“Since all sentient beings are equal as my only son, how can I allow my followers to eat the flesh of my son? Eating meat to me is out of the question. I have never allowed, I am not allowing, and I will never allow this practice - I have strictly condemned eating meat in every way.”
- Buddha Shakyamuni (the Historical Buddha)
“People think of animals as if they were vegetables, and that is not right. We have to change the way people think about animals. I encourage the Tibetan people and all people to move toward a vegetarian diet that doesn't cause suffering.”
- H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet

The world today has become so cruel. Humans eat almost all animals, both domestic and wild. Animals are killed for their leather, fur, bone, antler and more. Those who live in water are even called seafood, while in reality they are sentient beings like us, not vegetables. All of them experience the same pain and suffering as we would if we were brutally slaughtered.

Since Buddhists talk about compassion toward all sentient beings, enjoying the flesh of innocent animals is very unjust and hypocritical. Compassion and justice are often discussed but not often realized. We have to open our eyes and watch our deeds. Meat consumption is also known to increase the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer, tuberculosis and many other diseases.

An Appeal for Compassionate Living »