Forming part of the world’s five most popular religions, Buddhism follows the teachings and philosophies of Buddha. It originated from ancient India and later spread to much of Asia with teachings aimed at liberating human beings from suffering.
Buddhism has played a central role in the spiritual, social and cultural life of many throughout the world. According to Nicole Wagner of the Diamond Way Buddhist and Meditation Centre in Cape Town, it is important to understand Buddhism as a spiritual path which is meant to adapt to all cultures.
“Buddhism is very vast and is not a faith religion. Buddha was an ordinary man just like ourselves who lived many thousands of years ago and gave teachings. So Buddha for us is an example of what is inherently in ourselves. He depicts what we call enlightened qualities and we use him as a guide or a teacher. He’s not a god in that sense,” she says.
Central to the lives of many Buddhists today are the three universal truths as taught by Buddha.
The first truth is that everything in life is impermanent and always changing.
Secondly, based on the fact that nothing is permanent, a life based on possessing things or persons therefore does not make one happy.
Lastly, there is no eternal, unchanging soul and the self is merely a collection of changing attributes or characteristics.
Similar to how Christians have the 10 Commandments, all Buddhists also follow a set of guidelines known as the five precepts, which include not harming or killing living things, refraining from taking things unless they are freely given, leading a decent life, not speaking unkindly or telling lies, and not abusing drugs or drinking alcohol.
Through the practice of meditation, the qualities of awareness, wisdom and kindness are developed.
“For us meditation is a tool to be able to function better in daily life. For instance, in the lay lineage we live a very Westernised kind of life. We have jobs, family and so on. So meditation transforms the Buddhist teachings into something practical which we not only use on the meditation cushion but also in our daily lives. It’s a tool that allows us to be beneficial not only for ourselves but also for all people and beings”, says Wagner.
Wagner says while the fundamentals of Buddhism may remain the same, the Buddhist way of life may not necessarily be the exact same for all Buddhists.
“Certain things may vary in different lineages because Buddha gave teachings for different kinds of people, but what’s important is to pursue a life where you’re beneficial to others. The monastic side, or monks, take vows, eat certain food and practice Buddhism a little differently. But what’s important is that you use the tools and teachings to reach a point where you’re not only improving your own karma or set of circumstances but you're also helping others realise that they can improve their own karma and reach an enlightened state,” she says.
A traditional Buddhist’s way around soul food
Buddhist monks have adopted a holistic approach to their diet. Most follow a plant-based diet that aligns their spirituality with the ethical teaching that prohibits taking the life of any person or animal. Interpretation of the principle has led many Buddhists to cutting out all kinds of meat, poultry and eggs.
A life of discipline is exercised in their dietary restrictions, which prohibit the intake of alcohol, which is believed to cloud one’s mind and judgment. Interestingly, the consuming of strong-smelling plants in the foods such as onions and garlic is also prohibited as it is thought to increase sexual desire when eaten cooked and strong emotions of anger when eaten raw.
Aside from the many dietary restrictions there are a number of benefits to adopting a Buddhist, healthy approach to soul food. Consuming foods rich in antioxidants, fibre and phytochemicals decrease the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and certain kinds of cancers.
By modifying one’s diet to include foods rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, legumes and beans will alleviate some of the pressure on how one’s body functions and digests food as well as shrink the waistline.
By limiting your intake of meat and poultry your health may be at risk with a lack of iron and essential nutrients. Ensure that your diet has all the right nutrients and vitamins by taking supplements or vegan alternatives that will fill any nutritional gaps.
Following the Buddhist way of soul food incorporates mindfulness from the preparation of the meal to the ambience of where the food is eaten.
Buddhists are advocates for planning meals and all meals should be eaten at about the same time every day.
Eating more home-cooked meals, starting from breakfast, makes it easier for one to have more control over the portion sizes and opting for healthier options.
Apart from fruit, Buddhists also love tea, not only as a refreshing beverage but also as a substitute for sugary processed snacks.
Eating in the presence of others may stop one from snacking on foods which leads to unwanted calories. Buddhists believe that eating after meditation allows one to reserve a moment of gratitude for the meal instead of eating in a hurried state.
Eating in silence creates a space where one is mindful of their thoughts and their surrounds.
Eliminating distractions carves out time to reflect on the day ahead in the absence of chatter.
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