Veganism, the practice of abstaining from the use of animal products, is increasingly common around the world. However, its prevalence varies across cultures and religions. Buddhism, one of the major world religions, preaches compassion for all living beings, which seems aligned with vegan values. This article explores whether Korean Buddhists follow a vegan diet.
Brief History of Buddhism in Korea
Buddhism first arrived in Korea from China in the 4th century CE during the Three Kingdoms period. It initially struggled to gain acceptance due to competition from local shamanistic religions. However, it gradually became the dominant faith across the peninsula. The Unified Silla kingdom (668-935 CE) embraced Buddhism and promoted it amongst the aristocracy.
During the subsequent Goryeo dynasty (918-1392), Buddhism reached new heights in Korea. It became a means for the kingdom to display its cultural sophistication and wealth. The government actively supported monk scholarship and temple construction. Goryeo saw the rise of powerful Buddhist sects and a flourishing of religious art and literature.
The Joseon dynasty (1392-1897) adopted Confucianism as the state philosophy and suppressed Buddhism’s political influence. However, it continued to be practiced by both the elite and common people. Buddhist monks provided services like ceremonies, fortune telling, and healing. When the Joseon dynasty fell, Buddhists played a key role in the Donghak peasant revolution against foreign encroachment.
Today, Korea has a rich Buddhist history and tradition. Around 15 million Koreans identify as Buddhist, mostly following the Seon (Zen) school. Prominent Korean Buddhist thinkers include Wonhyo, Jinul, and Han Yongun. Major sects include the Jogye Order, Taego Order, and Won Buddhism.
Overview of Buddhist Teachings on Veganism
Buddhism’s foundational teachings encourage compassion for all living beings. The First Precept advises refraining from killing or harming others. Buddhists also believe virtue lies in avoiding luxury and limiting desires. However, Buddhist texts do not explicitly prohibit meat eating or mandate vegetarianism. Different schools have interpreted Buddhist principles regarding diet differently:
– Mahayana Buddhism generally encourages vegetarianism more strongly, particularly in East Asia. Sutras like the Lankavatara Sutra and Brahmajala Sutra advocate avoiding meat for spiritual purification. However, vegetarianism is not universally mandated.
– Theravada Buddhism predominates in Southeast Asia and Sri Lanka. Monks beg for alms and eat whatever is given to them. The laity is not expected to be vegetarian, but some choose to be on observance days.
– Vajrayana Buddhism of Tibet permits meat as long as the animal is not slaughtered specifically for the consumer. The Dalai Lama has encouraged vegetarianism while not prohibiting meat.
So while Buddhism values compassion and non-violence, vegetarian or vegan diets are not an absolute requirement. There is significant diversity in how Buddhist traditions have interpreted this matter.
Veganism Among Korean Buddhists
Given this flexibility around Buddhist diets, what is the reality for Korean Buddhists today? Do they tend to follow vegan diets in line with the philosophy of non-harming?
The evidence indicates Korean Buddhists are in fact mostly not vegan:
Meat Consumption in Korea
While the traditional Korean diet relied on plant foods like rice, vegetables, and soy, the modern diet includes considerable meat. Data indicates:
– In 2018, annual meat consumption in South Korea was around 52 kg per capita, compared to a world average of 35 kg.
– Beef, chicken, and pork are the most commonly consumed meats. Koreans eat an average of 17 kg of pork per year.
– Meat consumption has risen steadily since the 1960s along with Korea’s economic development. In 1960, Koreans ate just 3 kg of meat per year.
Monastic Cuisine
While Korean Buddhist monks and nuns don’t usually eat meat, their temple cuisine is also generally not vegan:
– Temple food relies heavily on soybean products like tofu and soy sauce, avoiding only meat and dairy.
– Eggs are commonly used to provide protein.
– Temple cooks create vegetarian versions of dishes like kimchi and jeon (pancakes) using egg as a binder.
– On special occasions, temples may prepare luxurious vegetarian menus featuring fish, abalone, oysters, and clams.
So while meat is shunned, ingredients like eggs, seafood, and honey are permitted. The focus is avoiding slaughter rather than total abstinence from animal products.
Public Perception of Veganism
While veganism is growing globally, it remains relatively niche in Korea:
– Interest took off around 2016 but veganism still struggled with perceptions of unfamiliarity in 2020.
– Famous figures like tennis player Chung Hyeon have adopted plant-based diets, boosting public awareness.
– The proliferation of foreign foods like avocado toast and acai bowls has supported vegan trends.
– But surveys suggest only around 1% of Koreans identify as vegetarian or vegan. Meat remains an important part of the culture.
So veganism’s niche status means it has likely not been widely adopted by Korean Buddhists so far. They largely follow standard Korean eating patterns.
Initiatives Promoting Veganism
That said, some Korean Buddhist groups are advocating plant-based diets:
– The Eco-Temple Committee of the Jogye Order is encouraging environmental protection through vegan meals.
– Buddhist animal rights groups like Way to Peace are calling for avoiding all animal products.
– Cookbooks like “Temple Food for a Plant-Based Life” showcase veganized Korean temple cuisine.
– Buddhism-inspired groups like the Lotus Lantern eat only plant foods grown without pesticides or chemical fertilizers.
So while not yet mainstream, Korean Buddhist veganism is an emerging movement.
Conclusion
In summary, while Buddhism advocates compassion for all beings, Korean Buddhists today are mostly not committed to full veganism. Meat consumption is rising in Korea, and temple cuisine incorporates eggs, seafood, and honey. Veganism remains uncommon, though some Buddhist organizations are encouraging plant-based eating for spiritual and ecological reasons. More Korean Buddhists may shift towards veganism in line with global trends, but it is not currently a majority practice. The religion’s flexibility around diet means followers ultimately have discretion in how strictly they avoid animal products.