Religion and Science
Buddhists’ views on creation: Buddha refused to answer questions on how the earth was created as he believed they were unhelpful to us. Buddhists today follow the same view and believe that questions like that don’t help in following the Buddha’s teachings. Buddhists believe that the earth doesn’t have a beginning or an end.
Role of humanity in the world: Buddhists believe that all living things are part of the cycle of samsara, which means everyone has been an animal in a previous life. Buddhists believe they have a duty to look after and care for life. One of Buddhists role in life is to achieve nirvana, it is hoped that one day they will become a bodhisattva and help others escape the cycle of samsara. Humans have a massive responsibility as they are the ones that can do the most damage to life.
People and Animals: Buddhists believe that the use of animals for food, cosmetic testing, medical or scientific testing, cloning, genetic engineering, clothing, circus performances and intensive farming are unacceptable.
Belief in the cycle of samsara means that there are very little differences between human and animals. Humans may be seen as having additional value because they are closer to exiting the cycle of samsara as humans. Some Buddhists are vegetarians but not all of them. This is an example of the middle way. According to Theravada Buddhism, the Buddha allowed his monks to eat meat if the monk was aware that the animal was not killed on their behalf.
Buddhists believe that medical testing could be used to relieve some human suffering. When looking at the Middle Path, some Buddhists could support medical testing of animals on the grounds that there is lack of a suitable alternative.
Role of humanity in the world: Buddhists believe that all living things are part of the cycle of samsara, which means everyone has been an animal in a previous life. Buddhists believe they have a duty to look after and care for life. One of Buddhists role in life is to achieve nirvana, it is hoped that one day they will become a bodhisattva and help others escape the cycle of samsara. Humans have a massive responsibility as they are the ones that can do the most damage to life.
People and Animals: Buddhists believe that the use of animals for food, cosmetic testing, medical or scientific testing, cloning, genetic engineering, clothing, circus performances and intensive farming are unacceptable.
Belief in the cycle of samsara means that there are very little differences between human and animals. Humans may be seen as having additional value because they are closer to exiting the cycle of samsara as humans. Some Buddhists are vegetarians but not all of them. This is an example of the middle way. According to Theravada Buddhism, the Buddha allowed his monks to eat meat if the monk was aware that the animal was not killed on their behalf.
Buddhists believe that medical testing could be used to relieve some human suffering. When looking at the Middle Path, some Buddhists could support medical testing of animals on the grounds that there is lack of a suitable alternative.