中文
Adopting a vegetarian diet is not just a lifestyle choice — it is also the compassionate and meritorious choice. Vegetarianism is what Tsem Rinpoche called a “diet of loving kindness,” because we are kinder to:
- Ourselves — by eating better and healthier.
- Animals — who need not suffer and be killed in order to feed us.
- Our planet — vegetarianism reduces planetary suffering on all levels and is truly the greenest thing we can do.
Taking the Vegetarian Vow is far more beneficial than simply choosing not to eat meat. The commitment itself creates the causes for us to generate merit every single day that we hold the vow.
As Buddhists, abstaining from eating meat also contributes to our aspiration to develop kindness and live with compassion. Tsem Rinpoche always encouraged his students to take the vegetarian vow (for any duration, no matter how short) as an extension of our Dharma practice.
General guidelines
If you are new to the Vegetarian Vow, here are some helpful guidelines from Tsem Rinpoche:
- You can take the Vegetarian Vow for short periods — e.g. a day or more a week, a month, or a few months at a time.
- After each period is over, you can take the vow again. This allows you to build your practice gradually.
- You can also specify the scope of your vow. The standard vow covers meat and seafood, while eggs and dairy products are still permissible. You can choose to take a more lenient or stricter approach, whichever suits you best.
- Once you have formally taken the Vegetarian Vow with the guidance of our Sangha or Pastors, you can take the vow again on your own.
Watch the video below to learn more about the Vegetarian Vow, its benefits, how easy they are to hold, and what you should prepare if you are interested to take the vow. The prayers for taking the Vegetarian Vows can be downloaded here.
When is the ceremony held?
At Kechara, the Vegetarian Vow is given annually on Wesak Day for auspiciousness. However, you are welcome to take it at any other time. If you’d like to take the Vegetarian Vow, please reach out to us by email or WhatsApp. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have and guide you through the ceremony.
