Cow Service in Devotional Life ( धर्मप्रद जीवन में गौ सेवा के महत्त्व -- )
PT. ALOK PANDEY
People across faiths & religion often misguide others, that cow protection should not be done. I am providing some proofs from scriptures of different faiths which lay testimony to the sanctity of cows. Even Science & Scientists accepts the benefits of serving cows & consuming cow related products. I request knowledgeable people to share their thoughts regarding the same please. || Jai Gau Maata ||
As all rivers originating from the hills lead to the oceans ... similarly all present day religions ( originating from the Sanatana ~ the eternal one ) reach out to the same lord & preach the same philosophy .
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COW PROTECTION IN SANATAN DHARMA ( HINDUISM) ~ the eternal code :
Sanatan Dharma (सनातन धर्मं) is a devine code of conduct established by the dearest lord. In it there are various Shrutis Smritis Dharma Shastras who glorify the devinity of cows & fruits of serving them. Cows (गऊ माता ), are a symbol of abundance & all sanctity of life on earth, that serves the beings like a mother without asking much in return. It is a part of Ancient traditions to avoid/ reject consumption of beef.
Hinduism is based on the concept of omnipresence of the Divine, and the presence of a soul in all creatures, including bovines. Thus, by that definition, killing any animal would be a sin: one would be obstructing the natural cycle of birth and death of that creature, and the creature would have to be reborn in that same form because of its unnatural death. Historically, even Krishna, one of the most revered forms of the Divine (Avatar), tended cows.
A Cow is said to be the abode of all the Gods. Every atom in cow’s body is abode of the 33 crore Gods. All the 14 mythical worlds exist in the limbs of cow.
- Brahma and Vishnu on the root of two horns.
- All the sacred reservoirs and Vedavyasa on the tips of the horns.
- Lord Shankara on the centre head.
- Parvathi on the edge of head.
- Kartikeya on the nose, Kambala and Ashwatara Devas on the nostrils.
- Ashwini Kumaras on the ears.
- Sun and Moon in the eyes.
- Vayu in dental range and Varuna on the tongue.
- Saraswathi in the sound of cow.
- Sandhya goddesses on the lips and Indra on the neck.
- Raksha Ganas on the hanging under the neck.
- Sadhya Devas in the heart.
- Dharma on the thigh.
- Gandharvas in the gap of hoofs, Pannaga at the tips, Apsaras on the sides.
- Eleven Rudras and Yama on the back, Ashtavasus in the crevices.
- Pitru Devas on the ides of umbilical joint, 12 Adityas on the stomach area.
- Soma on the tail, Sun rays on the hair, Ganga in its urine, Lakshmi and Yamuna in the dung, Saraswathi in milk, Narmada in curd, and Agni in ghee
- 33 crore Gods in the hair
- Prithwi in stomach, oceans in the udder, Kamadhenu in the whole body
- Three Gunas in the root of the brows, Rishis in the pores of hair, and all the sacred lakes in the breathe.
- Chandika on the lips and Prajapathi Brahma on the skin
- Fragrant flowers on nostrils
- Sadhya Devas on the arm-pit
- Six parts of Vedas on the face, four Vedas on the feet, Yama on the top of the hoofs, Kubera and Garuda on the right, Yakshas on the left and Gandharvas inside
- Khecharas in the fore of the foot, Narayana in intestine, mountains in the bones, Artha, Dharma, Kama and Moksha in the feet.
- Four Vedas in the Hoom… sound
There are 7 mothers listed in scriptures. They are…
'adau mata guru-patni, brahmani raja-patnika dhenur dhatri tatha prthvi saptaita matarah' Meaning:
Real mother & Guru-patni, the wife of spiritual master or teacher. Brahmani, the wife of a brahmana, and Raja-patnika, the queen. Dhenu, the cow, Dhatri, nurse, as well as theEarth. Earth is mother because she gives us so many things like fruits, flowers, grains for our eating. Mother gives milk & food for eating. Cow gives us milk. So cow is also one of our mothers.
SCRIPTURE SPEAK :
1) SRIMAD BHAGVAD GITA
Dhenunam asmi kamadhuk -- Among cows I am the wish fulfilling (kamdhenu or surabhi) cow. (Verse 10.28).
2) SRI CHAITANYA CHARITAMRITA, Adilila, Chapter 17, verse 166,
Caitanya Mahaprabhu confirms:
o-ange yata loma tata sahasra vatsara go-vadhi raurava-madhye pace nirantar
Cow killers and cow eaters are condemned to rot in hell for as many thousands of years as there are for each hair on the body of every cow they eat from.
It is further written - Those who fail to give cows reverence and protection and choose to foolishly oppose and whimsically ignore the injunctions of the Vedic scriptures by selling a cow for slaughter, by killing a cow, by eating cows flesh and by permittings the slaughter of cows will all rot in the darkest regions of hell for as many thousands of years as there are hairs on the body of each cow slain. There is no atonement for the killing of a cow.
3) MANU SAMHITA, chapter 4, verse 162 :
- A guru, a teacher, a father, a mother, a brahmana, a cow and a yogi all should never be killed.
