Thanks a bunch for reading and for such great response. 🙏 And for your fascinating and well stated questions. I'll give you knee-jerks but they should also be pondered in depth.

1. I believe yes.

2. I think it meant murder, but one can always interpret and expand, no?

3. Buddhism ascribes sentience to all life, as a rule. Some draw the line at larger animals, some at insects, some at plants.

I think self awareness need to be part of the definition.

4. According to the Buddha, there is no such thing as a soul.

5. We're halfway between animals and Devas...

6. Again, I think self-awareness is a necessary part of the definition.

Thanks again for great questions.