Animal Rights in Early Buddhism

Why Being Buddhist Means Not Eating Animals

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In Early Buddhism, the principles of compassion (karuṇā) and non-harming (ahiṃsā) are deeply rooted in the teachings, forming a strong ethical foundation for respecting all living beings, including animals. Although the Buddha did not explicitly prohibit meat-eating, his teachings on non-violence and empathy strongly imply that Buddhists should abstain from practices that cause harm to sentient creatures. This view resonates not only within Buddhism but also finds parallels in ancient Greek philosophy, where compassion toward animals was seen as a reflection of one’s moral character.

The First Precept: Non-Harming as a Core Buddhist Principle

In Buddhism, the Five Precepts (pañca-sīla) serve as ethical guidelines to help practitioners live a life that minimizes harm to themselves and others. The very first precept, pāṇātipātā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi, translates as “I undertake the precept to refrain from killing any living being.” Here, pāṇa den…