Is the Dalai Lama a vegetarian? - Answers (original) (raw)
- The Dalai Lama used to be a strict vegetarian, but is not a strict vegetarian now. The Dalai Lama was very impressed with an Indian vegetarian in the 1960's, and became vegetarian for about two years. Unfortunately, he contracted hepatitis, and under doctor's suggestions began eating meat again. Tibetan Buddhists are not strict vegetarians, as it is difficult to grow vegetables and grains in the Himalayas. Three major monastaries have become fully vegetarian recently with the help of imported foods. The Dalai Lama wishes to be a full vegetarian, even though he cannot, as he applauds the compassion it shows. He chooses to only eat meat every other day, hoping that by cutting his consumption of meat in half, he will inspire his followers who can become full vegetarians to do so. The Buddha does not require his followers to be strict vegetarians, but he encourages it as a show of compassion for fellow creatures. The reason for allowing it to be a choice rather than a mandate is to allow those who do not have access to sufficient vegetarian nutrition to still be good practicing Buddhists.
Also, there are areas of the world in which the ability to grow enough crops to sustain the population on vegetarian foods alone does not exist. By the way, I've been vegetarian for 25 years and have done extensive fieldwork in Central Asia including both vegetarian and non-vegetarian Buddhist monastaries.
The Dalai Lama was a vegetarian for a time, but he developed jaundice.
It seems that the Dalai lama is a great lover of meat and is not very concerned about the cruelty involved in its production either as he has a particular appreciation for veal. The production of which is to put it bluntly a terrible affront to the animals involved.