Does Eliminating Viruses Constitute Killing?

Viruses are bacterial-type sentient beings that are harmful and of no benefit to humanity. Since they are called sentient beings, killing them counts as killing. However, the precept against killing established by the Buddha does not include bacterial-type sentient beings, because in the human world of the Saha world, no one can survive while avoiding bacteria—except those with great supernatural powers.

Bacterial-type sentient beings fill the sky and cover the earth; they are simply countless. Bacteria are everywhere—within the body, on the skin's surface, and in the air. They are also present in food: leavened flour foods rely on bacteria to make the dough rise, and various enzymes, pickled foods, and so on all depend on bacteria. Without bacteria, humans would not be able to enjoy many kinds of food and drink. Human survival must depend on bacterial-type sentient beings; otherwise, we could not survive. For example, the digestion, absorption, and excretion of food and drink, as well as the peristalsis of the stomach and intestines, all rely on the help of bacteria. There is nowhere in the body without bacteria—though bacteria include both beneficial and harmful kinds. Harmful bacteria are those that can damage the human physical body and can cause illness and death in humans; taking medicine and disinfecting are means to counteract this portion of bacteria. Only when these harmful bacteria die can the human body be healthy and life be secured.

Strictly speaking, everyone has killed bacteria, both actively and passively. When the body's cells with strong immunity encounter invading viruses, they will actively devour these viruses, and humans are unaware of it. If eliminating viruses counted as killing, then no one could uphold the precepts established by the Buddha, and no one could attain the Way. From this we can know that eliminating viruses does not constitute killing. In order to protect humans, a higher form of life, eliminating the lowest forms of harmful life is a matter of necessity—this is how the evolution of life must proceed.