Contradictions in Buddhist Teachings: Animal Compassion and Monastic Practices

Most people view Buddhism as a compassionate and animal-friendly religion. It was therefore a shock for many to hear that in recent years, Buddhist monks were heavily criticised over their alleged involvement with wildlife smuggling. They also faced criticism when they operated petting zoos within their temples. The monks were accused of reneging on their teachings and giving in to modern desires. The international condemnation of Thailand’s “tiger temple”, where monks allegedly kept 134 tigers drugged and chained for tourists to stroke, feed and photograph them as well as selling body parts to make millions of dollars. This was not a singular incident.

The monks at the tiger temple believed that they “lived in Buddhist harmony with the tigers” which seems to prove how disengaged they are from their basic teachings of a href=”https://www.thoughtco.com/loving-kindness-metta-449703#::text=Loving%2Dkindness%20is%20defined%20in,an%20essential%20part%20of%20Buddhis The monks at the tiger temple believed that they “lived in Buddhist harmony with the tigers” which seems to prove how disengaged they are from their basic teachings of loving kindness.

The Buddhists’ compassion is attributed to their care for street dogs.

As with all religions Buddhism sends mixed messages about animal welfare that are not always understood. You will see dogs, cats and monks in any Buddhist temple you visit in Asia. Monks are often seen feeding, caring for and keeping street cats and dogs. They also collect food to feed animals in a local zoo. It is this that gives them their reputation of compassion.

If you look around, you’ll also find miserable monkeys and birds, reptiles, and even a chained elephant, all kept in filthy cages in hidden corners of compound compounds. This is a confusing scenario.