Is Eliminating Viruses Considered Killing Living Beings?

Viruses are sentient beings of the bacterial category that are harmful and of no benefit to humans. Since they are called sentient beings, killing them constitutes killing life. However, the precept against killing established by the Buddha does not include bacterial sentient beings, because in the human realm of the Saha World, no one can survive while avoiding bacteria, except for those with great supernatural powers.

Bacterial sentient beings are ubiquitous and countless beyond measure. They exist everywhere—within the body, on the skin, in the air, and in food. Leavened flour products rely on bacteria to rise, while various enzymes, fermented foods, and more all depend on bacteria. Without bacteria, humans would be deprived of many foods and beverages. Human survival fundamentally depends on bacterial sentient beings; otherwise, life would be impossible. For instance, the digestion, absorption, and excretion of food, as well as gastrointestinal motility, all rely on the assistance of bacteria. Bacteria are present everywhere within the body, encompassing both beneficial and harmful types. Harmful bacteria are those that can damage the human physical form, causing illness or death. Taking medication or disinfection targets these harmful bacteria. Only when these bacteria are eliminated can the human body remain healthy and life be safeguarded.

Strictly speaking, everyone has killed bacteria, whether actively or passively. When the cells of a person with strong immunity encounter invading viruses, they actively engulf these viruses, often without human awareness. If eliminating viruses were considered killing life, no one could uphold the precepts established by the Buddha, and thus no one could attain enlightenment. From this, it is clear that eliminating viruses does not constitute killing life. Protecting higher forms of life, such as humans, by eliminating the lowest forms of harmful life is an unavoidable necessity—this is how the evolution of life proceeds.