Meat, Animals and War in Buddhist Ethics

Overview

Recall questions on when Theravada monks may eat meat, the Mahayana approach to vegetarianism, animal experimentation and the presumption against war.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1. 1

   What dietary practices do many Buddhists adopt as a practical application of ahimsa towards animals?

   Model answer

   Vegetarianism or veganism.

2. 2

   Under what conditions does Theravada Buddhism traditionally permit monks to eat meat?

   Model answer

   If the animal was not killed specifically for the monk and the monk did not see, hear or suspect this.

3. 3

   How does the Mahayana Buddhist approach to vegetarianism differ from the Theravada approach?

   Model answer

   Mahayana Buddhism, particularly in East Asian traditions, more strongly emphasises vegetarianism as essential to the bodhisattva path.

4. 4

   How do Buddhist views approach the ethics of animal experimentation?

   Model answer

   They weigh the harm caused against potential benefits, with no single authoritative position.

5. 5

   Why does ahimsa create a strong presumption against war in Buddhist ethics?

   Model answer

   Because warfare inevitably involves killing, which violates the principle of non-harm.

6. 6

   On what grounds have some Buddhist traditions historically justified defensive warfare?

   Model answer

   To protect the dharma or innocent people.

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