A large majority of human beings deny the right to life of animals and other sentient beings, including insects. For it was the Buddha who banned the sacrifice of poor beasts and admonished the followers to extend their loving kindness (maithree) to all living beings. The disciple not only avoids destroying life, he dwells with a heart full of sympathy desiring the welfare of all beings. Compassion has the characteristic of wishing that others be free from suffering; a wish to be extended to all living beings. According to Buddhism, they, too, have the right to life as human beings.

Source: The Nation April 16, 2021 01:03 UTC