- धर्मो रक्षति रक्षितः - मनु कहते हैं- जो धर्म की रक्षा करता है धर्म उसकी रक्षा करता है । सत्य से धर्म की रक्षा होती है ।
cintāmaṇi-prakara-sadmasu kalpa-vṛkṣa- lakṣāvṛteṣu surabhir abhipālayantam lakṣmī-sahasra-śata-sambhrama-sevyamānaḿ govindam ādi- puruṣaḿ tam ahaḿ bhajāmi
I worship Govinda, the primeval Lord, the first progenitor who is tending the cows, yielding all desire, in abodes built with spiritual gems, surrounded by millions of purpose trees, always served with great reverence and affection by hundreds of thousands of lakṣmīs or gopīs.
5) SHRI RAMCHARITMANAS
Vedas & Devatas in their prayer Jai Jai Surnayak describe the lord as " Go Dvij Hitkari ( protector of cows & Brahmins) Jai Asurari ( Death for Wrongdoers) "
6) MAHABHARATA,
- Anusasana-parva, 115.43 -116.45: That wretch among men who pretending to follow the path of righteousness prescribed in the Vedas, would kill living creatures from greed of flesh would certainly go to hellish regions.
- Anusasana-parva, 114.6, 115.6 it states: As the footprints of all moving, living beings are engulfed in those of the elephant, even thus all religions are to be understood by ahimsa which is non-violence to any living being by thought, words or actions.
गवां मूत्रपुरीषस्य नोद्विजेत कथंचन । न चासां मांसमश्नीयाद्गवां पुष्टिं तथाप्नुयात् ॥ (Mahabharata, Anushasana Parva 78-17)
Do not hesitate to consume cow urine and cow dung – they are sacred. But one should never eat the cow meat. A person becomes stronger by consuming Panchagavya.
गावो ममाग्रतो नित्यं गावः पृष्ठत एव च । गावो मे सर्वतश्चैव गवां मध्ये वसाह्यहम् ॥ (Mahabharata, Anushasana Parva 80-3)
Let there be cows in front of me, behind me and all around me. I live with the cows.
दानानामपि सर्वेषां गवां दानं प्रशस्यते । गावः श्रेष्ठाः पवित्राश्च पावनं ह्येतदुत्तमम् ॥ (Mahabharata, Anushasana Parva 83-3)
Donation of cows is superior to all others. Cows are supreme and sacred.
COW IN VEDAS: In the Vedas, Cow is called Aditi, Dhenuvu, Aghnaaya etc. ‘Cow is refered in the Rg Veda 723 times, in Yajurveda 87 times, In Sama Veda 170 times, in Athrava Veda 331 times-total 1331 times. Similarly 20 times in Rg Veda, 5 times in Yajurveda, 2 times in Sama veda and 33 times in Athrava veda the word Aghnaaya specifically addressed to cow. "Dhenu" is used 76 times in Rg Veda, 22 times in Yajurveda, 25 times in Sama Veda, 43 times in Atharva Veda. The meaning of Dhenu is which gives Trupti (Contentment and satisfaction).
7) RIG VEDA:
- Cattle were important to Rig Vedic people & several hymns refer to more than ten thousan cattle.
- Rig Veda 7.95.2. and other verses (e.g. 8.21.18) also mention that the Sarasvati region poured milk and "fatness" (ghee), indicating that cattle were herded in this region.
- In the Rig Veda, the cows figure frequently as symbols of wealth, and also in comparison with river goddesses, e.g. in 3.33.1cd, Like two bright mother cows who lick their young, Vipas and Sutudri speed down their waters.
- In X.87.16 we find: One who partakes of human flesh, the flesh of a horse or of another animal and deprives others from milk by slaughtering cows ; if such a fiend does not desist then even cut off their heads by your powers Oh king.
- According to Aurobindo, in the Rig Veda the cows sometimes symbolize "light" and "rays". Aurobindo wrote that Aditi (the supreme Prakriti/Nature force) is described as a cow, and the Deva or Purusha (the supreme being/soul) as a bull.
- The Vedic god Indra is often compared to a bull. Rivers are often likened to cows in the Rigveda, Vyasa said: Cows are sacred. They are embodiments of merit. They are high and most efficacious cleansers of all.
- ८.१०१.१५ – मैं समझदार मनुष्य कोकहे देता हूँ की तू बेचारी बेकसूर गायकी हत्या मत कर, वह अदिति हैं अर्थात काटने- चीरने योग्य नहीं हैं.\
- ८.१०१.१६ – मनुष्य अल्पबुद्धि होकर गाय को मारे कांटे नहीं.
- ६.२८.४ – गोए वधालय में न जाये
- Cow – The aghnya – brings us health and prosperity. 1.164.27)
- There should be excellent facility for pure water for Aghnya Cow. (5.83.8)
- The Aghnya cows – which are not to be killed under any circumstances– may keep themselves healthy by use of pure water and green grass, so that we may be endowed with virtues, knowledge and wealth. (Rigveda 1.164.40 or Atharv 7.73.11 or Atharv 9.10.20)
~ 1) Everyone should ensure that cows are free from miseries and kept healthy.
