Is there a religion that doesn't eat meat?

Yes, there are several religions that either strictly prohibit or strongly encourage their followers to abstain from eating meat. This practice, often rooted in ethical, spiritual, or health-related principles, is embraced by millions worldwide.

Researchers estimate that over 400 million people globally identify as vegetarian, with plant-based eating deeply ingrained in the traditions of numerous faiths.

Religions Promoting Plant-Based Eating

A significant number of religious communities adhere to vegetarian or even vegan diets, reflecting their core beliefs. Among the most prominent faiths where this practice is deeply rooted are those originating in India, such as Jainism, Hinduism, and Buddhism.

Jainism

Jainism is perhaps the most explicit in its promotion of vegetarianism, often extending to veganism. The central principle of Jainism is Ahimsa, or non-violence, towards all living beings. This commitment to non-harm dictates a strict vegetarian diet, as consuming meat is seen as an act of violence against animals. Jains often go further, avoiding root vegetables like onions and potatoes because their harvesting can harm small insects or the plant itself.

Hinduism

Vegetarianism is widely practiced among Hindus, though it is not universally mandated for all followers. The concept of Ahimsa is also a key principle in Hinduism, influencing many adherents to adopt a meat-free diet out of respect for all life. Additionally, the belief in karma and reincarnation suggests that actions in this life, including dietary choices, can impact future lives. Many Hindu texts recommend a sattvic (pure) diet, which is typically vegetarian. Specific castes, such as Brahmins, and various sects within Hinduism are traditionally vegetarian.

Buddhism

While the extent of vegetarianism varies among different schools of Buddhism, the practice is deeply encouraged and, in some traditions, required. The First Precept in Buddhism is to abstain from taking life, which many Buddhists interpret as extending to animals. The concept of compassion (karuṇā) for all sentient beings often leads practitioners to avoid meat. Many Mahayana Buddhist traditions, particularly in East Asia (e.g., China, Vietnam), have monastic orders and often lay followers who strictly adhere to vegetarianism or veganism.

Other Faiths and Denominations

Beyond these major religions, several other faiths and denominations also advocate for or practice vegetarianism:

• Seventh-day Adventism: This Christian denomination encourages vegetarianism and a holistic healthy lifestyle, viewing the body as a temple.
• Rastafarianism: Many Rastafarians follow an "Ital" diet, which emphasizes natural, plant-based foods, often excluding meat, artificial ingredients, and processed foods.
• Sikhism: While not universally vegetarian, many Sikhs, particularly those belonging to the Khalsa, abstain from meat, especially from ritually slaughtered animals. The langar (community kitchen) in Gurdwaras (Sikh temples) serves only vegetarian food to ensure everyone can eat together regardless of their dietary restrictions.

Core Principles Behind Dietary Choices

The decision to adopt a meat-free diet in these religions is often driven by a combination of profound philosophical and ethical considerations:

• Ahimsa (Non-violence): The fundamental principle of not causing harm to any living being.
• Spiritual Purity: Belief that certain foods can affect one's spiritual state and consciousness.
• Karma: The concept that actions, including those related to food, have consequences.
• Compassion: An empathetic concern for the suffering of animals.
• Health and Well-being: The understanding that a plant-based diet contributes to physical and mental health.

The following table summarizes the general stance on meat consumption in these religions:

These diverse religious practices demonstrate that abstaining from meat is a deeply significant aspect of faith and lifestyle for a substantial portion of the global population.