The dividing line between a bodhisattva and a non-bodhisattva is the ability to let go of selfishness and care for all living beings from the bottom of one’s heart. “Living beings” does not only refer to human beings but includes seemingly insignificant creatures such as mosquitoes and earthworms. Certain people view the lives of animals as not having much value, but the animals themselves value their lives as quite precious. For example, human beings do not like mosquitoes and consider them to be pests that should be exterminated. However, if we turn the lens around, from the mosquito's perspective its life is extremely precious. We have no right to harm any living being just to serve our own interests.

~ Luminous Wisdom Book Series 8