Vegetarianism: indifferent to life, inner peace

·Clear heart and few desires, wholeheartedly devoted to the Tao·

Health: Four major harmonies, all roots are interconnected

The great master of Buddhism, due to his vegetarianism, has a healthy body and a long lifespan. Some meat eaters may find it difficult to understand, but among scientifically minded medical and nutritionists, it is easier to comprehend.

Firstly, vegetarian monks are willing to live a simple life, without the habit of indulging in clothing and taste. They have a clear mind and few desires, and are devoted to the Tao. As the saying goes, "Only by biting the fragrance of the vegetable roots can one know the taste." The seven emotions of joy, anger, worry, thought, sadness, fear, and shock are not easily moved in the chest, and the inner peace is the main spiritual factor that is not easily prone to illness. This also includes a set of Buddhist methods for cultivating the mind.

In Buddhist scriptures, it is pointed out that vegetarianism can harmonize the four major aspects, promote the flow of qi and blood, increase concentration, "know the amount of food and drink", and "be content with less desire", which are essential conditions for achieving the divine power of meditation.

Soy products and fruits in vegetarian diets are rich in plant protein, carbohydrates, calcium, phosphorus, and various vitamins, with high nutritional value and easy digestion and absorption. Among them, soybeans have extremely high functions, containing 40% protein, 20% fat and sugar, and rich in various vitamins, carotenoids, iron, phosphorus, calcium and other nutrients. The plant protein and fat of soybeans can reduce serum cholesterol, lower hypertension, and avoid heart diseases such as arteriosclerosis. So vegetarians can supplement their body's nutrition and improve their health by consuming legumes, grains, fruits, and other foods.

In 2011, Elder Wei Xian published a paper titled "Buddhism and Vegetarianism" at the Second Chongqing Ancient Sword Forum, detailing the formation and development of the vegetarian viewpoint, as well as the influence of Buddhism on it. The Buddhist scriptures and practices of vegetarianism provide four main reasons for our vegetarianism: health, compassion, causality, and spiritual practice.

Article source: Paper "Buddhism and Vegetarianism" from the 2nd Chongqing Ancient Sword Forum

Author: Elder Wei Xian