Explain the significance of cow protection and vegetarianism in Hinduism.

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Hinduism: (aiii)

Explain the significance of cow protection and vegetarianism in Hinduism.

        Hindus believe that the cow is a sacred beast and that it must be preserved. This is because its is deemed holy. One of these reasons is that Krishna, one of the Gods had gopis, and the idea of Krishna being associated with cows is very strong. The manu-smriti shows that the cow must not be killed under any circumstances. This is because the duty of ahimsa applies to: ‘A teacher, a profounder of the scriptures, father, other, guru, Brahmin, cow and ascetic: they should never be killed.’ (Manu-smriti 4.162.) Ahimsa includes regarding the cow as a sacred animal and the killing of it as a form of murder.

        Another reason as to the ‘significance of cow protection’ in Hinduism is that the cow sustains and nurtures life in the village. The cow’s milk is extremely useful in all countries (Even the rich). Its dung provides fuel, heat, and light. Even the cow’s urine is extremely important as it has certain medicinal properties that can help many aspects of one’s health.

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        The most sacred animal to Hindus is the cow; one of the reasons is because the bull is a vahana (vehicle) for one of the three most important deities, Shiva. Due to the cow’s significance in Hinduism, they were once sacrificed at temples in the Vedic period. Today Cows should be protected and given sacredness, because they have a strong connection wit the Gods. The Bulls are essential in the villages of India to pull carts and ploughs to ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the village.

        As stated above Krishna had a strong connection with cows, in stories ...

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