~ 2) God blesses those who take care of cows.
~ 3) Even the enemies should not use any weapon on cows
~ 4) No one should slaughter the cow
~ 5) Cow brings prosperity and strength
~ 6) If cows keep healthy and happy, men and women shall also keep disease free and prosperous
~ 7) May the cow eat green grass and pure water. May they not be killed and bring prosperity to us.
8) ATHARVA VEDA
- Cow's body is represented by various devas and other subjects.
- In VIII.6.23 we find: Those who eat cooked or uncooked flesh, who eat eggs and embryos are following an evil addiction that must be put to an end.
- It is definitely a great sin to kill innocents. Do not kill our cows, horses and people. -- 10.1.29
- Oh Goddess cow you make a weak person strong,you make a glowless person beautiful and not only that you-; you with your auspicious sounds make our homes auspicious. {4.21}
- १२.४.३८ -जो (वृद्ध) गाय को घर में पकाता हैं उसके पुत्र मर जाते हैं.
- ४.११.३- जो बैलो को नहीं खातावह कस्त में नहीं पड़ता हैं
- ७.५.५ – वे लोग मूढ़ हैं जो कुत्ते से या गाय के अंगों से यज्ञ करते हैं
आ गावो अग्मन्नुत भद्रकम्रन् सीदंतु गोष्मेरणयंत्वस्मे । प्रजावतीः पुरुरूपा इहस्स्युरिंद्राय पूर्वीरुष्सोदुहानाः ॥
यूयं गावो मे दयथा कृशं चिदश्रीरं चित्कृणुथा सुप्रतीकम् । भद्र गृहं कृणुथ भद्रवाचो बृहद्वो वय उच्यते सभासु ॥
Oh Cows! With your milk and ghee you make the physically weak strong, and nurture the sick to health. With your sacred utterances, you chastise our homes. Your glory is discussed in gatherings. (Atharvana Veda 4-21-11 and 6)
वशां देवा उपजीवंति वशां मनुष्या उप । वशेदं सर्वं भवतु यावतु सूर्यो विपश्यति ॥
The Gods and men live on cow products. Till the Sun shines, the universe will have Cows. The whole universe depends on the support of cow.
(Atharvana Veda 10-10-34)
9) YAJUR VEDA
- A human being should not kill Cows & other animals & should ensure nobody else does --12.73
- Do not kill cows and bulls who always deserve to be protected. -- 13.49
- Destroy those who kill cows.-- 30.18 - गोहत्यारे को प्राण दंड दो
- You must not use your God-given body for killing God's (*innocent)creatures,whether they are human, animal or whatever.
सा विश्वाय़ूः सा विश्वकर्मा सा विश्वधायाः। (Shulka Yajurveda 1-4)
That cow would augment the life span of the sages involved in the sacrifices and the doer of the sacrifices. Cow coordinates all the rituals of the sacrifices. By providing offerings like milk, cow nourishes all the Gods of the sacrifices.
10) HARIVAMSHA PURAN
- The Harivamsha depicts Krishna as a cowherd. He is often described as Bala Gopala, "the child who protects the cows." Another of Krishna's names, Govinda, means "one who brings satisfaction to the cows." Other scriptures identify the cow as the "mother" of all civilization, its milk nurturing the population. The gift of a cow is applauded as the highest kind of gift.
- The milk of a cow is believed to promote Sattvic (purifying) qualities. The ghee (clarified butter) from the milk of a cow is used in ceremonies and in preparing religious food. Cow dung is used as fertilizer, as a fuel and as a disinfectant in homes.
11) PURANAS
- The earth-goddess Prithvi was, in the form of a cow, successively milked of various beneficent substances for the benefit of humans, by various deities.
- गावो बंधुर्मनुष्याणां मनुष्याबांधवा गवाम् । गौः यस्मिन् गृहेनास्ति तद्बंधुरहितं गृहम् ॥ (Padmapurana)
12) SRIMAD BHAGVATAM,
- (Canto 11, chapter 5, verse 14 :5) "Those who are ignorant of the absolute truth and believe they are virtuous although wicked and arrogant who kill animals without any feeling of remorse or fear of punishment are devoured by those very same animals in their next birth."
- ( Chapter 8, 8.2 ) tām agni-hotrīm ṛṣayo jagṛhur brahma-vādinaḥ yajñasya deva-yānasya medhyāya haviṣe nṛpa
- (Canto 8: Chapter 24, Text 5) BRAHMINICAL CULTURE CANNOT BE MAINTAINED WITHOUT COW PROTECTION“ . Without protection of cows, brahminical culture cannot be maintained; and without brahminical culture, the aim of life cannot be fulfilled.
13) GAVOPANISHADA:
Text Two: gävo bhütäm ca bhävyaà cagävah pustih sanätanégävo laksmäs tathä mülaàgoñu dattam na naçyati
"The cow is the past and future. She nourishes the health of all living entities, and she is the root of prosperity. The piety one achieves by feeding a cow in never destroyed."
