Thursday 17 May 2012

Animal rights and religion


Each and every religion tells us to be mentally and spiritually pure. So, it is obvious that each and every religion oppose pornography. Even though it is obvious that each and every religion also support vegetarianism, ignorant people like PyTom and his cronies claim otherwise. So, let me show you all how each and every religion support vegetarianism and animal rights. Note that I am taking about vegetarianism here, not veganism.

Judaism- The Torah is full of commandments that demand proper and humane treatment of animals. But today, the way our slaughterhouses and factory farms treat the animals, is far from humane. Judaism has a lot of concern for the poor and the starving, yet billions of people are starving across the world, because other people have chosen to follow a carnivorous diet.

Christianity- The Bible says “Thou shall not kill”. Even though people may say that it applies only to humans, Leo Tolstoy and other such scholars said that it applies to all creatures. People try to provide interpretation for this commandment by showing passages from the Old Testament. But, interpretation is required only when the meaning is not clear. “Thou shall not kill” is a clear and specific instruction which requires no interpretation, though ignorant people may say otherwise.

Zoroastrianism- Zoroaster, the founder of this religion was influenced by Pythagoras. Like Pythagoras, Zoroaster followed strict vegetarianism, and abolished animal sacrifices.

Buddhism- Lord Buddha said that meat is for sub-human beings. He believed that the life of a human being was equal to that of a cow, lamb, and pig and so on. He, especially in his youthful days, was a great animal lover, and is known to save the life of an innocent bird (probably, a swan) from his cousin, who was a merciless and cruel hunter. Lord Buddha also taught us that vegetarianism is the first step to nirvana.

Jainism- Mahavira, like Lord Buddha, believed that all creatures are equal. He instructed all his followers to follow strict vegetarianism, and strongly opposed animal sacrifices.

Islam- Prophet Mohammed said that he who is kind to God’s creatures is kind to himself. Is there any better way to be kind towards God’s creatures than to stop eating them? No. The Prophet is also known to reprimand the people of his time who used to abuse animals. He also forbade the killing of animals for their skin.

Sikhism- Guru Nanak, founder of Sikhism, forbade his disciples from taking meat and wine. The Sikh scriptures strongly support vegetarianism and say that human beings should live in harmony with all of God’s creation.

Hinduism- Non-violence, towards all creatures, is the basis of Hinduism. The Bhagavad Gita says that food like meat and fish is usually liked by demonic types of people. According to many Hindu saints, since we have no power to create any living being, we have no right to kill. And therefore, man-made laws that distinguish killing of a human being and an animal are imperfect.

As for veganism, it was started because of the horrors of the diary industry. The scriptures say nothing against taking milk. So, veganism was started because of the way this milk is obtained, not because milk is an evil ingredient. So, veganism is not a doctrine, but a tool to reduce suffering for all creatures, especially the cows.

Let us all love our fellow creatures  instead of looking for excuses to kill and eat them. They all share the planet with us.