[Buddha-l] Victimized vegans?

[Margaret Gouin]

On Mon, May 14, 2007 4:09 am, [DPD Web] Shen Shi'an wrote:
> Some related thoughts... Moderation...

> As a mother would risk her life
> to protect her child, her only child,
> even so should one cultivate a limitless heart
> with regard to all beings. - Metta Sutta
>
What are 'all beings', then? Only animals? What kind? What size? The
argument against eating meat because animals are killed is nice and neat,
but the apparent corollary that vegetarianism/veganism is 'pure' because
no animals are killed seems to me a bit of a disconnect. What about all
the animals and other life forms that are killed in agriculture by
clearing the land, ploughing, etc.? What about the extensive genetic
manipulation of major food sources such as soya and wheat, and the
proliferation of chemical poisons soaking into the ground in the name of
increasing yield? What about the appalling labour practices of many of the
big agricultural companies in North America and Europe, and in many
countries dependent on exporting exotic vegetables and fruits to northern
countries out-of-season? Are you saying that's all okay because 'no (large
warm-blooded four-footed) animals were killed in the making of this
carrot'?

Just curious...

-- 
Margaret Gouin
PhD Candidate
Centre for Buddhist Studies
Department of Theology and Religious Studies
University of Bristol (UK)