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.
