Guest guest Posted September 17, 2008 Report Share Posted September 17, 2008 According to the Gita, what should be our attitude to the birds, animals and other creatures we share this planet with? " BWC Editor " ------------------------------- GUIDELINES FOR POSTING A RESPONSE: 1. The group is focused on the Holy Gitaji, therefore, only responses which further clarify the understanding of Gitaji, will be posted. 2. Making reference of Gitaji shloka is highly encouraged - at least once in the response. Wherever possible, please quote Gitaji or other scriptures to substantiate your response. 3. Please be as concise and to the point as possible, respecting sadhaka's time. Under no circustance the answer should be limited to half a book page, at the most 3-4 paragraphs. 4. Kindly limit personal feelings, opinions, beliefs etc. to the extent that they further help in understanding the Gita shlokas 5. Kindly focus your writing to the subject at hand only. 6. Please do not include links to the other sites or other organizations (we do not have the bandwidth to review links to determine if content is appropriate for distribution). 7. Complete reproduction of texts from any book is strongly discouraged, however partial cut - paste is acceptable and references may be made of the book or author(but not links to other sites). 8. Kindly do not include your personal information such as phone number, address etc. 9. Please use appropriate judgement and only address the response to a particular individual, where it makes sense to do so. 10. Due to the large readership, only those responses will be posted which are in line with the general philosophy of taking Shrimad Bhagavad Gita as the reference. 11. Moderator will reject any content that does not meet guidelines. However, for expediency, moderator at his discretion, may modify / delete portions of the posting for mispelling, wordiness that is irrelevant to the overall core discussion, personal information, opinions / feelings etc. that do not align with guidelines. 12. Please respond taking into consideration the novices, youth, westerners, non-sectarian audience. Kindly limit the use of only Sanskrit words, rather provide the English word with Sanskrit bracketed wherever possible. 13. Any personal remarks over the knowledge of any sadhak or about the stage at which any sadhak is standing in his quest / sadhna / spiritual journey - must not be included in your posting. Also, there should not be any sarcasm towards fellow sadhaks in this spiritual learning and sharing. MODERATOR Ram Ram Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 17, 2008 Report Share Posted September 17, 2008 According to the Gita, what should be our attitude to the birds, animals and other creatures we share this planet with? " BWC Editor " ------------------------------ Shree Hari Ram Ram As much Gita as has been understood from Shraddhey Swamiji, and reflecting on it, we must not do to birds, animals and all other beings, what we do not wish for ourselves. Ram Ram, Sarvottam IN HINDI Jitni Gita Shraddhey Swamiji se samjhi usske anusheelan mein hame sabhi pashu pakshi praani maatre ke prati wah nahin karnaa chaahiye jo hum apne prati nahin chaahete Ram Ram Sarvottam ------------------------------ Hari Om Our attitude towards them should be 1- compassionate, 2- student like, learning from them and 3- full of gratitude and service to them. Except prevalence of " conscience " in us - there is nothing in us which can make us proud vis a vis birds, animals , fish, trees etc. Absolutely nothing- from every conceivable view point. Be it utility, beauty, physique, capacity,ability, virtue, power,tolerance, punctuality, longevity, carefulness, service, duty, adaptability, sense organs, mind, intellect, ego, body, conduct - on any count. Only one thing distinguishes us from them- " conscience " . They have that too but only with reference to what is eatable and what is not.( Alas! We fail miserably here also). We have much more discrimination power than them. Whatever they have, in that they are always superior to us. What they don't have, ( conscience), in that only we are superior. It is another matter that they are north bound- in the process of becoming human beings again, while majority of us is south bound, in the process of becoming animals. Otherwise, why we should eat them away? It is due to their presence that we can survive. Books and books can be written as to what we can learn from them. Jai Shree Krishna Vyas NB ------------------------------- GUIDELINES FOR POSTING A RESPONSE: 1. The group is focused on the Holy Gitaji, therefore, only responses which further clarify the understanding of Gitaji, will be posted. 2. Making reference of Gitaji shloka is highly encouraged - at least once in the response. Wherever possible, please quote Gitaji or other scriptures to substantiate your response. 