Source, Accessed 20 May 2026
Learning New Ways
We need to learn new ways to talk about others. The term “livestock” is an example. Living beings are not “stock”. Imagine if someone used this term to refer to a human being (as was done in the not so distant past)! These beings have the same right to exist that we do. They are not our property.
A New Vocabulary
In addition to new words for others, we also need new words for compassion, empathy and love. We need to expand our current definitions to include non-humans. We can look for guidance in traditional Buddhism - for example “Karunā”. Whether we borrow, expand notions or create new words entirely doesn’t matter. What does matter is that we begin to speak in new and more positive ways.
As thoughts inspire language, language influences thoughts. You create the world through your thoughts, words and actions.
May all beings know peace!
Tūruapō
20 May 2026