Difference between revisions of "Animal rights in Buddhism"
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At the very outset, it is good to remind ourselves that more than two and half millennia ago, the [[Buddha]] had a [[vision]] of the [[universe]], not as one created by any one at any specific point of [[time]], but as one which has evolved itself through both [[time]] and [[space]]. | At the very outset, it is good to remind ourselves that more than two and half millennia ago, the [[Buddha]] had a [[vision]] of the [[universe]], not as one created by any one at any specific point of [[time]], but as one which has evolved itself through both [[time]] and [[space]]. | ||
| − | In this [[vision]], one sees on the one hand a very close parallel to what is referred today as the Big Bang {{Wiki|theory}}. | + | In this [[vision]], one sees on the one hand a very close parallel to what is referred today as the [[Big Bang]] {{Wiki|theory}}. |
On the other, in its graphic details about [[life]] therein, [[Buddhism]] reflects a keen [[awareness]] and a serious reckoning of [[Wikipedia:concept|concepts]] like ecosystems and the biodiversity in which the more serious-minded philosopher-scientists of the [[world]] are deeply concerned. | On the other, in its graphic details about [[life]] therein, [[Buddhism]] reflects a keen [[awareness]] and a serious reckoning of [[Wikipedia:concept|concepts]] like ecosystems and the biodiversity in which the more serious-minded philosopher-scientists of the [[world]] are deeply concerned. | ||
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For this very [[reason]], [[Buddhism]] looks upon [[life]] in the [[universe]] as a {{Wiki|totality}} which has by itself a right to [[exist]] unhindered, with no threats of destruction from outside to serve the needs of any single [[person]] or group, whether they be under the [[direction]] of any [[human]] or [[divine]] authority. | For this very [[reason]], [[Buddhism]] looks upon [[life]] in the [[universe]] as a {{Wiki|totality}} which has by itself a right to [[exist]] unhindered, with no threats of destruction from outside to serve the needs of any single [[person]] or group, whether they be under the [[direction]] of any [[human]] or [[divine]] authority. | ||
It is reckoned that the harmonious {{Wiki|continuance}} of the [[universe]] does not permit or allow of such crude and clumsy handling of mother [[nature]]. | It is reckoned that the harmonious {{Wiki|continuance}} of the [[universe]] does not permit or allow of such crude and clumsy handling of mother [[nature]]. | ||
| − | In [[Buddhism]], in a [[book]] called the Manual of Good Living or Dhammpada, this [[idea]] is expressed as follows. | + | In [[Buddhism]], in a [[book]] called the Manual of Good Living or [[Dhammpada]], this [[idea]] is expressed as follows. |
All living things {{Wiki|fear}} being beaten with clubs. | All living things {{Wiki|fear}} being beaten with clubs. | ||
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==[[Dhammapada]] verse no. 129== | ==[[Dhammapada]] verse no. 129== | ||
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[[Buddhism]] also offers definite and positive instructions with regard to the [[manner]] in which [[humans]] should develop [[universal]] [[loving kindness]] towards all living things that [[exist]] in the [[universe]], whether in close proximity or at a distance, seen or unseen, large or small, fierce or timid. | [[Buddhism]] also offers definite and positive instructions with regard to the [[manner]] in which [[humans]] should develop [[universal]] [[loving kindness]] towards all living things that [[exist]] in the [[universe]], whether in close proximity or at a distance, seen or unseen, large or small, fierce or timid. | ||
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In some prefatory remarks to Rupert Sheldrake's The [[Rebirth]] of [[Nature]] - Rider (1994 Reprint) we discover the following observations which appear extraordinarily [[interesting]] in the [[light]] of early [[Buddhist teachings]]. | In some prefatory remarks to Rupert Sheldrake's The [[Rebirth]] of [[Nature]] - Rider (1994 Reprint) we discover the following observations which appear extraordinarily [[interesting]] in the [[light]] of early [[Buddhist teachings]]. | ||
| − | Rupert Sheldrake goes on to present a compelling case for the revival of {{Wiki|animism}}, and for a new code of [[ethics]] that acknowledges our involvement as {{Wiki|individuals}} and communities in the living [[world]] of [[nature]]. | + | {{Wiki|Rupert Sheldrake}} goes on to {{Wiki|present}} a compelling case for the revival of {{Wiki|animism}}, and for a new code of [[ethics]] that acknowledges our involvement as {{Wiki|individuals}} and communities in the living [[world]] of [[nature]]. |
