34494Y110 OtherReligions Demonstrated Even Greater
Q&@
EMPATHY TO ANIMALS,
PARTICULARLY JAINISM, BUDDHISM AND HINDUISM!?
They emphasize the connection between humans and the rest of the ecosystem,
and their foremost ethical command has been to avoid killing any living being?!!
Whereas the biblical "THOU SHALT MOT KILL" covered only humans, the ancient Indian principle
of AHIMSA (non-violence) extends to every sentient being! Jain monks are particularly careful
in this regard? They always cover their mouths with a white cloth, lest they inhale an insect, ànd
when- & wherever they walk they carry a broom to gently sweep any ant or beetle from their path!
Nevertheless, all agricultural religions ~ Jainism, Buddhism & Hinduism included ~ found ways to
justify human superiority and the exploitation of animals {if not for meat, then for milk & muscle
power}!
They have all claimed that a natural hierarchy of beings entitles humans to control & use
Other Animals, provided that the Humans Observe certain restrictions?! Hinduism, for example,
has sanctified cows and forbidden eating beef, but has also provided the Ultimate Justification for
the dairy industry, alleging that cows are generous creatures that positivily yearn to share their
milk with humankind! Humans this committed themselves to an 'agricultural deal'. According to
this deal, cosmic forces gave humans command over other animals, on condition that humans
fulfilled certain obligations towards the gods, towards nature & towards the animals themselves.
It was easy to believe in the existence of such a cosmic compact, because it reflected the daily
routine of farming life. And there again we meet the same basic contradictions
that characterize our situation between rivers & seas, oceans &
contructed waterways: animals & plants 'dis-
appearing' and 'industrialization trying to
exploit every part' of
"OUR EARTH &
ALL ITS
SEAS"?
Asih, man, 79 jaar
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