Quote Originally Posted by MelT
Not all forms of Buddhism beleive in reincarnation, I personally don't. And those who do don't think idly to themselves that life, practise and morality don't have to be practised because we can 'get it right next time'

It's a strange and sweeping generalisation to say that most Buddhists are meat eaters, I'm not sure what you can base that on. There are millions of vegetarian Buddhists all over the world. For some traditions it's mandatory not to eat meat, in others it's a personal choice, but I think anyone who believes in and adheres to the basic teachings can't help but *want* to be vegetarian.

In some traditions breaking the 'rules' of Buddhism will bring bad Karma and displeasure, but in others being good, being a vegetarian, non-killing etc., are just suggestions, ways to a better, happier life, not mandatory rules. There are no punishments for not following these ideas. It isn't a religion, it's a philosophy that you choose to follow or not. It's a code that you discipline yourself to follow personally, you aren't being forced into it.

MelT

Well when I say that you may get it right in the next life, I am implying that even if you aren't a buddhist, you will eventually be one, but not necessarily during your current lifetime, and even if you are not aware that you are a buddhist, you can still attain enlightenment. And based on my experience, many practicing buddhists eat meat, while the monks are the ones who do not. But following certain rules to the letter and absolutely does not mean in any way that you are on the path to enlightenment.
phytokind Reviewed by phytokind on . Is Buddhism a religion for lazy people? Is Buddhism a religion for lazy people? Here's my take. Most Buddhists I know aren't really Buddhists. My understanding is that one cannot be a Buddhist anyway, because in each moment we are "becoming" we are never one thing or another. We just "are" and we have no name. I think for the greater numbe of adherents to this religion, particularly in the west, Buddhism is almost a lifestyle choice, along with Yoga and vegatarianism. Mainstream religion is too much like hard work. All that Rating: 5