Vegetarian = Buddhist?
It’s been about 1 month since i turned Vegetarian. It’s not an easy task especially being a meat-eater for last 38 years. Many times, seeing those delicious juicy meat, I began to regret why on earth did I make such stupid decision. However, the Big WHY answers all that and motivated me to continue on.
However, many people stereotypcasting vegetarian as buddhist.  Even in my own church, I experience it myself today. today, being our church choir election day, we had catered packet food for members. Since I’m the rare one in the group who are vegetarian, I did not tell the caterer my needs.Â
The packet came with fried noodle and a chicken wing. As I turn vegetarian of my own will due to achieve my good health resolution, I do not mind the fried noodle as compare to other vegetarian who will not consume the food as it is mixed with meat. I went around asking my member who would like to have my chicken wing and to my surprise many was shock to learn that I do not eat meat and some even remarks that I am a Catholic and should not turn Buddhist behaviour.
Hey, Vegetarian do not equate Buddhist! It’s a kind of holistic living and I choose to be so due to my own will. Indeed many Buddhist are vegetarian but not vice versa. The shocking stereotyping remarks really puzzled and amused me!
Nonetheless, I feel good to be switching Vege. I know I do have the choice and it’s my exercising of discipline I’m even proud of that I can choose not to! I am determine to have healthy living and would like to have good health and see my girl/son got married! Lastly, i want to survive longer than my lovely wife, CW, as I cannot bear to see her living alone in grief if I pass away earlier than her.
As such, my WHY push me further and encourage me to live on!