3. Please be as concise and to the point as possible, respecting sadhaka's time. Under no circustance the answer should be limited to half a book page, at the most 3-4 paragraphs. 4. Kindly limit personal feelings, opinions, beliefs etc. to the extent that they further help in understanding the Gita shlokas 5. Kindly focus your writing to the subject at hand only. 6. Please do not include links to the other sites or other organizations (we do not have the bandwidth to review links to determine if content is appropriate for distribution). 7. Complete reproduction of texts from any book is strongly discouraged, however partial cut - paste is acceptable and references may be made of the book or author(but not links to other sites). 8. Kindly do not include your personal information such as phone number, address etc. 9. Please use appropriate judgement and only address the response to a particular individual, where it makes sense to do so. 10. Due to the large readership, only those responses will be posted which are in line with the general philosophy of taking Shrimad Bhagavad Gita as the reference. 11. Moderator will reject any content that does not meet guidelines. However, for expediency, moderator at his discretion, may modify / delete portions of the posting for mispelling, wordiness that is irrelevant to the overall core discussion, personal information, opinions / feelings etc. that do not align with guidelines. 12. Please respond taking into consideration the novices, youth, westerners, non-sectarian audience. Kindly limit the use of only Sanskrit words, rather provide the English word with Sanskrit bracketed wherever possible. 13. Any personal remarks over the knowledge of any sadhak or about the stage at which any sadhak is standing in his quest / sadhna / spiritual journey - must not be included in your posting. Also, there should not be any sarcasm towards fellow sadhaks in this spiritual learning and sharing. MODERATOR Ram Ram Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 18, 2008 Report Share Posted September 18, 2008 According to the Gita, what should be our attitude to the birds, animals and other creatures we share this planet with? " BWC Editor " ------------------------------ NEW POSTING Narayan Narayan IN ENGLISH Whatever you have, this body, these senses, this mind, this intellect etc. it is all for the service of others. It is not for us. Therefore we must serve all. Let there be only one thought in the mind - Let ALL BEINGS be SERVED (ALL beings – in form of birds, animals, insects, humans etc.) Srimaan Vyasji, in a very straight and simple language shared the essence with us. Ramchandra IN HINDI Aap ke pas sharir indriya man,budhi,aadi jo kuch hein Who sab ka sab dhoshroo ke seva ke liye hein, aapne liye Nahi. Is ke liye sab ki seva karo. Man mein ek hi vichar Rahe prani maatre(sabhi jeev jantu pashu pakshi) Shreeman vyasji ne aapni saral bhasha mein saar bhata diya (ramchandra) " Sarvabhoot hite rata " (BG 12:4)- this should be attitude of humans towards every creature. Help them, love them, serve them, respect them, learn from them. Jai Shree Krishna Vyas NB The present question is about our attitude towards birds, animals and other creatures -- according to Gita. Gopal -- Bhagavan Krishna's name itself is with an animal - Cow. O Arjuna , 'Eswarah sarvabhutanam hruddesarjuna tishtati' know that God abides in the hearts of all creatures causing them to revolve according to their karma. 'Sarvabhutasthmaatmanam sarvabhutanichatmani' - a Yogi sees unity everywhere, beholds the Self present in all beings. The Yogi who is established in union with Me, and worships me as residing ' Sarvabhutastitamyomam bhajastamekatvamastitah' in all beings abides in Me. 'Sarvabhutani Kounteya prakrutimyantimamikam' O Kounteya during the final dissolution all beings enter My Prakrti. Know that the knowledge to be Sattvika' Sarvabhuteshuyenaikam bhavamavyayameekshyate' when man perceives one imperishable divine existence in all beings. He who is free from malice towards all beings ' Advestha sarvabhutanam maitraha karunaevacha' -- that devotee of Mine is dear to Me. " Ahimsa --- Dayabhuteshu' -- Non violence, compassion towards all creatures are Divine qualities. The Esavasya Upanishad 'Yastusarvanibhutani Atmanyevanupasyati' - whoever see all beings in Himself, for him there is no moham (attachment) and dukham (sorrow). Dr. Goli (Dr.Anjaneyulu Goli) Dear Sadaks, First one should know that many of us have taken births as birds/animals Etc Bagavan in GEetha said, " I am in everything, but I am not that " . So one should see Bagavan in birds/animals. Bagavan is Chaitaniya in them and us, but HE is not the body of bird/animal. Feeding birds, satvik animals (cow, goat etc) is human Dharma, as one has been in that form earlier, so they are brothers & sisters.Sibi Raja gave his flesh to Eagle to protect it`s pray (bird). Valmiki cursed a hunter for killing a bird which was mating. There are numerous instances where saints protected