meat?

Q. I have heard you say that it is acceptable to eat meat if we are sick, but I would like you to say something about other areas of killing, such as insects etc.

A. First I have to say that it is not me who has said that it is acceptable to eat meat if you are sick.

To eat meat means an animal has been killed and I cannot support that action under any circumstances.

In reality you are always allowed to do anything you want. You are a living being with free will and if you want to take the life of other beings you (everyone) is certainly able to do it, just look at the world.

So, the reason not to take life is not because someone said that you should not, but because you feel a connection with the planet you are part of. All beings suffer with pain and fear, and you yourself can be a force for good or further cruelty in the world, but you must decide that for yourself.

Self-responsibility is one of the most important factors on the Dhamma Path.

How you feel about insects in your house is personal and you will have to decide what to do in each circumstance, but I do not support the idea of destroying something simply because we don't like it. When the heart is open there is a place for everything, and fear is never something beneficial to act upon.

So, each moment is a new moment, and each situation is a new situation. Dhamma is not religion or politics and so there is no judgement or condemnation involved and so it is you that must do what you feel is correct in each moment.

It is true that I encourage all my disciples to be at least vegetarian and preferably vegan, but this is something they must arrive at through their own investigation of Dhamma and themselves. All life is precious, and each moment we find ourselves in is a moment to meet our fear, desire and prejudice and use it as the moment to awaken.

Between a life establishes in love and fear, love is always better.

When we say 'May all beings be happy,' this is precisely what we mean.

May all beings be happy and secure, may their hearts be wholesome.

Whatever living beings there may be, feeble or strong, tall, stout or medium, long, short or small, seen or unseen, those living far or near, those who are born and those who are to be born, may all beings, without exception, be happy minded.

(Central part of the Metta Sutta)

May all beings be happy