Robyn Lebron films, and conversations I am aware that to damage my body or my consciousness with these poisons is to betray my ancestors, my parents, my society, and future generations I will work to transform violence, fear, anger, and confusion in myself and in society by practicing a diet for myself and for society I understand that a proper diet is crucial for self-transformation and for the transformation of society Failure to follow any of the “ dz causes harm to others, further clouds one’s true seeing nature, and greatly decreases one’s chances of being born a human again (a vantage point along the path to enlightenment).18 Diet: Buddhism, in general, fundamentally prohibits any and all animal meat or intoxicants at all times “A son of the Buddha shall not eat the flesh of any sentient beings If he eats their flesh, he shall cut off great compassion, as well as the seed of Buddhahood within him.” One who does harm to other sentient beings restricts their path/ chance to gain enlightenment/Nirvana When a sentient being dies, it is forced to begin again the painful process of rebirth Also, the Buddha’s instruction for the “ ” is an exercise that forces the Buddhist to stop and think about the food they are eating A Buddhist asks himself these five basic essential questions: ͳǤ What food is this? The origin of the food, and how it reached me ʹǤ Where does it come from? The amount of work necessary to grow the food, prepare it, cook it, and bring it to the table ͵Ǥ Why am I eating it? Do I deserve this food or not? Am I worthy of it? ͶǤ When should I eat and benefit from this food? Food is a necessity and a healing agent because I am subjected to illness without food ͷǤ How should I eat it? Food is only received and eaten for the purpose of realizing the proper way to reach enlightenment The Buddha also explains how the five pungent spices—scallions, leeks, chives, garlic, and onions—are forbidden: “Beings who seek (signifies the state of unified consciousness that