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Buddhists/Vikala bhojana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami

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Expert: - 3/7/2010


Question
Someone practising Vikala bhojana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami is not supposed to take solid foods after noon. What are solid foods in the eyes of Theravada Buddhism? I heard butter, cheese and honey are allowed. How about milk? What other foods are allowed to be taken after noon? TQ.

Answer
Hi Lee,

I am not well versed with topics like this, simply because I am not interested in this type of practice.  I think the gist of the  Buddha's message was how to live in peace with oneself, and not so much of what we can eat or when we can eat.  Of course many would like to make more effort to restrict themselves in their eating routine which they think correlates with their spiritual practice.  Well and good.

We may ask ourselves without having to rely on any "authority" this question.  Why not milk, when butter, cheese and honey are ok?  If we have the confidence to ask this question then we can make our own decision.  This is the way a Buddhist should practise the Buddha's teachings.  Then you would find quick answer to your last question as well without any need to rely on others' opinions.

Hope my comments do not offend you.  This is my honest answers.

Take care.

Justin Choo

Buddhists

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Justin Choo

Expertise

When in doubt seek it out. All your questions will be answered, and you may not have to agree with the answers. Such is the beauty of Buddhism. You are free to decide. I follow the Theravada tradition, and have been studying Buddhism for more than 40 years. Please view my profile for more details. I have answered more than 1500 questions since joining this category. You may like to give me the honor to answer your question.

Experience

I was brought up in the 50's as a Buddhist. For the past 40 years I have read numerous books on Buddhism and listened to numerous talks on Buddhism by well-respected and learned monks and lay teachers. I conduct Buddhist classes for parents of Sunday School children in a Theravada Buddhist Temple. My teacher was the late Chief Reverend, The Ven. K Sri Dhammananda of The Brickfields Buddhist Mahavihara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. You can view the relevent website in memory of my revered late teacher @ http://www.ksridhammananda.com

Organizations
I am a life member of the Buddhist Missionary Society Malaysia.

Publications
YOU ARE INVITED TO VISIT MY BLOG @ http://lifeislikethat999.blogspot.com/ Published a book called "The Rainbow And The Treasure". It is a compilation of extracts from various sources to introduce Buddhism to beginners. (Currently out of print)

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Commerce And Administration, Victoria University Of Wellington, NZ.(1974)

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