Buddhism and Veganism: Essays Connecting Spiritual Awakening and Animal Liberation

by Will Tuttle

Many of us are surprised to discover that Buddhist monks, lamas, and teachers often eat the flesh and secretions of animals. What is the underlying relationship between Buddhism and veganism? Can we awaken spiritually and morally while participating in our culture's ongoing abuse of animals for food and other products? Do the Buddhist teachings require or even explicitly encourage vegan living, or is veganism seen as a personal choice? As Buddhism continues to spread, and as interest in veganism is burgeoning, these questions are heating up and call for a more thorough investigation. This book is a collection of teachings and stories by people who are committed to both Buddhism and veganism, and who share a variety of insightful perspectives on how spiritual awakening and animal liberation interconnect and reinforce each other. Their inspiring wisdom reveals intriguing keys to a better world for us all.

Genres: Buddhism, Vegan, Religion

248 pages, Paperback

Published February 24, 2019

About the author

Dr. Will Tuttle, author of The World Peace Diet, is a pianist, composer, educator, and recipient of the Courage of Conscience Award. A former Zen monk, his Ph.D. from U.C. Berkeley focused on educating intuition and altruism. He presents ongoing events promoting peace through compassion for all life.

Reviews

[debbicat *made of stardust* · Rating 5 out of 5]

My friend, Tracey Glover, has an essay in this. I thought the entire book astounding and very much needed reading in the world 🌎 today. I read it on Kindle but will be picking up a paperback for my personal bookshelf. It’s a book I know I’ll refer to over and over. All of my life. Love animals, eat plants. ❤️

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reviewing this a few months after finishing: this book doesn't offer much new for vegans who have been vegan for a while, unless perhaps you're new to Buddhism. I feel this is a more effective tool for Buddhists. My wife is much more into Buddhism than I am; I don't care for any philosophy that has requirements beyond being kind, though I do find aspect of Buddhism helpful. The essays here are, like in most books of essays, a bit up and down; some are better-written than others, and each one obviously focuses on something a bit different but end up saying basically the same thing: you can find arguments for veganism within Buddhism, and as we evolve, even older precepts are subject to change and reinterpretation.

I love the drawings in this book!

Recommended for people interested in Buddhism, or for Buddhists looking for reasons to support being or going vegan. Less recommended for those of us who've been vegan for a while and aren't that into Buddhism.

[Diana MacIntosh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was excited to read this book as it was edited by Will Tuttle, Ph.D. who is the author of one of my favorite books, The World Peace Diet. I have been a vegan for many years but I am not a Buddhist and I was interested to learn more about Buddhism in connection with animal rights. These essays helped me to realize that many of my values are aligned with basic Buddhist principles. I found this book interesting and insightful and recommend it for Buddhists who want to learn more about veganism and for vegans wanting to learn more about Buddhism.

[Joel Levey]

This is a brilliant and profoundly relevant book for anyone who seeks to embody solutions rather than continue to be part of the climate change and animal exploitation problems. This offers a wealth of insight and inspiration based on modern and ancient wisdom for embodying ethical intelligence through our choices in how we nourish ourselves, care for our biosystem, and respect the lives of other sentient beings.