Is taking medication a sin?

by **waqqaskhokhar** » Fri Jan 20, 2012 7:23 pm

I am an academic researching this topic from the point of view of patients asked to take medication which may have religiously forbidden ingredients e.g. Gelatine or stearic acid.
Would like to know that in the context of vegetarianism being accepted practice in many Buddhist traditions, is there any dietary law that prohibits any specific animals or use of animal products in medication?
Would appreciate comments, suggestions for further reading or expert opinions.

by **Jikan** » Fri Jan 20, 2012 7:33 pm

Sin? Forbidden? If you're looking for analogies to the Law as in Abrahamic faiths, you're going to be frustrated. Buddhism isn't quite like that.

So you can see what I mean, take a look at this discussion on vegetarianism. Budget a few hours. Several hours.

viewtopic.php?f=66&t=213

by **Mr. G** » Fri Jan 20, 2012 7:36 pm

waqqaskhokhar wrote:I am an academic researching this topic from the point of view of patients asked to take medication which may have religiously forbidden ingredients e.g. Gelatine or stearic acid.
Would like to know that in the context of vegetarianism being accepted practice in many Buddhist traditions, is there any dietary law that prohibits any specific animals or use of animal products in medication?
Would appreciate comments, suggestions for further reading or expert opinions.

Hopefully Namdrol will respond as he is a Tibetan Doctor

by **Konchog1** » Fri Jan 20, 2012 8:59 pm

waqqaskhokhar wrote:I am an academic researching this topic from the point of view of patients asked to take medication which may have religiously forbidden ingredients e.g. Gelatine or stearic acid.
Would like to know that in the context of vegetarianism being accepted practice in many Buddhist traditions, is there any dietary law that prohibits any specific animals or use of animal products in medication?
Would appreciate comments, suggestions for further reading or expert opinions.

As far as I know, any medication is fine. Some Buddhists who are vegetarians avoid medications with animal products but that's because they're vegetarian, not because they're Buddhist.

by **Malcolm** » Fri Jan 20, 2012 9:01 pm

waqqaskhokhar wrote:I am an academic researching this topic from the point of view of patients asked to take medication which may have religiously forbidden ingredients e.g. Gelatine or stearic acid.
Would like to know that in the context of vegetarianism being accepted practice in many Buddhist traditions, is there any dietary law that prohibits any specific animals or use of animal products in medication?
Would appreciate comments, suggestions for further reading or expert opinions.

Nope, the traditional Buddhist medicine is Ayurveda and there are kinds of meat, as well as urines, feces, etc., recommended as remedies for diseases in Ayurvedic texts as well as texts on Tibetan Medicine.

by **AdmiralJim** » Fri Jan 20, 2012 9:52 pm

I am trained in western medicine, the short answer is no. However some Buddhists might be put off taking things with animal products but it is a personal choice not a Buddhist one. where you might find a more unified opinion is of that of abortion and euthanasia but even then it wouldn't affect my treatment of people who wanted those things.

by **Greg** » Wed May 02, 2012 5:13 pm

I suppose there is the issue of monastics eating garlic and so forth, but even that is not a terribly big deal I don't think.

by **Wesley1982** » Sun May 27, 2012 9:09 pm

Re: Is taking medication a sin?

No.

by **Knotty Veneer** » Sun May 27, 2012 10:23 pm

Is taking medication a sin?

Only if it doesn't belong to you :lol:

by **Dexing** » Mon May 28, 2012 1:25 pm

Knotty Veneer wrote:
Is taking medication a sin?

Only if it doesn't belong to you

by **Simon E.** » Mon May 28, 2012 1:30 pm

Very good...

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