Text Three annaà hy paramam gävodevänäà paramaà haviùsvähakära vañaö käraugoñu nityaà pratiñöhitau
"The cow is the cause of one's accumulation of food grains. She awards the best sacrificial ingredients to the demigods. The sacrifice of the demigods and the sacrifice of Indra are both performed on the basis of the cow."
Text Four gävo yajïasya hy phalaàgoñu yajnah pratiñöhitahgävo bhaviçyaà bhütaà cagoñu -yajïäù pratiñöhitaù
"It is the cow which awards the result of sacrifice. The performance of sacrifice is dependent upon her. She is the past and future. All sacrifices are based upon her."
Text Five säyaà prätaçca satataàhoma käle mahädyutegävo dadati vai homyamåñibhyaù puruñarsabha
"O greatly powerful King, every morning and evening when the sages perform fire sacrifices, it is the cow who supplies them the essential ingredients, in the form of ghee, etc."
Text Six yäni käni ca durgäniduñkåtäni kåtäni cataranti caiva papmänaàdhenuà ye dadati prabho
"My dear King, those who give milk-cows in charity become liberated from all types of danger, and also become free from all sinful reactions."
Text Eleven nä kértayitvä gäha supyättäsäà saàsmrtyä cotpatetsäyäà prätar namasye cagästataù pustimäpnuyät
"Do not go to bed at night without praising cows. Do not get up in the morning without remembering the cow. Offer respect to the cow daily, in the morning. By doing so, a human being achieves strength and nourishment."
Text Twelve gaväà mütra purisasyanodvijeta kathaïcanana cäsäà mäàsa maçnéyädgaväà pustià tathäpnuyät
"Do not hate cow urine and cow dung. Never eat cow meat. By following this advice, human beings can become prosperous."
Text Thirteen gäçca sankértaye nityaànäva manyeta tästathäanistaà svapramälaksyagäà naraù samprakértayet
"Chant the name of the cow daily and never insult her. If one sees a bad dream, one should immediately remember the cow."
Text Fifteen ghåtena juhuyädagnighåtena svasti väcayetghåtaà dadyät ghåtaà präçodgaväà pustià sadäçnute
"Use ghee in fire sacrifices. Use ghee in all auspicious activities. Donate ghee and also use it for personal necessities. By doing this, the human beings will always support the cows and understand their value.
Text Seventeen gävo maàupatisthantuhema çrìgyäh payo mucahsurahu saurabhe yaçcasaritah sägaraà yathä
"As the rivers flow into the ocean, may Surabhi and Saurabheyi cows that give milk and have horn covered with gold, come to me."
Text Twenty gaväà dåñövä namaskåtyakuryäcciva pradakñinaàpradakiñné kåtä tenasaptadvipä vasundharä
mätarah sarva bhütänäàgävah sarva sukha pradähvåddhià äkaàçatä nityaàgävah käryäh pradakñinäh
"One should see, offer obeisances, and circumambulate the cow. By doing so, one is suppose to have circumambulated the entire earth, with its seven islands. The cow is the mother of all. She gives happiness to everyone. People who desire prosperity should daily circumambulate the cow."
14) Rik Samhita
यः पौरुषेण क्रविषा समंक्ते यो अश्वेन पशुना यातुधानः । ये अघ्न्याये भरति क्षीरमग्ने तेषां शीर्षाणि हरसापि वृश्चः ॥ (Rik Samhita 87 – 161)
Oh fire god, with your flames burn the heads of those demons who eat the meat of humans, animals like horse and cow, and those who steal cows’ milk.
प्रजापतिर्मह्यमेता रराणो विश्वैर्देवैः पितृभिः संविदानः । शिवाः सतीरुप नो गोष्ठमाकस्तासां वयं प्रजया संसदेम ॥ (Rik Samhita 10 – 169 – 4)
May the supreme Lord, complemented by all the Gods, create auspicious and spacious cowsheds for our happiness and populate them with cows and calves. Let us rejoice the cow-wealth and contend by serving those cows.
15) Other Quotes:
सा नो मंद्रेषमूर्जम् दुहाना । धेनुर्वा गस्मानुष सुष्टुतैतु ॥
She is Kamadhenu – the divine cow that fulfils all our desires. Her body is of cow and face is of a woman. She was born before the amrutha when the ocean was churned. Her hair exudes fragrance. From her udder she showers Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha. She is an abode to self-knowledge, shelters, Sun, Moon and Fire God. All the Gods and the living beings depend on her. She provides us with food and supreme knowledge even when we mildly pray. Let her be near us.
पीतोदका जग्धतृणा दुग्धदेहा निरिंद्रियाः । आनंदा नाम तेलोकस्तान् स गच्चति ता ददत् ॥
These cows have eaten grass and have taken water. They have been milked. They are past reproductive age. One who donates these old cows will go to place of darkness devoid of pleasures. Instead, donate me. (Kathopanishat – Nachiketa tells sage Vajashravas during Vishwajit Yaga)
पार्थो वत्सः सुधीर्भोक्तादुग्धं गीतामृतः महत् ॥
Bhagavad-Gita is the essence of Upanishads. It is like a cow whom Srikrishna milks. Arjuna is like a calf. The learned devotees are drinking the ambrosial milk of Bhagavad-Gita.
