法苑珠林 93.52

93.52

Seventh, explaining that all sentient beings love their own bodies and lives without difference from oneself; therefore practitioners should not eat meat. As that sūtra states: 'Eating meat can bolster physical strength and is relished for its flavor, so people mostly crave it. One should attentively contemplate that all beings in the world that possess bodies and lives each treasure themselves and fear the suffering of death; in guarding and cherishing their own bodies, humans and beasts are no different. They would rather cheerfully retain the body of a mangy jackal than surrender their lives to receive heavenly pleasures. Why is this? Because they fear the suffering of death. Contemplating through this, death is a great suffering; it is a fearful thing. Since one's own body fears death, how could one take and eat the meat of another? Therefore, Mahāmati, those who wish to eat meat should first reflect upon their own bodies and then contemplate other sentient beings; they should not crave meat.'