What does Buddhism truly teach about animals? In Animals & The Buddha, we follow the thread of the Dharma from the Buddha’s awakening under the Bodhi tree to its profound implications for all sentient beings. At the heart of the Buddha’s message lies a bold and radical idea: compassion and non-harming must extend to animals.

This film explores the ethical depth of the First Precept and how it applies to our food choices, lifestyle, and treatment of animals today. Through perspectives from monks and teachers across Theravada, Mahayana, and Zen traditions, the film unpacks the spiritual cost of meat consumption and the karmic implications of participating in animal suffering.

Produced by Dharma Voices for Animals (DVA), the only international Buddhist animal rights organization in the world, the film reflects DVA’s global mission. With active operations in the U.S., Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Thailand, DVA promotes the health benefits of a vegan lifestyle while also supporting meditation and community-building to address mental health challenges within the animal rights movement.

Powerful and contemplative, this documentary challenges long-held assumptions and invites Buddhists—and all spiritual seekers—to reexamine the choices we make at the dinner table. Whether you're curious about ahimsa, the Bodhisattva vows, or the environmental impact of animal agriculture, this is a vital guide to living with integrity and compassion.

Thank you for watching! UnchainedTV is a 501c3 nonprofit. Our vision is a world where plant-based, cruelty-free, sustainable living is the norm—across food, fashion, science, and entertainment. For more, visit: https://www.dharmavoicesforanimals.org/