गौर्मे माता वृषभः पिता मे दिवं शर्म जगते मे प्रतिष्ठा ।
Cow is my mother and ox my father. Let the pair bless me with happiness in this world and bliss in heaven. I depend on cow for my life – thus stating one should surrender to cow.
वागिंद्रियस्वरूपायै नमः । वाचावृत्तिप्रद्दयिन्यै नमः ॥ अकारादिक्षकारांतवैखरीवक्स्वरूपिण्य़ै नमः ॥ (Atri Samhita 310)
By the service of the cow and consuming cow products, awareness and spirit, both enhance.
यन्न वेद्ध्वनिध्यांतं न च गोभिरलंकृतम् । यन्नबालैः परिवृतं श्मशानमिव तद्गृहम् ॥ (Vishnusmriti)
The house where Vedas are not chanted, where cows are not seen where children are not around it is like a graveyard.
गोमूत्रगोमयं सर्पि क्षीरं दधि च रोचना । षदंगमेतत् परमं मांगल्यं सर्वदा गवाम् ॥
Cow’s urine, dung, milk, ghee, curd and gorochana – these six are the most auspicious products.
एक गाय अपने जीवन काल में 4,10,440 मनुष्यों हेतु एक समय का भोजन जुटाती है, जब की उस के मांस से 80 मांसाहारी केवल एक समय में अपना पेट भर सकते हैं ! -: स्वामी दयानंद सरस्वती (गो करुना निधि किताब में से )
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16) COW PROTECTION IN SIKH SECT:
उग्रदन्ती ~~
यही दे हु आज्ञा तुरकन गहि खपाऊं !गऊ घात का दोख जगसों मिटाऊं।~~ हे मां भवानी, मुझे आशीर्वाद और आदेश दे कि धर्म विरोधी अत्याचारी तुर्कों को चुन-चुनकर समाप्त कर दूं और इस जगत से गौहत्या का कलंक मिटा दूं।~ गुरु गोविन्द सिंह जी
- सकल जगत मो खालसा पंथ गाजै,जगै धरम हिन्दुक तुरक दुंद भाजै।~~ सारे जगत में खालसा पंथ की गूंज हो, हिन्दू धर्म का उत्थान हो तथा तुर्कों द्वारा पैदा की गयी विपत्तियां समाप्त हों।
- ਨਾਮਾ ਪ੍ਰਣਵੈ ਸੇਲ ਮਸੇਲ ॥नामा प्रणवै सेल मसेल ॥ ~~~ Nāmā paraṇvai sėl masėl. Naam Dayv prayed, and milked the cow. Page 1166, Line 6
- ਹਮ ਗੋਰੂ ਤੁਮ ਗੁਆਰ ਗੁਸਾਈ ਜਨਮ ਜਨਮ ਰਖਵਾਰੇ ॥हम गोरू तुम गुआर गुसाई जनम जनम रखवारे ॥ Ham gorū ṯum gu*ār gusā*ī janam janam rakẖvārė. ~~~ I am a cow, and You are the herdsman, the Sustainer of the World. You are my Saving Grace, lifetime after lifetime. Devotee Kabir -Page 482, Line 13
- ਕਾਮਧੇਨ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਗੁਣ ਗਾਮ ॥कामधेन हरि हरि गुण गाम ॥Kāmḏẖėn har har guṇ gām.The Khaamadhayn, the cow of miraculous powers, is the singing of the Glory of the Lord's Name, Har, Har. --Guru Arjan Dev, Page 265, Line 5
- मांस की प्राप्ति तभी संभव है जब दूसरे जीवों का वध किया जाये, लेकिन जीव हिंसा करने से स्वर्ग नहीं मिलता इसलिए सुख तथा स्वर्ग को पाने की कामना रखने वाले द्विज को मांस भक्षण त्याग देना चाहिए ।199।
- मांस की उत्पत्ति और जीवों के बंधन तथा वध को समझकर सभी प्रकार के मांस भक्षण को त्याग देना चाहिए ।200।
- वे सभी जीव वध के लिए समान रूप से दोषी हैं जो जीव वध की अनुमति देते हैं, जीव के अंगों को काट कर अलग अलग करते हैं, उसका वध करते हैं, उसको बेचते हैं, उसको खरीदते हैं, उसको पकाते हैं, उसको परोसते हैं, और उसको खाते हैं ।201।
- मुनियों के बीच रहते हुए उनकी तरह से सात्विक कंद मूल तथा फल का भोजन करने से वह पुण्य फलप्राप्त नहीं होता, जो केवल मांसाहार के त्याग से मिलता है ।202।
- विद्वानों के अनुसार मांस शब्द मां, तथा स, शब्दों के योग से बना है इसका अर्थ होता है- जिसे मैं इस संसार में खाता हूँ, वही मुझे परलोक में खाये ।203।
- "Don't give your animals in the hands of butchers." - SatPurush Baba Fulsande Wale
Guru Govind Singh, the 10th Guru, told Pandit Prithwiraj that Khalsa sect was established to care for the economy, right behaviour, cows, Brahmins, and protection of the down-trodden.
