<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>

<vajrayana><terminology>
How is semchen (sentient being) defined?
# How is semchen (sentient being) defined?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2014-06-25)

Semchen is typically defined as a sentient being. What does this mean? What is sentience?

This question about [killing bacteria](https://buddhism.stackexchange.com/questions/1397/buddhism-and-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?

**Tags:** vajrayana, terminology


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