Buddhism and the killing of animals
I refer to the article that appeared in the Island of the 26th February written by one Bertram Perera of Dehiwala titled " Trafficking in Cattle - issues to ponder." and a rejoinder by an
"Irate reader" which appeared in the Island of 27th February. The title of this article belies his real intentions which was obviously to insult the Buddha and Buddhists of this country. His diatribe was a complete distortion of the views held by the Buddha. He has also insulted King Suddhodana and Prince Siddharta (before he became the Buddha) regarding their views on animal farming and killing of animals etc. This diatribe is akin to the Devil Quoting the Scriptures.
For the benefit of the readers of the Island who may have been misguided by the abovementioned article, I would like to quote from recognised Buddhist texts on kindness to animals.
1. A state that is not pleasing or delightful to me, how could I inflict that upon another- Samyutta Nikaya v. 353
2. All tremble at violence; all fear death. Putting oneself in a place of another, one should not kill nor cause another to kill. - Dhammapada.
3. Hurt not others with that which pains you yourself. -
Udanavarga 5.18
4. I forbid all meat eating, regardless of whether the animal dies naturally or is killed.
I have never allowed my disciples to eat meat and I will not allow in the present or future. - Lankavatura Sutra.
5. All sentient beings came from the same origin. Through myriad incarnations, all sentient beings have been relatives of each other. How can we eat the meat of our relatives?
Lankavatura Sutra.
6. People who eat meat are destroying the great merciful seed of their own Buddha nature, and any sentient being seeing them would leave them. Therefore all Bodhisatvas (spiritual practitioners) must refrain from eating the flesh of any sentient being, as this will incur boundless sin. - Brahmajala Sutra.
The first precept preached by the Buddha, itself prohibits the killing of animals. One cannot observe ‘Maithree Bhavana’ (loving kindness towards all living beings) if one eats the flesh of animals. In conclusion, I wish to agree with "Irate reader’ and would urge that as a matter of policy you should not allow such blasphemous articles to appear in your highly respected Newspaper.
Neil Perera.
www island.lk
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