Question asked by EG
That’s what I thought, too. You probably meant to type “1986.” Here’s the source: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/2011/02/powerful-quotes.html
While I’m on a roll, perhaps you will allow another question. A few post below, you wrote that “There were many things I noticed in the Geshe system I did not want to be involved with.” Could you please clarify? What, in your opinion, are the main shortcomings of the geshe system?
Having been vegetarian/vegan since 1968, I’ve probably heard just about every rationalization attempt extant for continuing to eat our sisters and brothers in the animal realm. However, those who’ve not read Gautama Buddha’s teachings on me…at-eating might be surprised to learn He left no wiggle room in stating:
“If one is trying to practice dhyana (spiritual meditation) and is still eating meat, he would be like a man closing his ears and shouting loudly, and then asserting that he heard nothing. . . . How can a bhikshu (student of spirituality) who hopes to become a deliverer of others, himself be living on the flesh of other sentient beings? . . .S/he who causes suffering shall suffer; there is no escape. “
“To avoid causing terror to living beings, let the disciple refrain from eating meat. . . .The food of the wise is that which is consumed by the sadhus (holy men); it does not consist of meat. . . .There may be some foolish people in the future who will say that I permitted meat-eating, and that I partook of meat myself, but. . .meat-eating I have not permitted to anyone, I do not permit, and I will not permit meat-eating in any form, in any manner, or in any place; it is unconditionally prohibited for all.”–Gautama Buddha, 5th Century, B.C. (“Dhammapada”)
Likewise, after years of requesting of my friend and teacher since 1982 that he speak out decisively to Buddhists about meat-eating, the Dalai Lama stated. . .again, without wiggle room:
“I do not see any reason why animals should be slaughtered to serve as human diet, when there are so many substitutes. After all, man can live without meat.”
Personally, I’ve just recently joined this unparalleled, global, social-networking experiment called Facebook, but like you, Rinpoche, I’ve already enjoyed spreading compassion into others’ hearts, and I’m delighted to see you speaking out in behalf of those who can’t.
Finally, anyone interested in more compassionate wisdom on this subject may wish to visit my ‘Dennis Paulson’ FB Page, where every day you’ll find a different COMPASSION FOR ANIMALS quotation from celebrated ones among our sisters and brothers, speaking from their heart just as Rinpoche did here. Big Love and Peace of mind; your friend and theirs, Dennis
(Dennis Paulson left a message on my Facebook post. I found it quite powerful. I have reproduced here for everyone to read. Anyways, many ppl can read on the comments of the post, but that will get pushed down eventually…so it’s here now to stay and to share continuously. I will have more quotes extracted from his wonderful FB page as he recommended to share with all of you on this post. So this post will continue to grow…must check back to it from time to time…please share these quotes wherever you can…help the animals please… Tsem Rinpoche)
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Dear EG,
I pasted from the page in mention above. If you read it carefully, this is what Dennis Paulson wrote to me that he has been vegetarian since 1968. It is not referring to myself.
In regards to what I did not like about the geshe system, I will not talk about it at this time. Maybe in my book later if I can see a benefit in mentioning it. I would not want to say things about the Monastery that would seem negative at this time.
Thanks….Tsem Rinpoche