Meat-Eating vs. Vegetarianism: the Practice of Karuna in Theravada Buddhism and Chinese Mahayana Buddhism

• Main Author: Mohd Nor, Nur Suriya
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: IIUM Press 2021
• Subjects: BL Religion; BQ Buddhism
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/89749/1/89749_Meat-Eating%20vs.%20Vegetarianism.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/89749/; https://journals.iium.edu.my/al-itqan/index.php/al-itqan/article/view/189
• Institution: Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia

The aim of this study is to discuss the practice of compassion (karuna) according to Theravada Buddhism and Chinese Mahayana Buddhism. The researcher also emphasises on the practice of karuna among these two traditions with special focus to meat-eating and vegetarianism. This research applies qualitative methodology, in which the researchers use nonnumerical data that includes content and critical analysis on written materials such as books, articles, and internet sources. The findings reveal that both traditions emphasis on compassion, but they are different in terms of their practice. Theravada Buddhism believes that meat-eating is not against the practise of compassion, while Chinese Mahayana Buddhism practises vegetarianism as a way to show their compassion towards the others.