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Buddhists/Virus, Bacteria and Microbes

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Expert: - 9/24/2010


Question
I understand trees, though they reproduce, are not considered as a life form in Buddhism. What about virus, bacteria and microbes? In Buddhism, are viruses, bacteria and microbes life or non-life?

Answer
Dear Suriya,

Thank you for the opportunity to answer your questions.

Scientifically, we might classify trees and viruses, bacteria and microbes as life because they reproduce. This is the scientific definition of life.

However the Buddhist definition of life is a vessel in which a karmic entity can be born into to further their karma. As trees, microbes, bacteria and viruses do not have free choice nor do they have voluntary actions...they are not considered life.

The key is that each "life" must be able to choose their actions (even if their choice is a hard one or an impossible one) - they always have a choice. A lion has a choice whether to kill or not (but they usually do), a person has a choice whether to lie or not. However, microbes, viruses and trees have automatic functions which do not deal with choice. Therefore, we do not consider them life.

I hope I have answered your questions.

Sincerely,

Phra Anandapanyo

Buddhists

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Anandapanyo Bhikkhu

Expertise

I can answer questions about Buddhist practice, Buddhist understanding and how to apply Buddhism to daily life. I can help analyze Buddhist sayings and teachings. In addition, I can help with questions Buddhism stories, fables and Vinaya(rules). I have meditated for over 10 years and can help you start with meditation. In addition, I can help provide insight into what to do when you feel that you have hit a wall with your meditation. My main area of expertise is how to think in accordance with Sammaditthi (the right view - and number 1 in the Buddha's Noble Eightfold Path. If I cannot answer your question, I have many able teachers with over 20 years experience to help me, so chances are I will be able to find an answer for you.

Experience

I have been practicing Buddhism for over 13 years. I started studying under various famous Thai Theravada masters. Finally, I met and studied under Phra Acariya Thoon Khippapanyo who has recently passed away on Nov 11, 2008 and is widely accepted as a great Arahant (fully enlightened) teacher of our time. In addition, I have personally read and studied much of the Buddhist scriptures and popular literature available. I have recently undertaken the ordination vows and have become a Buddhist monk in the theravada forest monk tradition. I reside at a temple with many dedicated practitioners and great teachers. I have been practicing training my mind to be aligned with right view (sammaditthi) for over 10 years. I have also been meditating for over 10 years. In my time spent with Acariya Thoon, I learned many things and was able to incorporate them into my life. In addition to practicing Buddhism within temples and my home, I used to own two restaurants and managed commercial real estate. I had to deal with many different and problems. I learned how to use Buddhism to fix my problems, both externally (my environment) and internally (within me).

Organizations
Wat San Fran Dhammaram Temple KPY - a non-profit religious organization

Publications
none

Education/Credentials
Electrical Engineering Degree from the University of California Santa Barbara MBA from San Francisco State

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none

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