Vegetarian Feast of Mount Emei

Vegetarian Feast of Mount Emei

　　Buddhism teaches that a vegetarian diet can purify the mind, reduce desires, and prolong life, hence great emphasis is placed on vegetarian cuisine. The vegetarian feasts prepared by monks at Baoguo Temple, Fuhu Temple, and Wannian Temple are quite famous. Buddhist vegetarian feasts use ingredients such as tofu products, wheat gluten, vegetables, and fruits to create dishes that imitate the variety and appearance of meat-based dishes. They not only mimic the shapes but also the flavors, often to the point of being indistinguishable. It’s important to note that temple mealtimes on Mount Emei are typically from 7:00–7:30 AM, 11:00–11:30 AM, and 6:00–6:30 PM. Meal prices vary by temple, ranging from 4 to 10 yuan, with higher elevations generally costing more. However, one advantage is that you can eat as much as you want until you’re full. When dining in temples, it’s best not to leave leftovers or waste food.