You know, I don't think it's possible to live and be entirely harmless. Antibiotics kill microbes, every time we wash our hands some living being may go to death. And from a Buddhist perspective, I can't really say that some sentient beings are "higher" than others. Where can we draw a line on intention? I think I work with the idea of necessity--do I really need to live? Well, so far yes.
But the thing I can't resolve in my brain is that I'm definitely going to take antibiotics again, but not sure I would fight in a war that threatened me. Maybe I would. But I do try when I can to cut out the harm that really isn't totally necessary.
This is a very hard question, and clearly not one I've resolved!
Levels of sentient beings.bobby1933February 15 2016, 03:29:03 UTC
I know you are correct. But i some problem with acknowledging levels of sentience.not because they don't exist, but because of the danger that acknowledging that "hierarchy" poses to my "right view."
Buddha denied that plants are "sentient" (as does the Dalai Lama) and microbes were outside even his enlightened awareness.
Re: Levels of sentient beings.mamculunaFebruary 15 2016, 11:55:58 UTC
I have to wonder about microbes myself, though. And plants!
But even at more complex levels, as you say, even Jains kill, in spite of all the precautions. And in our complex economy, with all the interdependence, it's hard to know which of our actions cause other actions that end up in harm (farming practices, for example).
I know. I read. or at least skim, all my friends' posts. Often i think i should comment but i have no words. Of fifty people who read my posts, maybe one will comment. I expect that.
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But the thing I can't resolve in my brain is that I'm definitely going to take antibiotics again, but not sure I would fight in a war that threatened me. Maybe I would. But I do try when I can to cut out the harm that really isn't totally necessary.
This is a very hard question, and clearly not one I've resolved!
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But i some problem with acknowledging levels of sentience.not because they don't exist, but because of the danger that acknowledging that "hierarchy" poses to my "right view."
Buddha denied that plants are "sentient" (as does the Dalai Lama) and microbes were outside even his enlightened awareness.
But. yes, even a Jain must destroy life.
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But even at more complex levels, as you say, even Jains kill, in spite of all the precautions. And in our complex economy, with all the interdependence, it's hard to know which of our actions cause other actions that end up in harm (farming practices, for example).
Difficult!
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But we need to do our best, and often don't.
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We do the best we can.
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Often i think i should comment but i have no words.
Of fifty people who read my posts, maybe one will comment.
I expect that.
Thank you for letting me know you are reading me.
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