Tibetan Vegetarian Cultural Studies

This thesis focus on the role that vegetarianism plays in the broader tibetan culture. In a predominantly buddhist culture, the vegetarian way of living plays a very important part in the overall social structure. This way of living does not only benfit the human,but can also be extended to the broader social "anjing"or then,world peace. For the individual practicing vegetarianism it promotes and maintains good health, as well as good kerma for the afterlife.The thesis is made up of four chapters-the introduction,conclusion and epilogue.The first chapter is a discussion on the overall emergence and development of vegetarianism and its general point of view.In the following chapters it focuses on the widespread growth of vegetarianism worldwide outside the tibetan culture. It also refers to the records of vegetarianism in buddhist literature, medicine and folk literater. It explanins the features, functions and advantages of vegetarianism as explanined in the buddhist doctrine and tibetan culture. In the final chapter the thesis summarizes the global impact of vegetarianism-from human health to the enviroment. It covers the angles from a cultural point of view to the ecological impact, including ethical and religious reasoning. It draws to conclusion that through the practice of vegetarianism the individual can have an impact on the sustainable development of the world. Especially in the areas of global warming, the spreading of pandemics and the enviromental destruction of the modern society.Its final conclusion-through promoting the tibetan culture and vegetarianism, man and nature can live in harmony.