In short: not necessarily. In the early teachings the Buddha did not require monks or lay people to be vegetarian: they could eat whatever was offered, unless they knew the animal had been killed for them. Many Buddhists still choose a vegetarian diet out of compassion, and it is the norm in many Mahayana monasteries.
The early teachings
In the Jivaka Sutta (MN 55) the Buddha says a monk may eat meat that is pure in three respects: he has not seen, heard or suspected that the animal was killed on his account. Monks on alms round eat what is placed in their bowl.
Why the first precept matters
The first precept is to refrain from taking life. Buying meat can support killing, so many lay Buddhists reduce or avoid meat. This is a choice of compassion, not a rule enforced by the early texts.
In different traditions
- Theravada: monks eat what is offered; lay people vary.
- East Asian Mahayana: monastic meals are vegetarian, and many lay people keep vegetarian days.
- Tibetan: a meat-eating culture in a high, cold climate, with many teachers now encouraging vegetarianism.
At a retreat or monastery
Most retreat centres serve vegetarian food. See how to stay at a Buddhist monastery and mindful eating.
Also: Buddhism and animals · Buddhist meal prayer
Questions people ask
Did the Buddha eat meat?
The early texts show the Buddha accepting alms food that included meat, as long as the animal was not killed for him. He did not make vegetarianism a rule for monks.
What is the three-fold purity rule?
Monks may eat meat offered to them unless they have seen, heard or suspected that the animal was killed specifically for them.
Why are many Buddhists vegetarian?
The first precept is to refrain from killing, and many practitioners, especially in East Asian Mahayana traditions, extend it to a vegetarian diet out of compassion.