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Today, I’m joined by Forrest Tierce, the U.S. Project Director for Dharma Voices for Animals—the only international Buddhist animal rights organization in the world. DVA works across the U.S., Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Thailand, with a mission to: end animal suffering within Buddhist communities by promoting plant-based living and a cruelty-free lifestyle.
Forrest brings more than two decades of Buddhist practice, seventeen years of vegan living, and a professional background that ranges from personal training to environmental education as a National Park Service ranger. His work sits at the intersection of ethics, ecology, and compassion, helping Buddhist communities explore how their food choices can better align with the principles of non-harm at the heart of the Dharma.
In our conversation, Forrest speaks to the value of personal investigation—what the Buddha described as “come and see.” We explore the gap many practitioners feel between aspiration and action, and how grounded, reflective dialogue can open the door to meaningful change.
We also talk about DVA’s current work in the U.S., the Five Precepts as a guide for compassionate living, and I ask how Buddhist practice’s might help an angry vegan.
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In Buddhism, there is a unique emphasis on personal inquiry, direct experience, and gradual alignment rather than dogma or rigid commandments.
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In animal advocacy, we often fall into “all-or-nothing” language. I ask about the value of inviting reflection instead of demanding conformity.
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What inspired Forrest’s path into Buddhist practice, and how did that fit with his commitment to veganism and animal advocacy?
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The 5 Precepts of Buddhism: Refrain from killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying, & consuming intoxicants. Animal agriculture is in conflict with them all.
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Many practitioners sincerely value non-harm, yet their daily choices don’t always reflect that intention. What aspects of Buddhist practice can help bridge the gap?
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Are there particular teachings, or teachers that have shaped Forrest’s understanding of compassion toward animals?
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How Buddhist teachings can help Angry Vegans.
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When visiting a Dharma centre or speaking with Buddhist practitioners, what are the most common questions or hesitations around plant-based living?
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What practices help Forrest stay grounded and hopeful in the work, especially when facing resistance or slow progress?
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What are DVA’s current priorities in the U.S?
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For people who feel overwhelmed by the climate crisis, what are some steps—grounded in Buddhist principles—that can help them move from paralysis to compassionate action?
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What’s one message Forrest hopes listeners take away about compassion, animals, and Buddhist practice?
I’m struck by the peace we can find in practices like Metta—the sharing of love and compassion—that Forrest expressed so powerfully. At the same time, it’s hard not to be disappointed by the mental gymnastics people perform to justify exploiting animals, which seem to appear in every group, in every context.
What stays with me most, though, is something Forrest said: immense gratitude for the vegans in my life and the vegans in the world. To have clarity about the kind of person you want to be, to centre that around compassion for all beings, and to have the courage to live aligned with that clarity and compassion—it’s rare, and it’s profoundly compelling.
Connect with Dharma Voices for Animals across the socials: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Youtube | LinkedIn
Plus his book, Old Path White Clouds.
This journal and daily planner follows a twelve month format however is not dated so it is perfect to use at ANY time of the year.
With love and gratitude plant friends.
EATING PLANT BASED IS SO MUCH EASIER THAN I EXPECTED!