Right Livelihood and being a biologist
Posted: Sat Jun 30, 2012 6:30 pm
Hi Everyone,
Over the past two years I have been adopting more and more of the Buddhist philosophy and precepts into my life. I would not yet say that I am a full convert, but I am 80% of the way there and acknowledge that I still have much to learn.
One issue that I have been contemplating often recently is how the concept of Right Livelihood applies to my own career as a biologist. While my work may lessen the suffering of other humans in the long run, I have had to kill (literally not figuratively) millions of sentient beings (mostly invertebrates such as insects but also a few thousand vertebrates such as mice and fish).
I can share my own thoughts on the issue, but I think what would be most useful to me is to have others' thoughts on the issue of killing sentient beings while (hopefully) helping humans. I would also appreciate any teachings that you could direct me to on this issue. I will say that working so intimately with the natural world has been a powerful driver in starting me on my path toward Buddhism.
-Jeff
Over the past two years I have been adopting more and more of the Buddhist philosophy and precepts into my life. I would not yet say that I am a full convert, but I am 80% of the way there and acknowledge that I still have much to learn.
One issue that I have been contemplating often recently is how the concept of Right Livelihood applies to my own career as a biologist. While my work may lessen the suffering of other humans in the long run, I have had to kill (literally not figuratively) millions of sentient beings (mostly invertebrates such as insects but also a few thousand vertebrates such as mice and fish).
I can share my own thoughts on the issue, but I think what would be most useful to me is to have others' thoughts on the issue of killing sentient beings while (hopefully) helping humans. I would also appreciate any teachings that you could direct me to on this issue. I will say that working so intimately with the natural world has been a powerful driver in starting me on my path toward Buddhism.
-Jeff