Expert: Justin Choo - 11/12/2007

Question
With the latest scientific method of cloning,artificial insemination in fisheries etc,how do Buddhism explains Reincarnation?How to explain the sudden increase in the numbers of souls being reincarnated now compare to the olden days?Are new souls being created to cater for the increase?
When ants, termites or other insects become a menace we have to exterminate them by direct killing,baiting or spraying insecticide.Is this act considers as breaking the Five Precepts?If yes,how to avoid the killing and at the same time we can control their presence?Thank you for your early answers.

Answer
Hi Damien,

Thank you for asking me.

Living beings exist not only in this world but in other world systems.  Even within this world, living beings are countless.  Just turn over a flower pot and you see living beings.  

To answer your questions in the second paragraph, may I repeat a recent answer I gave:

"First you must understand that the five precepts are not commandments.  We undertake to observe the five precepts TO THE BEST OF OUR ABILITIES.  They are moral principles for us to live by, to the best of our abilities.  I don't think an average person can live through without ever breaking the precepts.  

The Buddha prescribed these precepts for us to live our lives peacefully.  However, at times certain conditions may not allow us to rigidly adhere to them.  It is at such times that we must use our common sense and human intelligence to make decisions.  That is the time when we need to use our wisdom and freedom of choice.  Sometimes we might even have to compromise for the greater good.

Under normal circumstances if we really make mistakes then it is up to us to realize and to do better the next time.  This is the Buddhist way.  We are not perfect beings."

Furthermore, this world is full of imperfections and it is not possible for anyone to live a perfect life. So we must be careful not to become good-hearted fools.   

<<If yes,how to avoid the killing and at the same time control their presence?>>
Science and human discipline can help alleviate such problems.  For examples, using metal materials for buildings;  keeping our house clean, esp. the kitchen.

Smile from justinchoo :-)