New Buddhist organisation addresses Animal Suffering in Buddhist Communities

A new organization, Dharma Voices for Animals (DVA), has been created to address animal suffering at dharma centers and in sanghas throughout the United States and the world.  More than 210 people have already joined DVA through its website, www.dharmavoicesforanimals.org .

The following web link gives the current list of members as at August 22, 2012

http://dharmavoicesforanimals.org/who-we-are/

The goal of Dharma Voices for Animals is to bring practices at dharma centers and sanghas into better alignment with the Buddha’s message of non-harm.

Whether in the dining halls, walkways or in the choice of personal care and cleaning products used, Dharma Voices for Animals wants to ensure that animals have a voice and that needless slaughtering and harm are not hidden out of sight when choices are made in menus, planning and purchase orders.

The founders of Dharma Voices for Animals include Bob Isaacson, a community dharma leader and former civil rights attorney who fought against the death penalty; David Blatte, a student of the Ven. Pa Auk Sayadaw and former public defender; Kim Sturla, a member of Mountain Stream Meditation Center and founder of Animal Place, a farm sanctuary; and Patti Breitman, a student at Spirit Rock Meditation Center and author of the book How to Eat Like a Vegetarian, Even if You Never Want to Be One.

For more information, please visit www.dharmavoicesforanimals.org