The Importance of Cow Protection in Hinduism

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The Importance of Cow Protection in Hinduism

"The very name for a cow in Sanskrit is 'Aghnya' which is translated

as "not to be killed", an indication that they should never be

slaughtered. Who, then could slay them? Surely one who kills a cow a

bull commits a heinous crime". Mahabharat, Shantiparv 262.47

There are many reasons why Hindus do not wish to have beef as a source

of food, one of them being their religious beliefs. Many Hindus in the

whole world don't believe in eating beef as it involves the

slaughtering of the most sacred animal in Hinduism.They are influenced

by themselves of others (parents, family, friends).

Hinduism states that there should be no violence and that Ahimsa

should be carried out in as many places as possible. Ahimsa means

"non-violence".

In India there are thousands of cows that walk the street freely owing

to the law that states they shouldn't be harmed physically by any

human and that they should have the right to freedom just as we do.

Moreover the written law has only been carried out recently, but the

acts has been carried out for many thousands of years. Generations

amongst generations have taught their young this. Respect for the

environment is considered to be a religious duty in the Hindu

scriptures, as it is believed that a cow was the means of transport

for one very powerful god..

Hindus also don't eat meat (or beef) as many products tend to attach

themselves to diseases e.g. Foot in mouth or mad cow disease (BCE).

Caused by various viruses. Thousands of people have died in the past

few years because of these diseases, but as many Hindus believe that

killing cows is wrong - they have not been effected.

Vegetarianism is a common thing in many Hindu societies, as the first

three casts tend to apply the rules the most. Brahmins especially do

not have meat, they have to preserve their rights as being very

religious. There are certain types of comestibles that are healthy to

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