Four ways one can break the precept of killing living beings: 1. One kills living beings by one's own hand 2. One asks another to do it 3. One grants permission to another to do it or allows it or approves of it 4. One speaks in praise of killing (Note that receiving alms food according to the 3 fold rule appears to allow for meat for those who are in the monastic Orders, but not for lay people who must make a request or order at the grocer, butcher, or restaurant.) (from Majjhima Nikaya, Anguttara Nikaya, book of tens V.305)