1. By Bobby Muir November 4, 2009 Period 9/10

2.  Many Hindu medical ethics come from the principle of Ahimsa – meaning non-violence.  Many Classical Hindu Text oppose abortion.  One text compares it to killing a priest.  Another text considers abortion worse than killing one’s parents.  Another text says that a woman who commits abortion will lose her cast.  Sometimes in Hindu culture, abortion is done so that the family can have sons, this is called “Female Feticide.”

3.  The doctrine of Reincarnation can be used to make a strong case against abortion.  If the Fetus is aborted, its soul suffers a karmic setback. It would be deprived of all the good karma it would get if lived, and now would have to repeat the cycle of birth. In short, it hinders a soul’s spiritual progress.  Ahimsa teaches that not only is wrong to kill living beings, but also embryos.

4.  Wesak is the most important holiday to Buddhists.  It’s celebrated on the full moon in may.  It technically celebrates the Buddha’s birthday, while some Buddhists also celebrate it for his enlightenment and death.

5.  The holiday is celebrated with much color and gaiety.  Most homes are usually cleaned and decorated.  Many Buddhists will try to visit a local temple for services and teaching, and in return, provide the monks with food, candles, and flowers.  Gifts are also placed on the altars offered to Buddha statues.  During the festivities, most of the food provided is vegetarian, because most Buddhists try not to harm animals.