I’m keeping it short tonight. I’ve been reading the book, “Train Your Mind, Change Your Brain” which examines parallels between neuroscience and Buddhist philosophy. Although the science is not quite as in depth as I was hoping for, there is a wonderful little section called “An Animal Rights Interlude”. In this interlude, the author writes of an occasion at a meeting between scientists, Buddhists & the Dalai Lama when His Holiness was asked, “Could Buddhists condone the use of animals in research when, at the end, they (the animals) were killed so scientists could examine their brains.”
In light of the Buddhist aspiration that all sentient beings be free from suffering, his response was not what many would expect. The opening comment. “Treat them respectfully, do not exploit them. In immediate term, you may lose something, but, long run, you gain much benefit” through to the closing statement, “Humanity more compassionate species and, particularly, humanity has a unique sort of intelligence, with potential for unlimited, constructive work. So, therefore, from that viewpoint, yes, we have some justification to use another animal’s life but while we are exploiting them, it must be with some feeling, some care.
The entire statement of his thoughts on this topic are certainly worth reading, practically worth the book price for this section alone. They are measured and thoughtful examination of the dilemma of the scientist and the very reason for stringent standards associated with animal research. The scientist searches for answers in the exploration of humanity and the world. They look for the answers to the questions: What makes us human? Why is our species unique? What do we share in common with other species? They explore for the sake of human curiousity & for the sake of humanity, something even the Dalai Lama acknowledges as a worthy goal.
For those interested in some of the incredible recent advances in neuroscience, please consider taking a look at, “The Brain That Changes Itself.” It is entertaining and akin to Harry Potter in the fantastic nature of the stories, with the exception that these stories are real.
Copyright 2009 by Erica Saunders http://AR-HR.com
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