| − | He shows how we are on the threshold of a new synthesis in which [[traditional]] [[wisdom]], personal [[experience]] and [[scientific]] [[insight]] can be mutually enriching. | + | He shows how we are on the threshold of a new {{Wiki|synthesis}} in which [[traditional]] [[wisdom]], personal [[experience]] and [[scientific]] [[insight]] can be mutually enriching. |
It is in this same [[spirit]] that Biophelia {{Wiki|Hypothesis}} emphasises the need to retrieve [[human]] [[respect]] for and [[recognition]] of the biodiversity in the [[universe]] and its ecosystems. | It is in this same [[spirit]] that Biophelia {{Wiki|Hypothesis}} emphasises the need to retrieve [[human]] [[respect]] for and [[recognition]] of the biodiversity in the [[universe]] and its ecosystems. | ||
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{{R}} | {{R}} | ||
[http://www.lakehouse.lk/mihintalava/sasana16.htm www.lakehouse.lk] | [http://www.lakehouse.lk/mihintalava/sasana16.htm www.lakehouse.lk] | ||
[[Category:Animals]] | [[Category:Animals]] | ||
Latest revision as of 10:08, 6 January 2024
At the very outset, it is good to remind ourselves that more than two and half millennia ago, the Buddha had a vision of the universe, not as one created by any one at any specific point of time, but as one which has evolved itself through both time and space.
In this vision, one sees on the one hand a very close parallel to what is referred today as the Big Bang theory. On the other, in its graphic details about life therein, Buddhism reflects a keen awareness and a serious reckoning of concepts like ecosystems and the biodiversity in which the more serious-minded philosopher-scientists of the world are deeply concerned.
For this very reason, Buddhism looks upon life in the universe as a totality which has by itself a right to exist unhindered, with no threats of destruction from outside to serve the needs of any single person or group, whether they be under the direction of any human or divine authority.
It is reckoned that the harmonious continuance of the universe does not permit or allow of such crude and clumsy handling of mother nature.
In Buddhism, in a book called the Manual of Good Living or Dhammpada, this idea is expressed as follows.
All living things fear being beaten with clubs.
All living things fear being put to death.
Putting oneself in the place of the other,
Let no one kill nor cause another to kill.
Dhammapada verse no. 129
Buddhism also offers definite and positive instructions with regard to the manner in which humans should develop universal loving kindness towards all living things that exist in the universe, whether in close proximity or at a distance, seen or unseen, large or small, fierce or timid.
Even those seeking to come into existence (sambhavesa) like foetal bodies of unborn babies or those in the stage of eggs are encompassed within this range of universal loving kindness or mett… in Buddhism. It specifies this attitude thus declaring 'May all beings be well and happy' (Sabbe satt… bhavantu sukhitatt…).
These are the two major premises which we should bear in mind. Our precise awareness of the real relationship in which the rest of the universe stands towards the humans as well as the healthy and sound attitude of mind with which humans should handle whatever is besides themselves. Buddhism highlights this relationship very much.
The word mett… which is used to designate this attitude of mind simply means 'respectful friendliness' or absence of hostility in humans (avy…p…da) towards all those besides themselves.
It is categorically stated that with such thoughts of hostility one should not wish to bring about unhappiness upon another. In some prefatory remarks to Rupert Sheldrake's The Rebirth of Nature - Rider (1994 Reprint) we discover the following observations which appear extraordinarily interesting in the light of early Buddhist teachings.
Rupert Sheldrake goes on to present a compelling case for the revival of animism, and for a new code of ethics that acknowledges our involvement as individuals and communities in the living world of nature.
He shows how we are on the threshold of a new synthesis in which traditional wisdom, personal experience and scientific insight can be mutually enriching.
It is in this same spirit that Biophelia Hypothesis emphasises the need to retrieve human respect for and recognition of the biodiversity in the universe and its ecosystems.
