Skip to content

Ultimately the case for shunning animal flesh does not…

“Ultimately the case for shunning animal flesh does not rest on what the Buddha allegedly said or didn't say. What is does rest on is our innate moral goodness, compassion, and pity which, when liberated, lead us to value all forms of life. It is obvious, then, that willfully to take life, or…” quote by Philip Kapleau
Download Open image
“Ultimately the case for shunning animal flesh does not rest on what the Buddha allegedly said or didn't say. What is does rest on is our innate moral goodness, compassion, and pity which, when liberated, lead us to value all forms of life. It is obvious, then, that willfully to take life, or through the eating of meat indirectly to cause others to kill, runs counter to the deepest instincts of human beings.”

Philip Kapleau

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The argument against eating meat relies on innate human compassion, not on Buddhist doctrine, suggesting that killing for food conflicts with our deep moral instincts.

In simple terms: Compassion makes killing for food morally wrong.

Key Takeaway

Choose kindness over meat.

Themes

ethics compassion diet human nature animal rights

Mood

reflective concerned

Type

ethical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal diet choices
  • activism
  • educational campaigns
  • policy advocacy

Key Concepts

moral psychology biocentrism non‑violence

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does your daily diet reflect your compassion?
  • Can societal norms shift without losing cultural identity?
A Different Perspective

Moral arguments may clash with cultural traditions and nutritional concerns.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Philip Kapleau

Explore all 19 Philip Kapleau quotes

More Animal quotes

Browse all 13,456 Animal quotes