In the realm of vegetarianism, there is a special connection between Buddhism and plant-based diets. When May arrives, vegan organizations often hold press conferences advocating for vegetarianism, all due to the influence of temple cuisine.
Temple food, which is not readily associated with meat, aligns with the principle of non-killing and resonates with the concept of veganism, which emphasizes a plant-based diet. However, it is essential to understand that the vegetarian food consumed in temples does not equate to a vegan diet. To grasp this distinction, it is helpful to familiarize oneself with the Buddhist terms "Osinchae" and "Jibeomgae-cha."
Temple Food: Different from Vegan Cuisine...How?
Recently, CJ CheilJedang, a leading food company, released a dish called "Sachal-sik Wanggyoja" in celebration of Buddha's Birthday, which does not include meat or Osinchae, the five pungent vegetables. Dallae (wild chive), garlic, leek, scallion, and mugwort are excluded from this particular dish.
Osinchae refers to these five vegetables collectively. In Buddhism, these vegetables are considered foods that produce strong flavors and heat, which are believed to disrupt spiritual practices. However, outside the realm of Buddhism, Osinchae is commonly used as an ingredient to enhance flavors and aromas, promote blood circulation, and provide nutrition.
Certain Vegetables Excluded from Temple Cuisine
It is true that meat is generally absent from Korean temple cuisine. The "Dae Ban Yeol Ban Gyeong," a major Buddhist scripture in Korean Buddhism, contains the Buddha's teaching, "Consuming meat cuts off the seed of compassion." Buddhism views the act of consuming meat as a manifestation of greed that results in the loss of other beings' lives.
However, it is important to note that not all Buddhist traditions and countries prohibit the consumption of meat. Buddhism acknowledges the act of eating as long as it does not hinder spiritual practice. While Buddhism does not advocate for the consumption of meat to the extent that it affects one's survival by depriving the body of proper nourishment, it allows for a moderate intake of nutrition.
Buddhist Traditions That Allow Meat Consumption...Where?
Countries such as Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos, collectively known as Theravada Buddhist countries, allow the consumption of meat. In these regions, monks sustain themselves through alms rounds (takbal) and lay devotees' meal offerings (cheongsik). During these occasions, they cannot choose or refuse food items, making it difficult to adhere to strict dietary restrictions. However, monks in these regions observe the practice of "afternoon fasting," refraining from consuming meals after noon. On the other hand, the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism has prohibited alms rounds since 1964, aiming to elevate the status of monks and avoid causing discomfort to other religions.
Monks in Tibetan Buddhism, which falls under the Mahayana tradition, and Mongolia are also allowed to consume meat. The high-altitude region of Tibet is known to be prone to altitude sickness, and it is believed that not eating meat increases the risk of falling ill. In Mongolia, meat obtained from livestock is a staple food source rather than a supplement, as the country's agricultural practices differ from those of countries like Korea, which rely on farming.
In Korean Buddhism, there are instances where meat consumption is permitted, particularly when a practitioner is ill. It is said that three conditions, known as "Samjeongyuk,".
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