user59: Semchen is typically defined as a sentient being.  What does this mean?  What is sentience?
This question about killing bacteria indicates bacteria are not sentient, but I distinctly remember a guru say dust mites are sentient.  Am I imposing my evolution-based viewpoint onto a ladder of sentience?

user-1: It depends on the school. Thich Nhat Hanh writes:

The Diamond Sutra teaches us that it is impossible to distinguish between sentient and non-sentient beings... In Buddhist monasteries, we chant, "Both sentient and non- sentient beings will realize full enlightenment." The First Precept is the practice of protecting all lives, including the lives of minerals.

(Source: http://dharma.ncf.ca/introduction/precepts/precept-1.html)

59: <p>Semchen is typically defined as a sentient being.  What does this mean?  What is sentience?</p>

<p>This question about <a href="https://buddhism.stackexchange.com/questions/1397/buddhism-and-bacteria">killing bacteria</a> indicates bacteria are not sentient, but I distinctly remember a guru say dust mites are sentient.  Am I imposing my evolution-based viewpoint onto a ladder of sentience?</p>
 -1: <p>It depends on the school. Thich Nhat Hanh writes:</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>The Diamond Sutra teaches us that it is impossible to distinguish between sentient and non-sentient beings... In Buddhist monasteries, we chant, "Both sentient and non- sentient beings will realize full enlightenment." The First Precept is the practice of protecting all lives, including the lives of minerals.</p>
</blockquote>

<p>(Source: <a href="http://dharma.ncf.ca/introduction/precepts/precept-1.html" rel="nofollow">http://dharma.ncf.ca/introduction/precepts/precept-1.html</a>)</p>