Guru Govind Singh’s first Guru was against killing of any animal – not only cows.
In 1871, under the leadership of Guru Rama Singh, 3,15,000 Sikhs participated in an agitation against the British to get the slaughter houses closed.
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17) COW PROTECTION IN BUDDHISM SECT
Gautam Buddha preached about the utility & importance of cows. He advocated against Cow Slaughter & gave importance on cow rearing.
- यथा माता सिता भ्राता अज्ञे वापि च ज्ञातका । गावो मे परमा मित्ता यातु जजायंति औषधा ॥ अन्नदा बलदा चेता वण्णदा सुखदा तथा । एतवत्थवसं ज्ञत्वा नास्सुगावो हनिं सुते ॥
~~(Goutama Budha)
- गोहाणि सख्य गिहीनं पोसका भोगरायका । तस्मा हि माता पिता व मानये सक्करेय्य च् ॥ १४ ॥ ये च् खादंति गोमांसं मातुमासं व खादये ॥ १५ ॥
- "Let all creatures, let all things that live, all beings of whatever kind, see nothing that will bode them ill! May naught of evil come to them!" ~~ Buddha (quoted in the Culla-Vagga)
The Mahayana tradition is especially strong on vegetarianism; it pictures the Buddha not only as himself a vegetarian, but as one who taught others to be vegetarians. The Lankavatara sutra devotes an entire chapter to the evils of eating meat, saying:
"Meat eating in any form, in any manner, and in any place is unconditionally and once for all prohibited. . . . Meat eating I have not permitted to anyone, I do not permit, I will not permit."
- All beings hate pains; therefore one should not kill them. This is the quintessence of wisdom: not to kill anything. ~~Sutrakritanga
- “I do not see any reason why animals should be slaughtered to serve as human diet when there are so many substitutes. After all, man can live without meat...”
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18) COW PROTECTION IN JAIN SECT
The cow was accorded top priority in Jain sect and in fact, the cow was the symbol of the first Jain Teerthankar Adinathji Maharaj.
In the life of a Jain saint the cow bore immense respect and significance.
- सभी प्राणियों के दर्द से नफरत है, इसलिए उन्हें मार नहीं चाहिए ! इस ज्ञान का सारतत्व है: किसी भी प्राणी, जीव कि हत्या मत करो --Sutrakritanga (जैन धर्म)
- Those who have forsaken the killing of all; those who are helpmates to all; those who are a sanctuary to all; those men are in the way of heaven. ~~~ Hitopadesa
Mahaveera had ordered his disciples to rear 60,000 cows.
When Ananda became a disciple of Mahaveera, he vowed to run 8 Gokulas. One Vraja/Gokula = 10,000 cows. Ten citizens who owned maximum cows were named “Rajagriha Mahashataka” and “Kashiyachulanipita.” One’s wealth was assessed by the number of cows he possessed.
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19) SCRIPTURES OF PAGANISM
Classical paganism had many illustrious vegetarians who were outspoken on the subject. Such figures as Ovid, Appolonius of Tyana, Plutarch, Plotinus, and Porphyry were all vegetarians who also identified themselves with classical paganism.
Plutarch's essay
On Eating of Flesh is still quoted by vegetarians today. Porphyry, living several hundred years later, wrote the earliest surviving book- length treatment of vegetarianism, On Abstinence from Animal Food, where he forthrightly deals with the moral worth of animals, the natural repugnance of humans to animal flesh, and the effects of meat-eating on health.
Many modern neo-pagans are vegetarians as well, as is evident from looking at modern neo-pagan literature. They quote the Pagan Federation principles in support of their vegetarianism: "`Do what you will, but harm none.'
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20) COW PROTECTION IN JUDAISM SECT:
They base their vegetarianism on the fact that the first diet commanded by God in Genesis was a vegetarian diet: "God also said, 'I give you all plants that bear seed everywhere on earth, and every tree bearing fruit which yields seed: they shall be yours for food.'" (Genesis 1:29). The ultimate desire of God is for a world like that in the Garden of Eden, where humans and even animals are all vegetarian:
"The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid, and the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them. . . . They shall not hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain; for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea." (Isaiah 11:6, 9)
Compassion to animals is part of Jewish teaching. Animals, as well as humans, are to be rested on the sabbath (Exodus 20:10), one has an obligation to relieve the suffering of animals (Deuteronomy 22:4, Exodus 23:5), and "a righteous man cares for his beast" (Proverbs 12:10). God himself cares for animals, for "his tender care rests upon all his creatures" (Psalms 145:9).
Finally, Proverbs 23:20 advises, "Be not among winebibbers, or among gluttonous eaters of meat."
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21) COW PROTECTION IN CHRISTIANITY:
Many early Christians were vegetarian,
including Clement of Alexandria, Origen, John Chrysostom, Jerome, and Basil the Great.
