Today we have several articles on euthanasia for pets: A popular Buddhist Magazine suggests that it is showing compassion to put a pet out of its suffering, but a Buddhist tells his story about how he learned that was not true compassion and a secular newspaper article tells us how to practice a more caring way to help our beloved pets pass on. I hope that we hear more stories on how others have dealt with this matter. Very simply, it is not for us to end anyone’s life. We do not have the wisdom to know what is best for any other living being. We can and should show love and do all we can to ease their physical pain and help them pass on, but it is presumptuous for us to think we know what it best. We do not kill! Period. No pulling the cord, taking them out of their misery, etc.
Erroneous View #13: THE VIEW THAT IT IS ACCEPTABLE NOT TO PRACTICE THE SIX PARAMITAS
One must practice the six paramitas. No matter what dharma you practice, you must still practice the six paramitas of charity, abiding by precepts, effort, patience, meditation, and wisdom. If you think that you do not have to practice the six paramitas, you have an erroneous view. Whatever dharma you practice cannot substitute for the six paramitas.
CLICK for earlier article on “Practicing the Six Paramitas.”
CLICK for article on “When, if ever, is it okay for a Buddhist to Euthanize a pet?”
CLICK for article on “The Issue of Euthanasia for Buddhist and the Pets with Which They Live.”
CLICK for article on “The End of a Dog’s Life.”
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