Proper Livelihood

Matador painting by Marlyn Anderson.

Hammalawa Saddhatissa describes right livelihood as prescribing that "The layman should only pursue an occupation that does not cause harm or injustice to other beings... The traditional trades from which the layman is barred are dealing in arms, in living beings, in flesh, in intoxicating drinks, and in poison." Following that principle, in the world of today the list would include any occupation connected with: zoos, aquariums, and theme parks with animal attractions; animal acts in entertainment, including circuses, movies, rodeos, and nightclubs; hunting; fishing; whaling; the fur, leather, and silk trades; animal laboratories for biomedical research or product testing; horse racing and dog racing; and, of course, bullfighting. In sum, any occupation that supports the killing of animals or infliction of suffering upon them is prohibited to Buddhists.

---The Great Compassion: Buddhism and Animal Rights, by Norm Phelps---