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It's crucial for one
to be aware that there are generally 3 kinds of meat that are not
supposed to be taken according to the Mahayana Buddhism:
a) Animal that's
being killed purposely for oneself.
b) One hear the
cries of the animal during slaughtering.
c) One see the
animal being slaughtered.
In general Buddhism,
for meat to be considered pure, the below three criteria must be
met:
a) The consumers
must have seen that the animal in question was not killed specially
for them.
b) The consumers
must have heard or confirmed from a trustworthy source that the
animal was not slaughtered for food for their specific
consumption.
c) The consumers
must have no doubt that this is so.
Rinpoche also
explained that even if one is not eating meat, it doesn't spare one
completely from creating negative karma. This is because all acts
of cultivation foods, including vegetables, fruits, grains involve
'killing' to a certain extent. The pesticides and other chemicals
used in preserving the crops caused the death of innumerous insects
and animals. Even, drinking milk or consuming other daily products
will cause us to commit indirect karma … simply because these milk
are taken without consent from the cows, which is no different from
'stealing'; and sometimes because of over milking, the calves are
deprived of sufficient feeding for survival …
Thus, if the time
and condition permits, it would be extremely beneficial to chant
the Buddha Akshobhya mantra before consuming any foods. Otherwise,
with a deep compassionate heart, chant "Om Mani Padme Hung" for
seven times is good enough. This will help to lighten and purify
our karma tremendously!
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