The Buddhist Standpoint with regard to the Partaking of Garlic by the Ubhatosaṅgha

Abstract

I have discussed the problem regarding the prohibition of eating garlic among the three traditions of Bāhmaṇa-s, Śramaṇa-s and Buddhists. Though the Brāhmaṇa-s were against the eating of garlic on the basis of racial deference, Śramaṇas were allowed to eat it. The Buddhists allowed it as a medicine and as an ingredient but have taken steps to control the overuse as it would be a reason to disturb to the Dhamma talks. But the Theravāda Vinaya tradition has not taken the aphrodisiac feature as a reason to prohibit eating garlic as well as Brāhmin tradition. But some Mahāyāna and Vajrayāna texts have tried to explain the bodily reactions that could have happened after taking garlic. The analysis of the situation shows the Buddhist standpoint is based on entirely different ground and in my article I attempted to point it out.