Animal Rights Example #2 Essay Example

justify;">(6) socially trendy or significant;

(7) in a satisfactory, sound, or normal state or condition;

(8) Pertaining to the side of a human body or thing that is eastward when facing north;

(9) to describe someone or a group who supports conservative views.

Animal Ethics

Many questions arise regarding animal ethics, such as why animals deserve protection, whether animals have rights, and why they have them. Understanding the implications of animal rights and how they can impact us is vital. Additionally, there's a debate on whether all animals should have rights and if these rights should be equal. According to PETA, an animal rights organization, animals are subjected to daily abuse worldwide. They are imprisoned, beaten, and forced to perform for human entertainment. Animals are also confined in small cages, deformed, and ultimately killed for human consumption. The name of science justifies the burning, blinding, poisoning, and dissection of live animals. Furthermore, animals are electrocuted, strangled, and peeled alive for the purpose of fur coats. These acts of cruelty inflicted by humans upon animals are both heart-wrenching and enraging.

The realization that our daily choices, including our lunch options and the products we purchase, could directly contribute to the abuse of animals makes the situation even more daunting. Ignoring this reality and turning a blind eye to the suffering won't alleviate it. There are individuals who argue that animals are devoid of rights or that if they do possess rights, they should be secondary to human desires. Nevertheless, this does not grant a moral sanction for humans to mistreat animals. Even if animals lack rights, humans still have

a moral obligation to refrain from mistreating them.

Islamic beliefs revolve around the teachings of Muslims. Muslims firmly believe that Allah is the creator of all living things and holds a great love for animals. Furthermore, they believe that animals serve a purpose in benefiting human beings and therefore must be treated with kindness and compassion. Islamic teachings explicitly instruct followers to refrain from mistreating wildlife, overworking or overwhelming animals, neglecting their needs, participating in sports related to animal fighting, engaging in factory farming, or hunting animals for sport (though hunting for food is permissible if done humanely). Additionally, practices such as cutting the mane or tail of a horse are discouraged.

In the Qur'an, it is stated that animals can be used to assist humans. God has provided various livestock for humans to ride on and derive their food from, as well as satisfy their desires in other ways. Just like ships, animals can also be used for human journeys (Qur'an 40:79-80). The Prophet's concern for the welfare of animals is evident through numerous stories and sayings. For instance, there is a tale of someone traveling with the Prophet who caused great distress to a mother bird by taking eggs from its nest.

The Prophet observed the man taking the eggs and instructed him to give them back. When asked about Allah rewarding acts of kindness towards animals, the Prophet confirmed that there is a reward for every charitable act towards living creatures. He further stated that anyone who unjustly kills a sparrow or a larger animal will be held accountable by Allah on Judgment Day, unless the killing is for

food. Now let's delve into Hinduism and examine their perspective on animal rights.

Many Hindus adhere to a vegetarian diet and strictly avoid consuming beef. Traditionally, jobs involving butchery are reserved for individuals belonging to low castes within Hindu society. It is a common belief among Hindus that animals are inferior to humans, and cows hold a sacred status in their religion. Some Hindu temples are known to house sacred animals, while certain Hindu deities, like Ganesh and Hanuman, possess animal attributes such as an elephant head and a monkey form respectively. Hinduism encompasses a diverse range of religious beliefs and practices, making it difficult to establish a definitive Hindu perspective on animal treatment. Consequently, the following statements are generalized, with exceptions existing within this framework.

The principle of ‘ahimsa’ in Hinduism promotes the humane treatment of animals. Among Hindus, the cow holds significant reverence and is considered sacred. These sacred cows have the freedom to roam wherever they please, even amidst busy traffic. In India, the killing of cows is prohibited and Hindus abstain from consuming any beef products. To exemplify a Hindu's belief, I will cite a passage from the Srimad Bhagavatam, a Hindu scripture compiled 5,000 years ago by Krishna Dvaipayana Vyasadeva, who also authored the Vedas and composed the Mahabharata. The Srimad Bhagavatam serves as a spiritual guide and encompasses a wide array of Vedic knowledge. The fundamental duty applicable to all castes consists of refraining from causing harm, practicing truthfulness, abstaining from theft, lust, anger, and greed, and endeavoring to undertake actions that are pleasant and beneficial to all living beings.

Satan's philosophy is to be non-violent

towards humans but an enemy to animals, which creates enmity and anxiety among the poor creatures. This hostility is then imposed on human society, leading to constant conflict. I personally believe that animals should have the right to protection due to various reasons. Firstly, as living beings, animals deserve to be treated with respect and not subjected to abuse or neglect. Growing up with Hindu and Buddhist beliefs has heavily influenced my perspective on this matter. These religions teach that all life is sacred, and although I may not be religious myself, I firmly believe that it is morally and ethically unacceptable to harm or exploit any sentient being. Both Hindus and Buddhists advocate for Ahimsa, which promotes non-violence.

