Killing insects

Originally Posted by linen53

We have a lot of black widow and brown recluse spiders and when I see one I kill it. Period. No discussion about disease. These spiders can and will bite and one cause serious illness and other kill.

I do see living insects as beings but enough is enough. I have ducks and do you think they apologize when they see an insect before consuming it? Are they building up negative karma? I think not. If I put an occasional insect outside, they take their chances with nature and with my ducks anyway.

Though I feel bad for insects that I can't release I have to be practical.

You took the words right out of my mouth!
Thank you linen53!

[knightofalbion]

Originally Posted by linen53

I have ducks and do you think they apologize when they see an insect before consuming it? Are they building up negative karma? I think not. If I put an occasional insect outside, they take their chances with nature and with my ducks anyway.

Ducks aren't subject to the law of karma.

You are more than a duck...

[knightofalbion]

Originally Posted by linen53

Though I feel bad for insects that I can't release I have to be practical.

Compassion will always find a way, though it may involve a few moments of inconvenience.

Killing insects is just as bad as killing any other animal. It should be avoided whenever possible. However, my pet rabbit was a victim of "Fly Strike" and to save her life it was necessary to kill the dozens of maggots which had taken residence in her anus. I felt bad about that, but I felt it was necessary.

[alamode]

Killing insects is okay, just like killing weeds in your garden is okay. Same concept. Killing animals to eat for food is good and healthy.

Originally Posted by alamode

Killing animals to eat for food is good and healthy.

Not for the animals it aint!

[linen53]

I believe the animals cross the path of the hunter intentionally. They are giving themselves that we may find sustenance. Whenever my husband brings home an elk or deer or antelope I thank them for their sacrifice. We never waste the meat. It is always eaten.

Originally Posted by linen53

I believe the animals cross the path of the hunter intentionally. They are giving themselves that we may find sustenance. Whenever my husband brings home an elk or deer or antelope I thank them for their sacrifice. We never waste the meat. It is always eaten.

I do not get your logic. I could just as easily say that murder victims cross the path of their killers intentionally. It makes no sense.

Originally Posted by Heimlichkeit

Ok, so lately I've felt it necessary to be killing insects, typically in my kitchen because they seem to be unable to walk due to a leg being damaged so they just walk in circles, or show obvious signs of being crippled so I feel the right thing to do is finish them. Being as I'm not sure whether this is good or bad karma, I was wondering if there's an appropriate prayer or something to acknowledge that I'm not doing this for entertainment.

Appreciate all feedback, thanks guys.

Well, I reckon only you can know if you're doing it out of entertainment or out of compassion. It is not the deed, but the motivation that creates your Karma.
BTW, Karma is not only all good or all bad, and is often a mixed bag.

[knightofalbion]

Originally Posted by Ecthalion

I do not get your logic. I could just as easily say that murder victims cross the path of their killers intentionally. It makes no sense.

Well said.

Life is dear to all. An animal doesn't want to die any more than you or I do.