According to some early church writings,
Matthew, Peter, and James the brother of Jesus were vegetarians. Many of the Old Testament principles concerning compassion for animals are accepted by Christians. God's compassion for animals is indicated at several points in the New Testament as well: Luke 12:6 states,"Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God." Matthew 12:7 states about animal sacrifice: "If you had known what that text means, `I require mercy, not sacrifice,' you would not have condemned the innocent."
- Old Testament of the Bible which applies to both Christians and Jews in Issaih, chapter 66 verse 3:
Modern day Christian vegetarians include many in the Seventh-day Adventist church, which recommends vegetarianism to its members, and the great humanitarian Albert Schweitzer, who said:
"While so much ill-treatment of animals goes on, while the moans of thirsty animals in railway trucks sound unheard, while so much brutality prevails in our slaughterhouses . . . we all bear guilt. Everything that lives has value as a living thing, as one of the manifestations of the mystery that is life."
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22) SCRIPTURES OF BAHAY RELIGION:
The Baha'i writings do not specifically forbid meat or require vegetarianism. However, it is safe to say that vegetarianism is strongly encouraged. The Baha'i writings state:
"The food of the future will be fruit and grains. The time will come when meat will no longer be eaten. . . . our natural food is that which grows out of the ground. The people will gradually develop up to the condition of this natural food."
"To blessed animals the utmost kindness must be shown, the more the better. Tenderness and loving-kindness are basic principles of God's heavenly Kingdom. Ye should most carefully bear this matter in mind."
"It is not only their fellow human beings that the beloved of God must treat with mercy and compassion, rather must they show forth the utmost loving-kindness to every living creature. For in all physical respects, and where the animal spirit is concerned, the selfsame feelings are shared by animal and man. . . . The feelings are one and the same, whether ye inflict pain on man or on beast."
"Train your children from their earliest days to be infinitely tender and loving to animals."
-- Keith Akers
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23) COW PROTECTION IN ZOROASTRIANS:
Zoroaster prayed to God for knowledge and conduct to achieve prosperity of cows and human kind. (Yashana 4512)
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24) COW PROTECTION IN ISLAM --
The prophet Mohammed himself was kind to animals, something even Western historians have recognized. The Qu'ran 6:38 remarks: "There is not an animal in the earth, nor a creature flying on two wings, but they are peoples like unto you."
Some followers of Islam have become vegetarians. This is especially true of the Sufis, who represent the mystical dimension in Islam, some of whose number both in ancient times and today are vegetarians.
An old story is told about Rabia al-Adawiyya (died 801), an early woman Sufi saint. She was sitting in the midst of a number of animals, and was approached by Hasan of Basra. The animals all run away, and Hasan asks why. Rabia replies, "You have been eating meat. All I had to eat was dry bread." The animals recognized that Rabia was a vegetarian and that Hasan was not.
- Among the four legged animals, cow is the supreme; treat it with respect – Hajarat Mohammed.
- Cow’s milk and butter are great medicines. Its meat is a cause for diseases. – Hajarat Ayesha and Ullas Tivari Jahir.
- Cow’s milk is medicinal – Innamasur Sahavi Rasul.
- Abdul Mulk Ivanmaddana Subedar in Iran and Hijaj Bin Yusuf in his province had prohibited cow slaughter.
- 110th Ahal Sunnat in Afgahnistan had banned cow slaughter by Fatwa.
- A full chapter of the Koran deals with cow protection. There is not even a single sentence in the whole Koran, which could be interpreting an order slaying of cows. Instead of that the Koran clearly and strictly forbidding cows or any milch animal. On the occasion of Ed-ul-Zuha, they only sacrifice a goat or a lamb, while in India, on that day a large number of cows are sacrificed by the Muslims. Is it to follow the teachings of Koran?
- According to this story, Yahudi, after leaving Misr, celebrated a function and adopted new religious rites. Musa, the Yahudi-messenger, went to see his god at Jwalagiri (Koh-e-noor). Many days passed but he didn’t come back and his followers started worrying; then Sthana Salamati, an aged Yahudi, advised the other followers to pray to the cow-idol for Musa’s early return, and the merciful Almighty showed His wonder in that Musa reached there, as soon as they prayed before the cow-idol. Then Musa told them that God Yahoba, had asked him to offer a cow; but the followers didn’t obey. He became laughing stock, as they realized that cow-worship had worked, a wonder, and sacrificing a cow, therefore, would invoke the wrath of God.
- An Incident is narrated in Sur-e-Hind wherein it is said that once two heavenly messengers visited earth to meet the so-called God’s messenger, Abraham, of the Israeli community. Before them, he (Abraham or Ibrahim) served cow’s meat; they didn’t even dare to touch it (Sur-e-Hind, 69.70).
- Thirdly, this very instance is told in Sur-e-Zariyat (26-27).
- Paigambar Saheb and many other personages have abstained from taking beef, if not, any other sort of flesh. They have preached against and prohibited the killing of useful animals. Mohammedanism out of India is more ancient, more true to type and genuine; even then there is no such practice of killing cows. In the history of quarbani cow-sacrifice does not occur so much. Goats, sheep and camels etc are sacrificed but not the Cows.