This concept of non-violence and animal rights is of utmost significance in both Hindu and Buddhist teachings, as it encompasses the well-being of animals and humans alike. Consequently, adherents of these religions strongly oppose any form of harm or violence towards animals, including animal testing, which is the reason for my fervent belief in non-violence and animal rights.

Similarities and Differences

Both the Islamic and Hindu religions place emphasis on ethics and morality, highlighting humanitarian principles such as truth, honesty, piety, kindness, and charity. Hinduism views the path of karma (actions) as a means of connecting to God.

Both Hindus and Muslims believe in fulfilling their religious responsibilities. This includes becoming educated, marrying, having children, raising them according to dharma, giving charity to holy men, providing food and shelter to unannounced guests (atithi), and protecting the weak. Life is considered sacred by both Hinduism and Islam. Hindus honor cows as sacred

animals because of their assistance to humans. On the other hand, Muslims refrain from eating pork due to the belief that pigs are unclean animals that live in muddy environments.

Muslims and Hindus share a common belief in treating all forms of life with equal respect. This concept is manifested differently between the two religions. Muslims interpret it as consuming Halal meat, which is obtained through the fastest and most humane methods, while also prohibiting hunting for sport. On the other hand, Hindus and Muslims differ in their beliefs. Muslims believe that not adhering to the specific rules for animal slaughter will have consequences when facing Allah on judgement day. In contrast, Hindus do not believe in a singular day of judgement, but rather in the continuous cycle of reincarnation.

Both Hindu and Muslim views on the belief that animals are a reincarnated soul should be respected because they each hold valid viewpoints. The Hindu belief in Ahimsa, or non-violence, is an important teaching that includes showing non-violence towards both animals and humans. Hindus should oppose any form of harm or violence towards animals, including animal testing. This moral principle is applicable to all religions and reflects a humane and positive attitude.

I think it's important to acknowledge the Muslim belief that Allah created all life for humans to treat with respect and care. Muslims are permitted to hunt animals for food, but not for sport. If someone needlessly kills an animal, it will be held against them on the day of judgement when they face Allah. The outcome of this judgement determines whether a person goes to eternal paradise (Heaven) or

Hell. This perspective also ensures that animals are treated with respect, making it similar to the aforementioned viewpoint on animals.

Firstly, some argue that animals should be granted rights because they experience pain and possess emotions similar to humans. Therefore, animals should have rights similar to those given to humans. The reason humans have rights is because in the past, certain individuals mistreated others solely based on their race, gender, sexuality, or disability. Movements such as the abolition of slavery, women's rights, gay and lesbian rights, and disability rights have been hard-fought and achieved in this country, but are still ongoing battles in other nations.

Acknowledging past and ongoing mistreatment of individuals, we have established laws that acknowledge the moral, ethical, and legal rights of all human beings. The slave trade serves as a distressing historical period during which certain Africans were forcibly taken from their homeland and forced into servitude in foreign countries, being subjected to dehumanizing conditions due to being regarded as "inferior beings". They endured imprisonment and endured long journeys spanning thousands of miles with inadequate provisions and sanitation.

Many died during the journey. Additionally, there are those who support the idea of animals having rights due to the fact that humans frequently mistreat animals for various purposes such as sporting events or entertainment. They are often used for testing commercial products, slaughtered for their body parts or fur, and therefore it is necessary to ensure their protection. It is unfair to treat animals as entertainment because they cannot voice their objections to being treated as performers. Animals should not be treated as mere actors or objects to be

imprisoned, observed, or viewed as circus clowns.

Thousands of animals endure performing silly and confusing tricks, facing physical punishment as an incentive. They are transported in cramped and stuffy boxcars or semi-truck trailers across the country. These animals are also kept in barren, boring, and filthy enclosures, often chained or caged and isolated from their families and friends. All of this is done for the purpose of human "entertainment," even at the cost of many animals' lives (PETA). In addition, the clothing industry also contributes to the killing of millions of animals every year. Animals raised on fur farms live their entire lives in cramped and dirty wire cages.

Fur farmers employ inhumane and inexpensive methods, such as suffocation, electrocution, gassing, and poisoning, to kill animals. China is the source of over half of the fur in the U.S., where numerous dogs and cats are brutally killed for their fur, including being bludgeoned, hanged, bled to death, and sometimes even skinned alive. Furthermore, Chinese fur is frequently mislabelled, making it impossible to determine the source of the skin being worn. (PETA) Additionally, certain organizations engage in animal testing for products like makeup and pharmaceuticals that are intended for human use.

