Ethics of Mahayana Buddhism

Moral conduct for Buddhists differs according to whether it applies to the laity or to the Sangha or clergy. A lay Buddhist should cultivate good conduct by training in what are known as the "Five Precepts". 
Laypersons following the Mahayana tradition, who have taken a Bodhisattva vow, will also follow a strictly vegetarian diet. This is not so much an additional precept but a strengthening of the first precept; To undertake the training to avoid taking the life of beings. The eating of meat would be considered a contribution to the taking of life, indirect though it may be.
Fasting- The Mahayana Sangha interprets the rule not to take food at an inappropriate time as not meaning fasting from noon to sunrise but to refrain from eating between mealtimes.

Mahayana Buddhism is particularly concerned with peace. This means that they do a lot of meditation for peace of mind. They believe tha it is the Buddha's teachng that 'we should not kill'. To remind people of this, the Nippozan Myohiji movement builds Peace Pagodas. In Zen, every little thing becomes an art. They do a lot of meditation, including gardens. The Pure-land Buddhists try to keep their minds aware of the Buddha.