Most people in Srilanka (69 per cent to be exact) are Buddhists. Buddhism preaches Ahimsa. Yet the Sinhalese relish and eat the flesh of fish, fowl and beast. I was curious about this apparent paradox. Our garrulous guide, mr. Sumedh, gave this quixotic explanation based on his perception of Buddhism. (He is the son of a Police officer who was a great follower of Jiddu Krishnamurthy.So he is not unaware of the intricacies of the philosophy of his religion.)
“I think therefore I act. The thought leads to action and action binds you in karmic knots. So whatever you do without forethought or desire has no karmic impact. This includes what you eat. This is a non-issue for a Buddhist. In fact extreme preoccupation with Vegetarianism is also a Karma creator!
The goal is to overcome Karma not argue about food! Sumedh asked if I would argue whether it is sinful to eat “soap”? No! Why? Because, NOBODY can eat it! But the fact that flesh is edible also means that it was intended for human consumption. (This is similar to the Judeao-Christian argument). Those who eat it may do so. Others who don’t want to need not. Why argue about it and try to influence others thus creating more Karmic Bonds.
I neither agree nor disagree with his views as I don’t want to get into Karmic knots either!
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