Our basic tenet is compassion. We wish to try to bring out people's innate compassion. Our formal education processes and the school of life itself unfortunately often trample out the natural sympathy that children have for their fellow creatures. This paper considers our policy towards other sentient species. We respect all forms of life but here we are concerned with those with the capacity to suffer.
Simple observation suffices for most species.
Some species, e.g. fish and snakes, require more careful observation. The degree of suffering experienced by animals in various circumstances is often disputed. Our view is that where common-sense indicates that animals being used by humans are suffering as a result of such use, the animals and not their users should be given the benefit of the doubt. In a rapidly urbanising environment like South China, the only contact many of the population now has with plants is with roses on Valentine's Day and with animals is on the dinner plate. We believe it is essential for the future of the world that humans remember their place in the natural order and show respect for the environment both living and inanimate.