Buddhism and the Environment

"In an age of increasing environmental destruction, Buddhism can inspire the ecological awareness that’s necessary for a more balanced existence."

Below is a great article that ties Buddhist beliefs with a healthy environmental awareness:

Seeing true nature: Buddhism and the environment

Religious Animal Liberation Quotes

“The greatest progress of righteousness among men comes from exhortation in favour of non-injury to life and abstention from killing living beings.” 

(Asoka, 3^rd century Buddhist emperor, as quoted in Steven Rosen, "Food for the Spirit-Vegetarianism and the World’s Religions" – New York: Bala Books, 1987). P. 80)

“We, the Christian leaders, practice abstinence from the flesh of animals to subdue our bodies......the unnatural eating of flesh-meat is polluting.” 

(St. John Chrysostam, 4^thcentury Father of Eastern Church, as quoted in Steven Rosen, "Food for the Spirit-Vegetarianism and the World’s Religions" – New York: Bala Books, 1987). P. 18)

“And remember; when you hunt and kill,

Your punishment will depend

on where [on the scale of evolution]

you have struck your blade-high or low!...

You are not a vulture, to stoop on carcasses,

And do not, like a crow,

Dip your feet in others’ blood.

Even if your hunger has reduced you to a mere skeleton-

Bloodless like a picture image-

You will, at least, be spared the punishments

Of a carcass eater.” 

(Nizaami Ganjavee, 12^th century Sufi poet, Original translation by Shiv Singh Dhatt of Nizam Ganjavi, Makhzan-i Azrar (Kanpur, India, Munshi Naval Kishore Press, 1872, p. 123, 185)

“You violently slaughter animals

And claim it to be in keeping

with the cannons of your creed.

But when God places before you

The record of your cruel deeds,

What will your fate be?” 

(Kabir, 15^th century Indian mystic)

Animals and World Religions

In this wide-ranging and perceptive study, Lisa Kemmerer shows how spiritual writings and teachings in seven major religious traditions can help people to consider their ethical obligations toward other beings.

Dr. Kemmerer examines the role of nonhuman animals in scripture and myth, in the lives of religious exemplars, and by drawing on foundational philosophical and moral teachings. She begins with a study of indigenous traditions around the world, then focuses on the religions of India (Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain) and China (Daoism and Confucianism), and finally, religions of the Middle East (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam).

 

At the end of each chapter, Kemmerer explores the inspiring lives and work of contemporary animal advocates who are motivated by a personal religious commitment.

Animals and World Religions demonstrates that rethinking how we treat nonhuman animals is essential for anyone claiming one of the world's great religions.