Diet and Dhamma

Reflections on Sustenance: Aligning Diet with Dhamma

Dear Assistant Teachers, Dhamma servers, and all who walk the noble path,

May you be happy, may you be peaceful, may you be liberated. It is with a heart full of metta that I address you today, concerning a matter that touches upon the very foundation of our Dhamma service: the well-being of the meditators who come to our centers seeking the priceless jewel of Vipassana.

For generations, our tradition has understood the importance of a simple, wholesome diet to support the arduous work of self-observation. The body is the vehicle for the mind, and just as we strive for purity of mind, so too must we consider the purity and suitability of the fuel we provide this vehicle.

The Principle of Ahimsa: Extending Compassion to All Beings

The Dhamma teaches us *ahimsa*, non-harming, as a cornerstone of right living. In our centers, we cultivate *metta*, loving-kindness, wishing for the happiness and freedom of all beings. While traditionally, dairy products were often seen as a benign byproduct, our understanding of modern industrial practices reveals a different reality.

• Suffering in Production: The commercial production of milk, even in the most seemingly benign forms, often involves practices that cause immense suffering to animals. The separation of calves from their mothers, the forced impregnation, and the eventual slaughter of animals when their milk production declines, are all realities of this industry.
• Cultivating Sensitivity: As meditators, we are developing a profound sensitivity to sensation, to the subtle vibrations of craving and aversion. How can we truly cultivate boundless compassion when the very food we serve is intrinsically linked to the suffering of other sentient beings? This creates a subtle, yet significant, dissonance with the core teachings of *metta* and *karuna*.

Physical Well-being and Mental Clarity: A Hindrance to Practice

The body must be calm and settled for the mind to penetrate deeply into the reality of *anicca*. Many modern scientific observations, which echo ancient wisdom, suggest that dairy products can be a source of physical discomfort for a significant number of people.

• Digestive Issues: Lactose intolerance is widespread, causing discomfort, bloating, and gas. These physical disturbances are a direct hindrance to a meditator's ability to sit still and observe sensations with equanimity.
• Inflammation and Allergies: For others, dairy can trigger inflammatory responses, skin conditions, or allergic reactions, further distracting the mind from its primary task of observing the breath and body sensations.
• Heaviness and Dullness: A diet heavy in dairy can sometimes lead to a feeling of sluggishness or dullness, making it harder for the mind to remain alert and sharp, which is crucial for developing *panna* (wisdom).

Our aim is to provide food that supports, rather than obstructs, the meditator's journey. A simpler, lighter, and truly compassionate plant-based diet can greatly assist in maintaining physical ease and mental clarity.

Simplicity and Detachment: Aligning with Dhamma Principles

The Dhamma teaches us to minimize craving and aversion, to live simply, and to understand the impermanence of all phenomena. While food is necessary, attachment to specific tastes or habits can become a subtle *sankhara*.

• Reducing Attachment: By moving away from products that involve complex and often hidden processes of production, we simplify our relationship with food. This fosters a greater sense of detachment and reduces the potential for subtle cravings or aversions related to diet.
• Environmental Responsibility: Furthermore, the environmental footprint of dairy farming is considerable. As conscious beings, we must consider our impact on the planet, which is the shared home of all beings. Choosing plant-based alternatives is a step towards greater ecological harmony.

A Path Forward: With Wisdom and Compassion

Therefore, I humbly request that we begin a compassionate and gradual transition away from serving dairy products in our Vipassana centers worldwide. Let us explore and embrace the abundance of wholesome, delicious, and truly compassionate plant-based alternatives that are readily available.

This is not a matter of rigid dogma, but a step towards deeper alignment with the Dhamma's principles of *ahimsa*, *metta*, and the cultivation of a pure mind and body, conducive to profound meditation. It is a step towards ensuring that every aspect of the Dhamma environment supports the meditator's journey towards liberation.

May this change bring greater peace, health, and clarity to all who come to learn the Dhamma. May all beings be free from suffering.

With boundless metta,
Fellow Meditator