Milarepa's Songs

The yogi Milarepa left his wisdom in the form of songs, two of which specifically address the topic of killing and eating animals.

Subjugating ‘outer’ appearances, will not conquer them.
Conquer your own mind, at this very moment!
Your killing this deer will not satiate you,
Killing the five poisons within, all wishes are fulfilled!
Subjugating ‘outer’ enemies, they increase even more.
Conquering one’s ‘inner’ mindstream, there are no ‘enemies’.

—Excerpt from ‘Milarepa’s Song to Animals and the Hunter’ tr. Adele Tomlin (2020)

Read more here: 

https://dakinitranslations.com/2021/10/20/hunters-moon-special-milarepas-song-to-the-hunter-and-the-ear-whispered-chira-kagyu-lineage-and-song-on-the-suffering-of-animals-for-the-evil-custom-of-meat-eating/

May all beings be well

 

Buddhism and Not Eating Animals

 

 17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje. Photo by James Gritz

A compelling article focusing on ancient and recent commentaries about why consuming animals is antithetical to Buddhist teachings:

https://dakinitranslations.com/2021/12/29/drikung-kagyu-vegetarianism-if-you-eat-meat-you-are-not-my-disciple-and-it-disparages-great-beings-jigten-sumgon-the-white-food-vegetarian-tradition/

 

 May all beings be well and happy