Hello everyone. I have a question about how Buddhism and veganism go together.
First, I want to explain what I mean clearly.
Veganism is the idea that people should live without using animals. When someone accepts the principle “animals are not resources”, they start doing vegan things — like not eating meat, not wearing fur, and so on.
You might notice I’m not using the word “cruelty”, because not all exploitation is cruel in a physical way. But every kind of exploitation is unfair, because animals can’t say “yes” to what’s being done to them.
Now about my question.
Of course the Buddha didn’t know about veganism — it didn’t exist back then. But doesn’t the idea of ahimsa (non-violence) basically mean the same thing?
I’m not talking about avoiding harm just to get better karma or feel better about yourself. I mean real respect for living beings. If you don’t want to support harm or slavery, then you don’t. And honestly, I can’t imagine a Buddhist who thinks animals are just things to use.
So maybe not every vegan is a Buddhist — but shouldn’t every Buddhist be a vegan?
And yes, I know about things like “pure meat” for monks. That complicates some stuff, but I don’t think it really applies to lay people.
Thanks in advance if someone wants to reply or explain more!
