Interesting story about an escapee piglet on his way to market in GD...

[truebrit71]

...that apparently decided he REALLY didn't want to become someone's bacon sandwich... http://www.care2.com/causes/canadian-piglet-jumps-from-slaughterhouse-truck-to-new-life.html#ixzz2kWdrZeKr

It got me to thinking, as I naively explore Buddhism, about reincarnation, and moreso, respect for ALL life...

I have to confess that I am a 100% Meatasaurus...but I have been concerned for a long time, prior to my decision to educate myself about Buddhism even, that farm animals, especially those caught in Big Ag Farms, and the horrendous conditions they are forced to endure before inevitably winding up in convenient plastic-wrapped packages on our grocery store shelves...but now that I am looking more deeply into Buddhism I come up against the concept of reincarnation, something I don't think as it is currently explained, is 'real'...but then I read this story and wonder, what if the driving force behind this little guy isn't just a one-off anomaly, but is really the result of something else, maybe some other more intelligent "consciousness" that figured out that he absolutely, positively had to get the heck off that truck...

Sorry if this appears a little disjointed, but I'm trying to articulate it as best I can...so...is reincarnation real, and what on earth is a confirmed meat eater like myself to do if I determine to try and follow Buddhist practices more closely???

Any thoughts gratefully received..

Cheers!

[ruffburr]

1. As a student -

Of the teachings of buddha also raised in america which in and of itself is a conflict , The only way I can see is to take the middle path, Personaly I say a little prayer for any meat I eat and hope their suffering was minimal , I also try within reason to buy free range organic whenever possible, The way things are today in this country it is very difficult to even know what one is eating, ala GMO'S & GM foods etc. Also i try to buy kosher when i can, It is a hard question as to what is the way to go but as the buddha said, " Everything in moderation, Including moderation"