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Quote by Norm Phelps

Work

The Great Compassion: Buddhism and Animal Rights

This book delves into the ethical considerations and teachings within Buddhism that relate to the treatment of animals, offering insights into the movement for animal rights from a Buddhist perspective. more

Author

Norm Phelps
Norm Phelps

Norm Phelps was an American writer known for his profound insights into history and culture. His works covered a wide range of topics from the American Revolutionary War to modern society, attracting a broad readership with his unique perspective and rich imagination. more

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“When virtuous mental attitudes, like mindfulness, respect, and compassion, are invoked to justify nonvirtuous acts like hunting, fishing, and eating animal products, the mental attitudes are insincere. They are self-deceptions that we create to justify habits that in our hearts we know are wrong, but to which we have become attached.”

“When we hunt or fish, we deliberately kill a defenseless being who wishes us no harm. This is a direct violation of the First Precept. It is absolutely forbidden to Buddhists. As to eating meat, we know that the only way we can obtain it is for an animal to be killed. Therefore, when we eat meat, it is our intent that an innocent animal should die to satisfy our addiction to flesh. And that underlying intention, no matter how well hidden behind a smokescreen of rationalizations will block the growth of compassion and create negative karma.”