Millions of animals including mice, rats, rabbits, primates, cats, and dogs are currently confined in laboratories, enduring cold and empty cages. These animals suffer from pain, loneliness, and yearn for freedom and mental stimulation. However, their only option is to remain immobile and anticipate the terrifying and agonizing procedures that await them (PETA). Additionally, some animals are slaughtered for their meat, an act considered by vegans as animal abuse and a cause

of environmental destruction.

They promote the advantages of adopting a vegan diet and assert that this will contribute to our moral growth by tackling global hunger and the appalling conditions in slaughterhouses. Numerous vegetarians and vegans have chosen to refrain from consuming meat due to moral or ethical considerations. Conversely, individuals who consume meat, like Muslims, contend that animals should be slaughtered in a humane manner, and any failure to do so would be considered animal cruelty according to their beliefs. There are those who argue that humans are not naturally suited for consuming dairy or meat.

They would argue that the existence of so much cancer, heart disease, and various other diseases is due to this. One argument is the medical evidence that meat and dairy have negative effects on human health. Another argument pertains to the impact on Earth's ecology and the contribution to global warming caused by factory farming. Ethics also play a role in this discussion. The question arises: what about the nearly one million starving individuals across the globe? Why are some experiencing starvation even when there is sufficient food for everyone? Hindus would argue that there will be karmic consequences. Both humans and animals possess emotions.

The belief is that humans possess a higher mind, enabling us to override our most basic instincts, which are governed by the lower mind. Unlike animals, humans are capable of learning from mistakes more quickly. Animals lack a higher mind and therefore require an extensive amount of time to internalize mistakes in order to modify their behavior. Animals, driven by their instinct to survive, do not commit suicide (assuming

they are even capable of entertaining such thoughts). Similarly, humans share this innate addiction to life and the desire to prolong it as much as possible.

However, certain humans defy their instinct to survive by choosing to end their own lives – a demonstration of the dominance of the higher mind over the lower mind. This behavior is unique to humans; although some animals, particularly primates, display signs of rational and emotional thinking associated with a higher mind, they do not engage in self-destruction. As superior beings capable of reasoning, it is our duty not to harm or exploit animals. Nevertheless, there are those who argue that humans are also animals and question the need for human rights if other animals do not possess them.

Animals, like humans, possess feelings, emotions, and souls. They have the entitlement to live and be treated respectfully. Absence of animal rights would grant humans the ability to subject them to any form of abuse or harm. But why should we have the privilege to mistreat or inflict pain on another living entity? The earth does not solely belong to human beings; it is intended for all creatures, including plants and animals. In fact, humans would not be able to survive as a species without the presence of plants and animals. From a moral and ethical standpoint, there is no justification for denying animals the same rights as humans.

These are various justifications for granting animals rights, including protection from being used in sports or entertainment, testing for commercial products, being consumed or killed for their body parts or fur. Individuals of Hindu or Muslim faith who

partake in such activities could be reminded of their scriptures emphasizing the respectful treatment of animals. This could be considered a positive move towards providing animals with rights and promoting more humane treatment.

Points Against

Some people argue against the idea that animals should have rights because animals and humans sometimes need to kill other animals for survival. In Islamic belief, it is accepted as long as this killing is done in a humane manner. Others may disagree based on the notion that humans have a higher order mind and are aware of moral ideas. They recognize that causing pain and suffering is morally wrong, regardless of whether the victim is a human or a non-human animal. Therefore, according to this perspective, animals do not require rights as these moral principles already encompass their well-being.

Some argue that the absence of cruelty does not necessarily make an act morally good. Even kind acts can be morally wrong. For instance, giving a false alibi to a relative to prevent them from going to jail for a crime may be kind, but it would still be wrong. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that everyone has the right to life, liberty, and security of person. This means that it is morally wrong to take someone's life or restrict their liberty, unless their liberty infringes on the rights of others, or violate their personal security. Acting against our natural instincts, such as seeking revenge, is necessary to uphold our rights without resorting to constant acts of retaliation

Famous Religious Person

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, a well-known religious Hindu, was a strong

advocate for human and animal rights.