and fed animals/birds. Mother Seetha said once when was walking carefully, looking down towards the earth, that she wants no ants to be killed by her feet. Kakasura in the form of bird bit mother Seetha` s breast. Sri Rama was angry and took bow and arrow. Mother said it is only a bird. But demon (Asura) was born as a bird for his action during Sri Krishna's period. Sri Krishna tore the bird apart holding the beaks. The Asura attained salvation (Moksha) a blessing by Bhagavan. Since we take water from nature we are supposed to pour water to plants. Since we get foods from nature, we should protect nature. Since birds/animals maintain ecology we should protect them. One important message: Never get attached to any bird/animal. Do help them as Bagavan wanted. We should be instrument (tool) in this matter to serve Bagavan WHO is chaitaniya in them. If attachment takes us over, then it is like Jada Bharatha case, where we might take birth as that to which we are attached. B.Sathyanarayan ---------------------------- PREVIOUS POSTING Shree Hari Ram Ram As much Gita as has been understood from Shraddhey Swamiji, and reflecting on it, we must not do to birds, animals and all other beings, what we do not wish for ourselves. Ram Ram, Sarvottam IN HINDI Jitni Gita Shraddhey Swamiji se samjhi usske anusheelan mein hame sabhi pashu pakshi praani maatre ke prati wah nahin karnaa chaahiye jo hum apne prati nahin chaahete Ram Ram Sarvottam ------------------------------ Hari Om Our attitude towards them should be 1- compassionate, 2- student like, learning from them and 3- full of gratitude and service to them. Except prevalence of " conscience " in us - there is nothing in us which can make us proud vis a vis birds, animals , fish, trees etc. Absolutely nothing- from every conceivable view point. Be it utility, beauty, physique, capacity,ability, virtue, power,tolerance, punctuality, longevity, carefulness, service, duty, adaptability, sense organs, mind, intellect, ego, body, conduct - on any count. Only one thing distinguishes us from them- " conscience " . They have that too but only with reference to what is eatable and what is not.( Alas! We fail miserably here also). We have much more discrimination power than them. Whatever they have, in that they are always superior to us. What they don't have, ( conscience), in that only we are superior. It is another matter that they are north bound- in the process of becoming human beings again, while majority of us is south bound, in the process of becoming animals. Otherwise, why we should eat them away? It is due to their presence that we can survive. Books and books can be written as to what we can learn from them. Jai Shree Krishna Vyas NB ------------------------------- GUIDELINES FOR POSTING A RESPONSE: 1. The group is focused on the Holy Gitaji, therefore, only responses which further clarify the understanding of Gitaji, will be posted. 2. Making reference of Gitaji shloka is highly encouraged - at least once in the response. Wherever possible, please quote Gitaji or other scriptures to substantiate your response. 3. Please be as concise and to the point as possible, respecting sadhaka's time. Under no circustance the answer should be limited to half a book page, at the most 3-4 paragraphs. 4. Kindly limit personal feelings, opinions, beliefs etc. to the extent that they further help in understanding the Gita shlokas 5. Kindly focus your writing to the subject at hand only. 6. Please do not include links to the other sites or other organizations (we do not have the bandwidth to review links to determine if content is appropriate for distribution). 7. Complete reproduction of texts from any book is strongly discouraged, however partial cut - paste is acceptable and references may be made of the book or author(but not links to other sites). 8. Kindly do not include your personal information such as phone number, address etc. 9. Please use appropriate judgement and only address the response to a particular individual, where it makes sense to do so. 10. Due to the large readership, only those responses will be posted which are in line with the general philosophy of taking Shrimad Bhagavad Gita as the reference. 11. Moderator will reject any content that does not meet guidelines. However, for expediency, moderator at his discretion, may modify / delete portions of the posting for mispelling, wordiness that is irrelevant to the overall core discussion, personal information, opinions / feelings etc. that do not align with guidelines. 12. Please respond taking into consideration the novices, youth, westerners, non-sectarian audience. Kindly limit the use of only Sanskrit words, rather provide the English word with Sanskrit bracketed wherever possible. 