In the Eastern world, Buddhism, which originated in India in the 5th century BC, spread throughout many parts of Asia.
Buddhism was also introduced to Japan in 538 AD.
At the beginning of the 7th century, Mohammed founded Islam.
Buddhism and Views on Animals
All living things should be respected, and one must not willingly kill or injure them.
(However, killing may be unavoidable for those whose occupation depends upon it.)
The world is governed by the principle of survival of the fittest.
Human beings are the rulers and have the right to use other animals as they wish.
God blessed them and said to them,
"Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and every living creature that moves on the ground."
(Genesis 1:28, Japan Bible Society, 1991 translation)
Evolutionary Humanism
The lives of animals deserve respect. Humans have a responsibility in the way they treat animals, but human life is superior to animal life.
