The basic issue in live animal slaughter is how we can justify such extreme pain and suffering. Traditional Western arguments claim the animals don't really suffer because they have no souls. That stance so radically contradicts our personal experience with animals that very few really believe that. According to the Chinese Buddhist tradition, even primitive forms of animal life have awareness, feel pain and have the potential for future enlightenment. If we torture them and do not respect their right to live out their natural life span, then we will suffer the karmic consequences.
Multicultural understanding is essential for harmony in our community.
Nonetheless, the live animal slaughterers of Chinatown need to acknowledge that a major element of their own cultural tradition rejects their practices. They fear most the butcher's knife, which slices and chops them piece by piece. Examiner contributor Ron Epstein, a Ukiah writer, has taught Chinese spiritual traditions since 1971 as part of the philosophy and religion program at San Francisco State University.