Buddhists can eat unfertilized eggs, but not fertilized eggs.

Monks cannot eat meat or drink alcohol.

In fact, the word "meat", whether in the original text of the precepts or in Chinese, does not refer to meat, but to vegetables with a strong flavor.

In Chinese, the word "fishy" refers to meat.

"Meat" in Buddhism generally includes garlic, onions, leeks, etc., because the taste is afraid of affecting the practice environment.

Eggs are the egg cells of hens.

The hen does not need to be fertilized and can also release egg cells at regular intervals, that is, lay eggs.

Most of the chickens in farms today are unfertilized eggs.

Scientifically speaking, it is impossible for an unfertilized egg to grow into a chick.

From the perspective of the twelve causes and conditions, if there is no fertilization, there will be no "consciousness" entering the fertilized egg, and it is not considered alive.

Master Shengyan said in "Studying Buddhism: Questions" that because farmed eggs are lifeless, eating them does not violate the precepts.

But eggs are not considered a plant, and they also have a fishy smell, so in order to better maintain the habit of being a vegetarian, it is best not to eat them.

Extended information: Buddhists can eat milk, honey and other foods produced from animals.

In Indian Buddhism, dairy products are allowed.

Legend has it that after completing his ascetic practice, Sakyamuni drank milk to regain his strength.

The general view is that eating honey and dairy products in itself does not constitute killing.

But it depends on whether there is killing during the production process and whether it is animal cruelty.

For example, honey may kill animals during its production, so honey should not be eaten.

Today's milk is produced by professional dairy cows and is not taken from the mouths of calves. The calves will not starve to death because they drink milk, so there will be no problem.

Foods such as cakes and breads mostly add ingredients such as eggs, milk, and honey.

Buddhist circles have different opinions on whether it should be eaten or not.

It is generally believed that it is best not to eat it and not to use it to worship gods and Buddhas.

There are some medicinal materials from animals in traditional Chinese medicine, which are similar to "three pure meats" because they have been stored for a long time.

And taking medicine is not for enjoyment, but for treatment.

Therefore, as long as you treat it as medicine instead of meat, it is okay to eat.

Another thing to note is that for monks, it is not enough not to eat meat.

Because appetite is also a kind of human desire, and it is also an obstacle to spiritual practice, so you cannot eat delicious food and enjoy the taste while eating.

Buddhism also calls food "hunger medicine" and "medicine stone". That is to say, we don't want to satisfy our appetite, but hunger makes people weak, just like being sick. We have no choice but to take medicine, like taking medicine.

Eat food.

But it’s better to take less medicine, let alone enjoy it.

So strictly speaking, those exquisite vegetarian food that pursues taste have deviated from the purpose of Buddhism.

It’s even more inappropriate to use names like “vegetarian chicken” and “vegetarian duck” that are reminiscent of meat.

However, this kind of vegetarian kitchen may not be run by monks, but only sells food to lay customers, so that should be okay.