In Buddhist thought animal life is also sacred, but human life is considered more important. It is only a human being who has the direct path to nibbana. This is because of man's potentiality due to his central position in the universe.14 This position cannot be shared with other sentient beings including animals. Buddhism is well aware of the necessity of some animal experimentations to advance scientific knowledge that can help cure life-threatening diseases. Accordingly, this kind of animal experimentation is acceptable if there is no other way to attain such knowledge. Experimentation for cosmetics and minor disease are thus ruled out. In the case of experimentation that has great benefit to mankind Buddhism asks us to carry it on in a way that is humane as much as possible. The animal must be provided with the best living conditions and made to feel the least pain. Where animals need not to be killed for the purpose of experiment, because of the contributions they have made for human benefit, they should have the best care throughout their natural lives.