法苑珠林 93.41

93.41

"[...] When this mantra is recited three times, one may then eat meat. Even rice should not be eaten [in an improper manner]. Why is that? If devoid of mindful reflection, rice should not be eaten; how much less should meat be eaten!" The Buddha told Mañjuśrī: "Because sentient beings lack the power of loving-kindness and compassion and harbour the intention to kill and harm, for this reason and condition meat-eating is banned. If one can harbour no intention to harm, [possess] a mind of great loving-kindness and compassion, and [do so only] for the sake of transforming all sentient beings, then there is no fault or transgression."