Buddhism and Animals: The relationship between Buddhists and animals is different than in Abrahamic traditions
2018
Abstract
The article deals with the approaches to animals in Buddhism, with a particular focus on the status of animals in Buddhist ontology and ethics. Recent changes and developments in contemporary Buddhism are also discussed.
The perception of animals in Buddhism is rather clear, as animals are unambiguously regarded as sentient beings included into the samsara. Yet, their mode of rebirth is considered to be of a bad condition and undesired, hence they must gain a rebirth in a human form in order to attain nirvana.
The leading principle in Buddhist ethics is ahimsa (nonviolence) which means to avoid harming any sentient beings, including animals.