Dear all,
It is just a coincidence that all presenters' names start with Y.
Here is the link.
In Japan, Buddhist restrictions may not be very strict, although Buddhist monks might still follow such rules.
-
Hi all, It’s time to give you an assignment for this class, as I mentioned earlier. I always try to choose themes based on conversations wit... -
Dear all, It is just a coincidence that all presenters' names start with Y. Here is the link. In Japan, Buddhist restrictions may not b... -
Here is the link. Have you guys ever tried making mochi (rice cake) using a mortar and pestle? When I was a kid, we usually do it on around...
Thank you for your presentation. Now what is still unclear to me is the relation between Guan Yin and animal like cow because you said that some Thai Buddhists refrain from eating large animals especially cows in respect to Guan Yin. Can you please clarify it more? Thanks once again.
ReplyDeleteHi Sossou,
DeleteThank you for your question.
As far as I know, the connection between Guan Yin (or Guanyin) and refraining from eating cows originates from a legend in which Guanyin was once known as Miaoshan. According to the story, Miaoshan did not eat meat in her whole life. When she grew up, she decided to be ordained. However, her father, the emperor, disapproved. He tried many methods to obstruct her, but Miaoshan remained steadfast. The emperor ordered his soldiers to bring her back to be executed whereas Miaoshan was saved by the divine and escaped her execution. She then practiced asceticism for nine years until she attained enlightenment and became the Bodhisattva known as Guanyin.
Later, the legend said that Guanyin’s father died and was reborn as a cow, destined to go through the cycle of rebirth for a thousand lifetimes to atone for the karma he had committed as a human. Out of compassion and respect for her father’s reincarnation, Guanyin chose not to eat beef, believing that the cow represented her father.
This belief has influenced her followers, particularly Thai-Chinese devotees, who refrain from eating meat as a way to honor her teachings and compassion.
Clear and sounds understandable. Thanks very much
DeleteI was pleased to learn about Vegetarian Festival, and would like to be part of it one day.
ReplyDeleteIn your presentation, I understand that Buddhism emphasizes respect for living beings, which is reflected in practices like vegetarianism and the festival.
However, I wonder if this principle extends beyond food in Thai Buddhism, particularly to the use of animal-derived materials like leather or silk? If not, I am curious to understand the reasoning behind this distinction...
Thank you!
Thank you for your interesting question!
DeleteIn Thai Buddhism, respect for all living beings is deeply rooted in the first precept, which emphasizes avoiding harm to others. This principle significantly influences dietary practices, such as vegetarianism among some Buddhists. However, when it comes to materials like leather or silk, the application of this principle is less strictly observed. This is because animal-derived materials like leather and silk have historically been used for clothing, which has been considered essential for human survival since ancient times. Additionally, intention plays a key role in Buddhist ethics. If there is no deliberate intent to harm animals, the use of such materials may be considered acceptable. However, with growing awareness of animal welfare and environmental concerns, there is an increasing movement toward using synthetic alternatives to reduce animal suffering and mitigate environmental impact.
Thank for your presentation. Since I'm a atheist, I don't have much knowledge about religious matters, but I have learned the a lot things from your presentation. What I'm curious about is the Vegetarian Festival mentioned in it. To avoid the contamination from meat, many seasonings might not be used, does the Vegetarian cooking limited in variety？
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteThank you for your attention and question!
DeleteIn my opinion, this does not limit the variety of Vegetarian cooking. Thai vegetarian food, not only during the festival but also in normal Vegetarian restaurants, is full of creativity and resourcefulness using Plant-based alternatives like soy sauce, mushroom sauce, fermented bean curd, and other seasonings commonly used to add depth and flavor.
I did not know that Thai buddhism, and thus Thai food culture as well, is so influenced by Chinese buddhism. And I wonder if this Miaoshan story is also popular in Japanese buddhism. This might not be the question to Yanisa, but have any Japanese students here known this story? I have not.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your presentation. I learned a lot about Thai Buddhism from your slides. I’m curious about the vegetarian dish, such as the baked tofu with glass noodles mentioned in your slides, is this specifically a festival food, or is it also commonly eaten in daily life?
ReplyDelete
DeleteThank you for your question.
Besides being popular during vegetarian festivals, baked tofu with glass noodles is a common everyday dish. People can choose their preferred protein for this meal, and plant-based options can also be used.
Thank you for your presentation! Since it was my first time learning about the food culture of Thailand, the story was very interesting to me.
ReplyDeleteYou mentioned that vegetables which have strong smells are avoided in the Vegetarian Festival, but I found the coriander in the picture of Baked Tofu with Glass Noodles (Is that correct?). I wondered whether coriander is not restricted because it is said to have a strong flavor in Japan.
Thank you for your question.
DeleteI’m sorry for the confusion, but the vegetable shown in the picture of the Baked Tofu with Glass Noodles is celery, not coriander. Coriander is not typically used in vegetarian dishes due to its strong aroma.
Thank you for your presentation.
ReplyDeleteShallots were introduced as a vegetable with a strong smell, but I have probably never had shallots.
How are shallots different from onions (taste, shape, etc.)?
Thank you for your question.
DeleteShallots are typically smaller and more elongated than onions. They grow in clusters, similar to garlic bulbs. Shallots have a more delicate, sweeter flavor and are less pungent. Shallots are often used in dishes where a more subtle onion flavor is desired, such as vinaigrettes, sauces, and delicate stir-fries. They are also good eaten raw in salads or as a garnish.
While Onions are generally larger and more rounded than shallots. Onions have a stronger, more pungent flavor, which can be sharp and even tear-inducing when raw. Onions are versatile and used in a wide range of dishes, from soups and stews to roasts and sautés. They can be caramelized for a sweeter flavor or used raw for a more intense bite.