seventh world of chan buddhism - Zen Buddhist Order of Hsu Yun

their own gentle ways are sometimes fond of regarding meat eaters as cold-blooded
murderers.
Yet, vegetarians require large tracts of land to grow their food and many animals may
be killed or allowed to die of starvation when their habitat is destroyed by the plow or by the
destruction of forests. Many insecticides are used to grow fruits and vegetables; and
insecticides, by definition, kill living things.
Though a well balanced vegetarian diet is definitely preferred, the Chan man eats
whatever foods are good for him and whatever foods he can afford to buy, and he does this
without criticizing others. In many Buddhist countries, dog meat is considered good food.
The thought of Fido roasting in someone's oven may make us sick and/or sad, nevertheless
we are obliged to respect other people's culinary preferences even as we decline their
invitations to dinner.
The commandment to be nonviolent also encompasses the abuse of family members
and extends to covering up the domestic abuses of others. When we witness or otherwise
know that someone is battering his children, we must report the felony to the police. The
abuser may be emotionally ill and in need of much counseling; but his psychological needs
must wait until after he is arraigned.
There was a time when priests of all religions assumed a judicial role in the domestic
crimes of their parishioners. The priests were discreet and their counsel was wise;
nevertheless, especially where child abuse is concerned, the days of private religious
interventions are over. Ecclesiastical authority may not be substituted for civil authority.
Buddhist priests who commit acts of child abuse, either sexual abuse or battery, are
likewise not to be accorded the in-house punishments of yesteryear. The abuses committed
by clergymen are not of a different order than the abuses committed by laymen. The abbot of
a monastery may not take it upon himself to impose punishment or negotiate settlements of
victims' claims without having the matter formally adjudicated.
Too often congregation members are required to hold priests harmless in instances of
improper conduct. Note how the last item in the list of ten precepts given above stipulates
that the Buddhist devotee vow "not speak ill of the priesthood." When a priest commits an
"ill" act we are in most cases required by law to "speak ill of the priest" at the police station
or in court. Number ten as given above is a self-serving, Sangha-inspired rule. It is not a
valid precept and no one should promise to keep it.
2. Deceitful words and deeds
This involves all forms of misrepresenting, lying, flattering for advantage, and being
hypocritical or two-faced.
CHAPTER 14 RIGHT ACTION
S EVENTH W ORLD O F C HAN B UDDHISM
156