We’ve all heard the phrase “holy cow,” but who considers the cow holy and why? What place does the cow and vegetarianism have in the world’s religions?
In Vedic and Hindu culture the cow is seen as sacred and someone to be protected. The cow gives milk and we humans take that milk from her. By this act we engage in the most foundational aspect of the relationship between mother and child. By the cow giving us this milk she is assuming the role of motherhood for us, and we therefore have the responsibility to treat her as we would treat our own mothers, providing a comfortable living situation, giving her unconditional love, protecting her from harm, caring for her in her old age, and being her advocate and well-wisher.
The cow has other significance in Hindu culture as well. When God came to the Earth in the form known as Lord Krishna, He appeared in a village of cowherds. The cows were very dear to Him, and He spent much time caring for them in the company of the cowherd villagers. In the Vedas the kingdom of God is known as Goloka, which means the abode of the cows. It is said that the cow is God’s favorite animal. Many Hindus protect cows for this reason also.
While cows aren’t revered in the same way in other religious traditions, non-violence, vegetarianism, or at minimum restrictions on meat eating are present in all the major religions. Non-violence is a major aspect of Buddhism, and with it comes the practice of vegetarianism. Vegetarianism is also encouraged in the Sikh tradition. While most Christians eat meat, some, notably the Seventh Day Adventists, follow a vegetarian diet, which is in line with the commandment “thou shalt not kill,” and the belief that Jesus, who promoted kindness to all, was a vegetarian. The religions that do condone meat eating have many rules in regulations in their scriptures regarding how this can be done and what types of meat are allowed. This includes Judaism and Islam, who are both known for abstaining from pork and their systems of Kosher and Halal preparations, respectively. Regardless of faith, culture, and tradition, unrestricted animal killing and meat eating is generally prohibited for those on a religious path.
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