would have a meal.
Bibliography
Works Cited
"Buddhism Diet Laws." LIVESTRONG.COM. LIVESTRONG.COM, 19 Feb. 2014. Web. 01 Dec. 2014.
"Buddhism." Faith in Food. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Dec. 2014.
http://www.tofugu.com/2012/10/23/shojin-ryori-cooking/
http://assets.eatingwell.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/310_square/MV5224_0.JPG
http://www.thinpedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/BuddhistMonks.jpg
https://formandfitnessathletics.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Buddhist-monk-Thailand.jpg
http://www.pbs.org/food/recipes/buddhist-vegetarian-stew-lo-han-jai/