Tu Viện Quảng Đức105 Lynch Rd, Fawkner, Vic 3060. Australia. Tel: 9357 3544. quangduc@quangduc.com* Viện Chủ: HT Tâm Phương, Trụ Trì: TT Nguyên Tạng   

Animal rights as Buddhists what do we think of them

10/03/201106:12(Xem: 3064)
Animal rights as Buddhists what do we think of them

Animal rights as Buddhists what do we think of them

Bhikkhu Prof. Dhammavihari



---o0o---

There are two basic premises in Buddhism based on which I propose to talk to you on this subject of animal rights this evening. 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 expressad 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 [ sambhavesii] like foetal bodies of unborn babies or those in the stage of eggs are encompassed within this range of universal loving kindness or mettaa in Buddhism. It specifies this attitude thus declaring ' May all beings be well and happy' [ Sabbe sattaa bhavantu sukhitattaa ].

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 mettaa which is used to designate this attitude of mind simply means 'respectful friendliness' or absence of hostility in humans [ avyaapaada ] towards all those who are besides themselves. It is categorically stated that with such thoughts of hostility one should not wish to bring about unhappiness upon another [ Byaarosanaa pa.tighasa~n~naa naa~n~nama~n~nassa dukkham iccheyya ].

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.

 


Source: www.buddhismtoday.com
Update : 01-12-2001

Gửi ý kiến của bạn
Tắt
Telex
VNI
Tên của bạn
Email của bạn
14/10/2023(Xem: 4442)
Our immense pleasure is to present to you this remarkable conference book – Buddhism: A Historical and Practical Vision. Inside these pages lies a stunning tapestry of wisdom created by the joint dedication and hard work of young Vietnamese Buddhist monks and nuns scholars who have explored the legacy of Buddhism in depth. From exploring the compatibility and integration of Mahāyāna Buddhism’s teachings with realistic political theory on leadership and the introduction Buddhist philosophy and the establishment and significance of Buddhist universities in the United States, each paper stands as a testament to the vibrant diversity and enduring relevance of Buddhist thought. Among the thought-provoking papers, you will discover insightful investigations into the practical theory of impermanence as a means to enhance one’s own living experience. Additionally, a critical interpretation of Nibbāna from Dr. Ambedkar’s perspective in the Indian Engaged Buddhist Movement sheds light
14/10/2023(Xem: 2655)
On a summer afternoon in 2023, on the Kandy plateau in Sri Lanka, renowned for its veneration of the sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha, on the lush green grounds of the University of Peradeniya, Kandy, the Departments of Education and Buddhist Studies held a Buddhist Seminar on July 14, 2023, with the patronage of Maha Mahinda International Dharmadutha Society, Colombo, Sri Lanka, and Huong Sen Buddhist Temple, California, USA.
05/10/2023(Xem: 1617)
pa-auk-tawya-sayadawThis is the second Sutta the Buddha taught to human beings after His enlightenment. It was taught five days after the full-moon day of the first rains retreat, that is, the fifth day after the expounding of the Dhammacakkapavatana Sutta. Đây là bài Kinh (Sutta) thứ hai mà Đức Phật thuyết giảng cho nhân loại sau khi Ngài giác ngộ. Nó được giảng năm ngày sau ngày trăng tròn của tháng mùa mưa đầu tiên, ngày thứ năm sau khi thuyết giảng Kinh Chuyển Pháp Luân (Dhammacakkapavatana Sutta).
05/10/2023(Xem: 1434)
The Buddha was careful to classify questions according to how they should be answered, based on how helpful they were to gaining awakening. Some questions deserved a categorical answer, that is, one that holds true across the board. Some he answered analytically, redefining or refining the terms before answering. Some required counter-questioning, to clarify the issue in the questioner’s mind. But if the question was an obstacle on the path, the Buddha put it aside.
05/10/2023(Xem: 1872)
Buddhist traditions – Theravada, Zen, and Tibetan Buddhism. A personal account of how anatta and meditation are related in the experience of the author follows. The twin approach of contemporary textual study and personal phenomenological investigation may prove to be a helpful methodology in the elucidation of this most enigmatic, and perhaps, most controversial teaching of the historical Buddha
12/09/2023(Xem: 1221)
Master Tue Sy's poetry domain is extensive and immense. His lyrics ascend to infinity and beyond. Its profundity is bottomless. How can one fathom it in pursuit of meaning? To the writer of this article, it would probably be better to sit down, staring at the rest symbols in the Master’s Choruses for the Piano, to hear, maybe “all Greek to him”, some soundless notes of surreal melodies.
25/07/2023(Xem: 4954)
Dealing with the chosen work, I observe that a puggala has been present in the world because of dependent origination (paṭiccasamuppāda) or continuity of change (santāna). The five masses of elements (pañcakkhandhā), which constitute the puggala and the world around him, are without any substance (anattā), impermanent (anicca) and they are really causes of grief (dukkha)...
07/02/2022(Xem: 6210)
Andy Le, a 10-year-old monk at the Ventura Buddhist Center,is believed to be on a spiritual path that will help bring peace to humanity in the 21st century. “This is an amazing little boy,” said Venerable Thich Thong Hai, founder of the Ventura Buddhist Center. “We are very happy and honored he was born in this county. It’s a great blessing.” Reincarnation is part of the Buddhist tradition, leading spiritual leaders to believe the boy’s birth in Oxnard is part of a greater plan, Hai said. “In a previous life, he was a high ranking monk in Thailand,” he said. “That’s why his parents and the monks and nuns here are trying to help … keep him on the right track. That’s why we protect him.”
facebook youtube google-plus linkedin twitter blog
Nguyện đem công đức này, trang nghiêm Phật Tịnh Độ, trên đền bốn ơn nặng, dưới cứu khổ ba đường,
nếu có người thấy nghe, đều phát lòng Bồ Đề, hết một báo thân này, sinh qua cõi Cực Lạc.

May the Merit and virtue,accrued from this work, adorn the Buddhas pureland,
Repay the four great kindnesses above, andrelieve the suffering of those on the three paths below,
may those who see or hear of these efforts generates Bodhi Mind, spend their lives devoted to the Buddha Dharma,
the Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Quang Duc Buddhist Welfare Association of Victoria
Tu Viện Quảng Đức | Quang Duc Monastery
Most Venerable Thich Tam Phuong | Senior Venerable Thich Nguyen Tang
Address: Quang Duc Monastery, 105 Lynch Road, Fawkner, Vic.3060 Australia
Tel: 61.03.9357 3544 ; Fax: 61.03.9357 3600
Website: http://www.quangduc.com
http://www.tuvienquangduc.com.au (old)
Xin gửi Xin gửi bài mới và ý kiến đóng góp đến Ban Biên Tập qua địa chỉ:
quangduc@quangduc.com