Buddhism emphasizes equality among all beings; does this include plants? The rice we eat is the seed that plants produce in order to reproduce
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Buddhism emphasizes equality among all beings; does this include plants? The rice we eat is the seed that plants produce in order to reproduce. Then monks should not eat anything at all, neither meat nor vegetables – aren’t both meat and vegetables derived from living organisms?
The equality I understand is one without distinctions of rank
I mean, a fertilized egg (an egg) is not much different from rice – they are both seeds through which living organisms reproduce!
There’s really no difference, so why bother being so precise in Buddhism? Just eat when you should eat and drink when you should drink
rhinovo 2012-10-16 Everything is a sentient being; sentient beings include living beings as well as inanimate entities, and plants belong to the category of inanimate entities； We must understand that the Buddha’s heart is boundless, extending throughout all of space and the entire realm of dharma ； The Buddha said that all beings possess the Buddha-nature, referring to both the Buddha-nature of sentient beings and the Dharma-nature of inanimate beings. In fact, the Buddha-nature and the Dharma-nature are one and the same; it is called Buddha-nature for sentient beings, while it is called Dharma-nature for inanimate beings – they are one, not two, and represent the same thing. However, there is a concept of broad and narrow meaning here; different expressions are used for various beings because of their differing foundations, virtues, merits, and circumstances. Different teachings are given according to the foundation of each being. We wonder that if plants and minerals are excluded from the category of sentient beings, then the concept of \"equality of mind\" loses its meaning; likewise, the idea of \"existing throughout all space and the entire realm of dharma\" also makes no sense, as the realm of space and dharma encompasses all sentient beings in all dimensions. And then the concept of \"equal enlightenment for both sentient and non-sentient beings\" is even less plausible, right? Therefore, “all beings” includes all sentient and non-sentient entities. But “heartless beings” have no emotions such as affection, anger, or hatred; they lack the seven emotions and five desires. So when we eat their “meat,” they don’t feel pain, nor do they feel fear, anger, or hatred, and they won’t hate us either. That’s why we can eat them, hehe!
Buddha, Taoism, Christianity – these are merely sources of spiritual comfort and guides for thought. The doctrines vary from one tradition to another; there’s no need to take them too seriously. It’s enough if one can strive to be good and achieve peace and tranquility in their heart!