The Formation and Characteristics of Vegetarian Culture in Taiwan

• Main Authors: CHEN, YOON- LEE, 釋顯僧（曾潤麗）
• Other Authors: HSU, HO-LING
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2018
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/g64687

碩士 === 佛光大學 === 佛教學系 === 106 === In recent years, there is a growing trend in vegetarianism. Due to the popularity in natural science, emphasis on the global ecological environment, and personal health ideals; vegetarianism is no longer only confined to merely religion. However, how could one eat with a mind at ease, and at the same time to save energy and reduce carbon emission. This is an important topic for a quality humanity in the modern era. Taiwan is known as “The Paradise for Vegetarians”. This is because in different periods there were various immigrants moved into Taiwan. They integrated into the rich Chinese culture as well as the exceptional cooking techniques with the local. It is not only enriched but also inspired a variety of creative vegetarian cuisines in the world. The non-Chinese Buddhist regions originated in India do not strictly comply with vegetarian diet due to the different environments or doctrines. 2500 years ago, the Buddha’s disciples do not pick on their food from alms processions. Furthermore, they are allowed to eat “Three kinks of pure meat” (Skt. tri-koṭi-śuddha-mâṃsa):Meat of an animal which one did not see being killed; Meat of an animal which one did not hear being killed; Meat of an animal which one did not request being killed. I have been questioned for the reasons of not eating garlic and onions as they are vegetables by the Malays and Indians from the same country. My answer was difficult to be understood and accepted by those who do not have any Chinese Buddhism background. Consequently, it might also deter them the chance to know the teachings of the Buddha. The vegetarianism in China is influenced by the living conditions of agrarian society, as well as the propagations of Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism, and folk religions. These deeply impacted the vegetarian culture in Taiwan. To trace its origin of Five Pungent Roots Restrictions, it is believed that it began from the Daoist Canon, Sandong Zhunang, written by Kou Qianzhi the Celestial Master of Northern Wei dynasty. According to the Vinaya in Sectarian Buddhism, only garlic was recorded in the Dharmagupta-vinaya, Sarvāstivāda-vinaya, Mahīśāsaka-vinaya, and Mahāsāṃghika Vinaya. It might be related to the Manusmṛti in India since 2000 years ago, with a use of “garlic” to differentiate the cleanliness of a caste. Since the Emperor Wu of Liang dynasty advocated the Brahmajāla-sūtra in China, Buddhists started to firmly restrict the consumption of the Five Pungent Roots. Garlic and onions are part of the Five Pungent Roots. They helped to flavor and enrich the taste of vegetarian food. Furthermore, garlic and onions help to reduce the reliance on animal ingredients. Based on the advocation of no killing and the nutritional value of the Five Pungent Roots, I tried to understand the considerations of the person who setup this restriction through literature reviews, the background of the restrictions during that period. After clarified the Five Pungent Roots Restriction’s backround among religions, the restriction could be started by the Indian society to differentiate the śūdra caste with others. Besides, garlic and onions are prohibited by the Daoist who wanted to achieve on sorcery or spell. In spite of these existing concepts, one could change one’s diet to be a vegetarian or vegan for the sake of health. Hence, it helps to promote Taiwanese vegetarian food to the world. Religion was the main force to promote vegetarianism in Taiwan. If the Five Pungent Roots Restriction could be solved, the promotion of vegetarianism is predictable. I hope to trace back the transformations of Eastern dietetic cultures through folk religions, medical science and other aspects to eliminate the doubts of Buddhist vegetarian culture. Furthermore, the purpose of this research is to bring forth the Buddha’s teachings in a more complete manner thus allowing other vegetarian cultures have a chance to know Buddhism.