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Published: November 18th 2005
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On the streets and the sidewalks, at the beach and in the markets, train stations and private homes, there was one constant in India. The cow. They wander with leisurely freedom where and when they like. For Indians, this is normal; they are part of the scenery, the natural environment. For us, this was a great source of amusement, and the novelty never wore off. Instead, our curiosity and fascination with the status of this animal grew. We sought a better understanding of the Holy Cow.
Clearly we could not explain to most Indians the Canadian attitude toward the cow. Our tendency to see this animal in terms of its eventual fate (juicy steak) would be impossible to describe, and probably quite disturbing for the majority of Indians. As long time vegetarians, Lindsay and I felt we understood on some level the reverence for this animal. The more time we spent in close contact with the gentle beasts we began to develop a deeper level of respect for the cows’ quiet and humble ways. But we needed more. Our personal reasons for the need for cow sanctity were more a response to the poor treatment of cattle in our own
country. The proliferation of Intensive Livestock Operations and all the practices surrounding this type of cattle farming had only conditioned us to be ready to defend the cow on a scientific and humanitarian (animaltarian??) level. We wanted to understand from the Indian perspective their insights as to why the cow was held in such high regard.
We set out on an investigative mission. Our sampling was random and sporadic. We asked a wide range of Indians from different areas, of various ages and of religious backgrounds. Answers were often vague and non-conclusive; at times our question was outrightly dismissed. Just as often, responses would be long and drawn out explanations that might involve personal anecdotes and testimonials. We found it was best to avoid asking groups of Indians as this was likely to end in loud and lively arguments and we’d leave confused and embarrassed for instigating arguments that may still be going on. We ended our trip without a clear answer and a feeling that most Indians have never really thought at great length about why the cow is sacred; it just simply is. Nonetheless we compiled a selection of some of the more unique answers to our
question, in some cases editing for length.
“The cow is holy because she gives milk like a mother; she is like the mother of everyone in India.”
“The cow is the source of everything. From the cow we get milk, we use the cow dung for fertilizer, and we also use it to start fire. So, to the Indian people, the cow must be sacred because she is so valuable and important in our lives.”
“The cow is sacred because at the time when the cows return home in the evening, the air fills with the dust they create and this is the most auspicious time of the day for Hindus.”
“One of our most important gods, I think it was Lord Krishna, was a herder of cows. Also, every one of our gods has a vehicle that they travel on, and the cow was Lord Shivas vehicle. So, the cow is sacred today because it was sacred then. If we were to treat our cows badly, the gods would be very angry.”
“All people can learn much from the cow, because the nature of the cow is how we should aspire and hope to live. The cow is gentle and wise and moves very slowly through the day. So cows need to be kept among us as reminders of this nature.”
This answer came to us after about 10 minutes of thinking and giggling:
“I think the cow is holy because I am like the cow and I am holy, so then the cow must be holy”. (Age 9)
Lindsay’s final note:
It has been 10 days now since we left India and I have to say that I really want to go back. It is without a doubt the most unique place that I have ever traveled and it has left a lasting impact. In retrospect, we perhaps should have started our trip in southeast Asia and then ended in India. I feel homesick for a place that could hardly be called my home….a very strange feeling indeed!
India is a crazy place but that is its charm. You have to expect the unexpected, it tests your limits, and constantly challenges your views on life, death, and everything in between. I can understand why many travellers run away screaming because you have to lose many of your “western” ideas of the way things should be in order to keep your sanity.
This may sound unappealing but the nature of the country makes for the most fascinating people I have ever met. I have met some of the kindest, open, extreme, and hilarious people there and I miss the friendships and the humbling, yet intense, nature in which they live their lives.
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Denis Marier
non-member comment
Presence
Hi Lindsay (and Tara), I'm reading your blogs one after the other from the beginning and go to this point before responding. This is just wonderful! Lindsay, now you know what I was talking about when I said, "India teaches you presence." Can't wait to read on... Kind regards, Denis