Are amoeba sentient beings in a Buddhist context?

Answer 1

The lower level of concern for interacting with sentient beings in Buddhism has not been identified. In keeping with the Eightfold Path the Buddhist himself must establish the standards he will meet. In the case of amoeba , they react to impacts such as heat, food, water conditions and light. To some this would indicate self awareness. To others this reaction would be the same as a plant's reacting to light, water, fertilizer or gravity and not indicative of sentience.