Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (MM/GA) - pic - Dayanand Kukkaje

Mangalore, May 2: Even though Buddhism propagated non-violence, it never banned non-vegetarian food, said Raghu Dharmasena, lecturer of political science of Government First Grade College of Beltangady.

He was speaking at the Buddha Jayanti programme organized at NGO hall here in the city on Wednesday May 2 evening.

“In olden days Indian Brahmins were the leading consumers of the beef tea. Not only Brahmins and tribal people, but also Buddhists used to eat the flesh of a dead cow,” said Raghu Dharmasena.

To curtail the prominence and popularity of avoid Buddhists, cow was declared as holy animal later and Brahmins left eating beef. This finally resulted in the birth of untouchability, he opined.

Dammachari Dr Rajananda Murti Bhod, president, Bangalore Buddha Foundation inaugurated the programme. Veerasheela Banteji of Mysore presided over the function.

Dammananda Banteji of Bidar, Sanghamitra Mataji, S R Laxman, president, D K district Buddha Mahasabha and secretary Kantappa Alangar were also present on the occasion.