AboutJustin Choo Expertise When in doubt seek it out. All your questions will be answered, and you may not have to agree with the answers. Such is the beauty of Buddhism. You are free to decide. I follow the Theravada tradition. Please view my profile for more details. I have answered more than a thousand questions since joining this category. You are welcome to try me.
Experience I was brought up in the 50's as a Buddhist. For the past 30 years I have read numerous books on Buddhism and listened to numerous talks on Buddhism by well-respected and learned monks and lay teachers. I conduct Buddhist classes for parents of Sunday School children in a Theravada Buddhist Temple.
My teacher was the late Chief Reverend, The Ven. K Sri Dhammananda of The Brickfields Buddhist Mahavihara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. You can view the relevent website in memory of my revered late teacher @
http://www.ksridhammananda.com
Organizations I am a life member of the Buddhist Missionary Society Malaysia.
Publications YOU ARE INVITED TO VISIT MY BLOG @
http://lifeislikethat999.blogspot.com/
Published a book called "The Rainbow And The Treasure". It is a compilation of extracts from various sources to introduce Buddhism to beginners. (Currently out of print)
Education/Credentials Bachelor of Commerce And Administration, Victoria University Of Wellington, NZ.(1974)
Question I have been trying to practice the Dhamma and live a detatched life of peace. I have always favored a 'middle path'. But I have been developing questions that books can't answer. Fishing is awfully meditative, almost wu wei/zen. I have also read that fish have few if any nerves in their mouth so the hook doesn't hurt, as evidenced by some fish repeatedly taking the same hook. The danger is using live bait and in the handling of the fish once caught.
AM I to assume that causing intentional discomfort is the same as intentional harm? What about catching a cockroach yesterday and imprisoning it only to release it outside? I prevented it's death but scared it and imprisoned it. I have also considered fishing using plastic bait, and bending the hooks so they can't pierce the fish. Would that be ok? While fishing is enjoyable and meditative, should I just then medititate? The desire to find peace and enjoyment represent dukkha?
Also, why are plants not considered sentient? Could it be that they are a parrallel realm on the wheel, perhaps like a purgatory? Or, what if plants ARE nirvana (nibana)? Total peace, unattached, contentment, propogating endless genetic copies of themselves!?
-Marc
Answer Hi Marc,
Just imagine that you are the fish. Would you like to be treated such?
Plants are not sentient beings because they do not have consciousness. They only respond by stimulation.