- The late-lamented Hakim Ajmal Khan, M. Chhotani, Maulana Abdul Bair and other Muslim luminaries of Islam repudiated the claims of fanatic section of Islam about the indispensability of cow-slaughter…”
- “Only to provoke the wrath of Sikhs and Hindus and to wound their feelings, Mohammedan conquerors, in the dark ages, inflicted this insulting and arrogant practice of cow killing…”. Dr Leitner in the Asiatic Review, 1893, explained the fallacy as under:
- -Dr Syed Mahmud, Ph.D. in his book Cow Protection under Muslim Rule—A Historical Survey, published by the Bombay Humanitarian League, Bombay. Has written:
SECRET WILL OF BADSHAH BABAR TO PRINCE HUMAYUN:
“O son, the kingdom of India is full of different religions. Praised be the Almighty God that He bestowed upon thee its sovereignty. It is incumbent of thee to wide all religious prejudices off the tablet of the heart; administer justice according to the ways of every religion. Avoid especially the sacrifice of the cow by which thou can capture the hearts of the people of India; and subjects of this country may be bound up with royal obligations. “Do not ruin the temples and shrines of any community who the laws of governments. Administer justice in such a manner that the king be please with the subjects and the subjects with king. The cause of Islam can be more promoted by the wound of obligation than by the sword of tyranny. “Overlook the dissensions of the shias and Sunni, else the weakness of Islam will manifest. And let the subjects of different beliefs be harmonised in conformity with the four elements (of which) the human body is harmoniously composed, so that the body of the kingdom may be free from different diseases. The memoirs of Taimur, the master of conjunction (i.e. fortune) should always be before the eyes, so that thou mayst become experienced in the affairs of administrations.”
1st Jamadi-ul Awal, 935 A.H.
- THE FIRMAN OF JALLALUDDIN MUHAMMAD AKBAR SHAH
The second edict is from the Emperor Jahangir in similar terms:-
“The third Firman is from Shahjahan who confirms the preceding documents. Then we have another granting greater liberty. He emphasizes that every year new order shall not be demanded but that those whom it concerns shall not serve from what is here commanded.”
- According to Islamic Gorakshan, later Mughal sovereigns of India such as Muhammad Shah and Shah Alam prohibited cow-slaughter.
(Dr. Syed Mahmud, Ph.D. who obtained a facsimile copy of the said wills, preserved in the Bhopal State Library)
All the foregoing account vividly shows as to have careful even the mighty Moghul sovereigns were in not hurting the feelings of Hindus.
- FATWA OF MISRA GOVERNMENT
--Egyptian Mail Cairo
3rd Oct, 1910
HAKIM AJMAL KHAN
“BAKRA-ID is the religious festival in which Mussalmans perform pilgrimages around their holy places in Mecca. At this festival, they have to sacrifice in pursuance of the sacrifice of Abraham, the Mussalmans of India being too far away from Mecca, go to the city of Ajmer. But Neither the text of the Koran not tradition enjoined the slaughter of the cow. In Turkey, Egypt, Syria, and Persia where a cow might be slaughtered without offence to any one a sheep are preferred.”
- Questioned about the reasons, why the Indian Muslims prefer the cow to any other animal in their sacrifice, the Hakim continues:
- The late-lamented Hakim Ajmal Khan, a moulvi of no mean scholarship and erudition, in a pamphlet under the title of “Hindu-Muslim Unity” comprising the presidential address to the All India Muslim League, Amritsar in 1919, published by the Cow Protection Society, 43, Banstolla Street, Calcutta, state as under:-
- “On the contrarily, Mussalmans of Arabia, Syria, Egypt, Tripoli, Asiatic Turkey have been faithful to this observance without ever having slaughtered a Cow, and I am confident no erudite theologian or Mufti can maintain that these Mussalmans have failed to observe the Sunnal (practice of the Prophet) or have been guilty of any religious shortcoming. If any Mussalman dares to call religiously legitimate practice illegitimate, he certainly commits a sin. I conceder it appropriate at this stage, to recount some of the Ahadees (religious practices) according to which the sacrifice of animals other than the cow is entitled to preference. For instance, Ummti Salmah (the Holy Prophet’s venerable wife) says that the Prophet once observed ‘if any of you see the crescent heralding the month of Zil Hijjah and desires to sacrifice a goat…, etc which obviously indicates that the Arabs were in the habit of sacrificing goats. According to another tradition our Prophet said that ‘of all sacrificial animals sheep was preferable; if we reserve sheep alone for the offering, we will be complying with this tradition.’ He then exhorts the Indian Muslims to take the initiative instead of being advised by their Hindu neighbours, and by thus using judicious discrimination in the selection of the sacrificial animal which will be in the best accord with Islamic tradition, bring about an era of peaceful relation within India and enhance national reputation abroad”.
Above all, in Saudi Arabia, the cow-slaughters are sentenced to death. The marriages there are providing successful—yes, without slaughtering cows.” If Indian Muslims resolved not to kill any cow and live as one entity like any other India, then this country,e.g., Bharat will be more prosperous than our expectations”, says Prof J,N. Bismil of the Jamia Milia, Delhi in his long article in the Ary
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