Born in 1869 in Porbandar on the Western coast of India and raised by Hindu parents, Gandhi had numerous encounters with people of different religions during his youth. He had many friends from Christian and Muslim backgrounds and was greatly influenced by Jainism in his early years. Gandhi most likely adopted the religious principle of 'Ahimsa' (non-violence) from his Jain neighbors and later developed his own famous principle of Satyagraha (truth force). He believed in winning people over through a change in their hearts and minds and advocated for non-violence. Although he remained a devoted Hindu throughout his life, Gandhi was critical of organized religion and saw it as hypocritical. His moral integrity was tested even as a young child when an inspector came to visit during a spelling test. Despite his teacher instructing him to copy his neighbor's spelling, Gandhi firmly refused to do so.

After being informed that meat-eating was the source of power for British colonial rule, Gandhi secretly tried consuming meat. However, he quickly abandoned this practice due to feeling ashamed of deceiving his strictly vegetarian family. Mahatma Gandhi was a renowned proponent of Ahimsa, as it guided his policy of passive resistance known as satyagraha, which combined the Sanskrit words for "truth" and "holding firmly." He employed this approach in his interactions with the occupying British forces during the period preceding Indian independence.

Literally translated, Ahimsa means to be without harm; to be utterly harmless, not only to oneself and others, but to all forms of life, from the largest mammals to the smallest bacteria. This exemplifies Gandhi's belief that all

life is sacred and his efforts to improve the world. He firmly rejected violence and pioneered non-violent protests, such as fasting. This demonstrates that peaceful means can achieve desired outcomes without resorting to violence. Gandhi's commitment to non-harming led people to regard him as a saint, as he emphasized the equality of animals and humans.

Buddhism – three Schools of Thought

This article examines the differences among the three main schools of thought within Buddhism: Theravada, Mahayana, and Zen. Buddhism was established by Siddhartha Gautama in northern India around 2,500 years ago following his enlightenment in Bodhgaya. It is a belief system focused on spiritual growth and practice, aimed at gaining insight into the essence of life. Theravada Buddhism, also referred to as Hinayana Buddhism, places significant emphasis on the life and teachings of the historical Buddha and his monastic journey, highlighting enlightenment as a result of individual effort.

According to Theravada Buddhism, the historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, was an ordinary person who achieved enlightenment. Theravada Buddhists believe that enlightenment cannot be achieved through prayer or belief in the supernatural. Instead, it is the individual's effort to follow the path of liberation taught by Siddhartha Gautama and the dharma teachings that can lead to relief from suffering.

In this understanding, the term 'faith' is defined as a trusting confidence and is seen as a crucial aspect of Theravada teaching. Without faith, it is believed that followers would struggle to commit to the disciplines of the eightfold path towards enlightenment (Geaves, 2007). Mahayana Buddhism, on the other hand, encompasses various Buddhist traditions such as Tibetan, Chinese, and Japanese. In these

traditions, emphasis is placed on the 'bodhisattva', with compassion being equally important as wisdom, and regarded as the primary virtue.

Mahayana Buddhism (meaning the greater vehicle) originated as a response to the rigid traditions and doctrines outlined in a collection of sacred texts written in the Pali language. Roughly four centuries after the passing of the Buddha, a group of thinkers called the Mahasanghikas (Members of the Great Assembly) emerged. These individuals began challenging the inflexible norms of traditional Buddhism and penned their own interpretations in Sanskrit, a language that allowed for greater flexibility in understanding. Consequently, they laid the groundwork for the development of Mahayana Buddhism.

Mahayana Buddhism encompasses different forms that can be distinguished from the older and stricter tradition of Buddhism based on their principles regarding the nature of reality and the Buddha (Geaves, 2007). Zen Buddhism, which originated from India and spread to Japan and China, elevates Mahayana Buddhism by emphasizing meditation as the exclusive path to enlightenment. Its goal is to achieve 'satori', an intuitive understanding of the interconnectedness of all existence.

The origin of Zen Buddhism can be traced back to the Chinese Mahayana school of Buddhism, known as Chan. This school was influenced by both Tao and the flower sermon of Siddhartha Gautama. According to this sermon, when asked about enlightenment, the Buddha responded by holding up a flower and smiling. One of his disciples intuitively understood the meaning of this action and began teaching it to others. Bodhiharma, who was the 28th person in line to receive this teaching from the Buddha, then brought it to China. The term "Zen" is derived from

"Chan," which itself comes from the word "Dhyana," meaning meditation.

Zen is a branch of Mahayana Buddhism that emphasizes the use of meditation (Zazen) as a means to achieve liberation. In contrast to other forms of Buddhism that focus on supernatural or cosmic Buddhas, Zen highlights the relationship between master and student. It originated in Japan in the 13th century and developed a unique form of Buddhism that rejects both devotion and intellectualism. Through extensive meditation, practitioners aim to attain satori and gain insight into the fundamental nature of existence (Gabriel Geaves, 2007).