The worship of cows in Hinduism is
practical application of two fundamental beliefs of Hinduism. The first is the
reverance of all life as God. My guru used to make us practice 'seeing God in
all beings and things.' He taught us to regard all of life: humans, animals,
plants and the elements as divine manifestations. The worship of the cow is an
expression of this reverance of all life as divine.
The
second belief is the importance of ahimsa
or the practice of non-violence as the cardinal virtue of spiritual living.
Vegetarianism which is an extension of the practice of ahimsa is part of the
application of this belief. In this regard the cow represents the animal
kingdom.
The
question though is why the cow and not another animal? Indeed the worship of
the cow is symbolic. The reason the cow was chosen above other animals is
mainly out of convenience and the ease with which we can express reverance to
it.
The
cow is a gentle and easily tamed animal. It is also an animal that is an
important provider for the human race. I am of course referring to the milk the
cow gives (not the meat!) and its role in the economic activity of rural
farming and transportation. One cannot underestimate the role of the cow in
life and economics not only of the past but also in present times. Indeed, when
we ponder on the importance of the cow in human civilization it is easy to
surmise that this animal holds a unique and important role compared to other
animals. There is a saying in India that while a mother produces milk for her
child only for the first few years of life, Gomatha (mother cow) can provide
milk for humans all throughout their life (lactose intolerance not
withstanding!). Thus the cow is easily the most suitable creature for the
symbolic worship to revere all manifestations of life.
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