Tag: Mahayana buddhism

For over 1,700 years, Buddhist monks in Korea have primarily followed a plant-based diet, rooted in compassion and mindful practice. However, this leads many to ask, "Are Korean Buddhists vegan?" The answer is complex and depends heavily on whether one is a monastic or a lay follower.

Over 500 million people worldwide practice Buddhism, and while the principle of non-harming is universal, the application of dietary rules, such as eating chicken, varies dramatically across different traditions and geographical regions.

According to the Vinaya, the monastic code of conduct, Buddhist monks are prohibited from eating solid food after midday. Beyond this time-based rule, other dietary restrictions determine what monks are not allowed to eat, which vary significantly across different monastic traditions and religious sects.

Not all Buddhists avoid onions, but for those who do, the reasoning is deeply tied to spiritual practice. Specifically, certain Mahayana traditions abstain from what they call the 'five pungent roots,' which includes onions, believing they can disrupt mental clarity and hinder meditation.