You are here:

Buddhists/Buddhism and butchers

Advertisement

Expert: - 5/31/2010


Question
Hello! My question is: can a butcher to be a buddhist? Is it correct?

Thank you.

Answer
The practice of Buddhism is to meet this very moment with clarity and compassion. When you do something... what is your intention? Why do you do it? If it's only for yourself, then this I/my/me will create suffering. But if you act with the intention of helping all beings, then no problem.

So there's no need to hold any ideas about whether any person or action is good or bad. Why do you do it? That's what's important. Put down I/my/me, perceive this moment clearly, and then whatever situation you happen to be in, use it to help all beings.

Buddhists

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Stuart Resnick

Expertise

I'm a long-time practitioner in a Korean-style Zen school. I can answer questions regarding Zen, formal sitting meditation, self-inquiry, the practice of "koan" transmission, and offer the particular perspective of this school on the great life questions.

Experience

18 years of formal practice with the Kwan Um School of Zen, currently with the Empty Gate Zen Center of Berkeley, currently a "Senior Dharma Teacher" at this center, I give periodic talks and informally answer questions of students interested in Zen practice and teaching style

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.