Some Buddhists follow a vegetarian or vegan diet to practice non-harming, while others may choose to eat meat but try to do so in a way that causes the least harm possible.
The Buddha did not prohibit meat consumption, and some of his followers ate meat. However, the Buddha encouraged his followers to be mindful of their food source and avoid causing harm whenever possible. In the Mahaparinibbana Sutta, a Buddhist scripture, the Buddha says: “I permit you, monks, to eat fish and meat if they are not seen, heard, or suspected to have been killed on purpose for you.” This suggests that the Buddha did not want his followers to participate in the intentional killing of animals for food.
Some Buddhists interpret this passage to mean that they should only eat meat, a byproduct of the meat industry, rather than meat that has been specifically raised and killed for their consumption. Others interpret it to mean that they should only eat meat from animals that have died naturally or been killed for reasons other than being used as food.
In general, the approach to diet in Buddhism is one of balance and moderation. Individual Buddhists may choose what to eat based on their understanding of the teachings and their own personal circumstances.
