By DVA President Bob Isaacson This article was first published in Lion’s Roar magazine, April 2019. If you stopped people on the streets of Chicago or London and ask them if Buddhists are vegetarian, the most likely response you’d get is “yes.” The public perception, at least in the West, is that since Buddhism is based on reverence for life, followers of the path don’t eat … Continue reading Friends, Not Food
In a recent article in Lion’s Roar magazine, a number of prominent Buddhist teachers discussed the current political situation in this country and made a call for action, asking us to stand up against social injustice in whatever form it takes. While the goal of skillful interaction with the world is certainly laudable, the message did not go far enough. In pointing to racism, gender- … Continue reading DVA’s Response to Lion’s Roar Article
In 2016, it came to our attention that during a Spirit Rock Community Dharma Leader retreat at Garrison, New York, fish and steak were served during meals. Since we were very concerned we wrote a letter to Spirit Rock teachers and leaders asking them to reconsider this policy. UPDATE: We are happy to report that we heard back from Spirit Rock that moving forward only … Continue reading DVA Moves Spirit Rock to Stop Serving Meat
During September and October, several DVA leaders traveled to Asia to attend the World Fellowship of Buddhists Conference and our very own Asian Buddhist Animal Rights Conference, and visited South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, and Vietnam, four countries home to millions of Buddhists, to spread our message, increase our membership, open new chapters in Singapore and Penang Malaysia, and give a number of public talks. Continue reading DVA’s Buddhist Animal Rights Conference a Huge Success
During September and October 2016, several DVA leaders traveled to Asia to attend the World Fellowship of Buddhists (WFB) Conference and our very own Asian Buddhist Animal Rights Conference. We visited South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, and Vietnam, four countries home to millions of Buddhists, to spread our message, increase our membership, open new chapters in Singapore and Penang Malaysia, and give a number of public … Continue reading Giving a Voice to Animals at World Fellowship of Buddhists
By Nicholas Ribush This article was first published in Mandala magazine, July 2013. Veganism is not just a diet. It is not just a ‘lifestyle.’ It is a nonviolent act of defiance. It is a refusal to participate in the oppression of the innocent and the vulnerable. It is a rejection of the insidious idea that harming other sentient beings should be considered a ‘normal’ … Continue reading On Becoming Vegan: When Vegetarian is not Enough