13. Any personal remarks over the knowledge of any sadhak or about the stage at which any sadhak is standing in his quest / sadhna / spiritual journey - must not be included in your posting. Also, there should not be any sarcasm towards fellow sadhaks in this spiritual learning and sharing. MODERATOR Ram Ram Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 18, 2008 Report Share Posted September 18, 2008 According to the Gita, what should be our attitude to the birds, animals and other creatures we share this planet with? " BWC Editor " ------------------------------ Shree Hari Ram Ram SUMMARY OF KEY RESPONSES TO DATE We must not do to birds, animals and all other beings, what we do not wish for ourselves " Sarvabhoot hite rata " (BG 12:4) " Those engrossed in the welfare of all beings also come to Me " . Let ALL BEINGS be SERVED. Serve ALL. Gopal -- Bhagavan Krishna's name itself is with an animal - Cow Be 1- compassionate, 2- student like, learn from them and 3- be full of gratitude and serve them. 'Eswarah sarvabhutanam hruddesarjuna tishtati' know that God abides in the hearts of all creatures He who is free from malice towards all beings 'Advestha sarva bhutanam maitraha karunaevacha' - that devotee of Mine is dear to Me. Study " Avadhuta Gita " or " Uddhava Gita " - Krishna enlightens thru' nature and it's components. Protect all beings (birds/animals etc)in nature, be an instrument in serving them as Bhagwaan wanted, but do not get attached to them. Majority humans are in the process of becoming animals. Otherwise, why we should eat them away? Creatures die so that we may live. It is sad but true. At least with our food we have some control. It is due to their presence that we can survive. - By Gita Talk Moderators (Please add if you believe an important summary point has been overlooked). Ram Ram ------------------------------ NEW POSTING what should be our attitude to the birds, animals and other creatures we share this planet with? Truely excellent intent ... Thank You for having concerns outside the human pride. Please study " Avadhuta Gita " or " Uddhava Gita " . This is ascribed to Bhagavata as Bhagavad Gita is ascribed to Mahabharata and Rama Gita is ascribed to Ramayana. Here, Krishna enlightens his dearest friend Uddhava beautifully through the nature and its components. If you recollect from Krishna's childhood stories, Uddhava is an ardent nature lover. His Love for nature was only next to his Love for his friend Krishna. Respects. Naga Narayana -------------------------------- -Shree Hari- When I first noted this question, I decided to sit back and watch the flow of thoughts. OK, I grow a lot of my own vegetables, and fruit, I am blessed with a wonderful climate and conditions to do so. Before you brothers and sisters I will tell you what I do. To keep birds at bay from the fruit, netting. Fruit fly, mosquitoes netting, and also bagging, unfortunately I am forced to use fly traps for some fruits. For vegetable pests I mostly live with them, but I will target slugs/ snails with a harmless bait that harms only these. And a bacteria that destroys only caterpillars, all this is done only when I see destruction of the crop as inevitable. I dig with a fork, less likely to kill worms.Where I live there are poisonous spiders and snakes, I never kill them, I eject the spiders into the yard, if the snakes are too big, I get a professional snake catcher in, in both cases they are released away from the populous. Even vegans are responsible for the death and mutilation of millions of creatures, to feed and clothe them. Creatures die that we may live it is sad but true.(In the past it may not have been true). Being a gardener I am aware of this conundrum, I hate killing, the only thing is in my case, at least with my food I have some control. I thought I would give a gardeners point of view. With Respect and Divine Love, Mike (Mike Keenor) ------------------------------ PRIOR POSTING Narayan Narayan IN ENGLISH Whatever you have, this body, these senses, this mind, this intellect etc. it is all for the service of others. It is not for us. Therefore we must serve all. Let there be only one thought in the mind - Let ALL BEINGS be SERVED (ALL beings – in form of birds, animals, insects, humans etc.) Srimaan Vyasji, in a very straight and simple language shared the essence with us. Ramchandra IN HINDI Aap ke pas sharir indriya man,budhi,aadi jo kuch hein Who sab ka sab dhoshroo ke seva ke liye hein, aapne liye Nahi. Is ke liye sab ki seva karo. Man mein ek hi vichar Rahe prani maatre(sabhi jeev jantu pashu pakshi) Shreeman vyasji ne aapni saral bhasha mein saar bhata diya (ramchandra) " Sarvabhoot hite rata " (BG 12:4)- this should be attitude of humans towards every creature. Help them, love them, serve them, respect them, learn from them. Jai Shree Krishna Vyas NB The present question is about our attitude towards birds, animals and other creatures -- according to Gita. Gopal -- Bhagavan Krishna's name itself is with an animal - Cow. O Arjuna , 'Eswarah sarvabhutanam hruddesarjuna tishtati' know that God abides in the hearts of all creatures causing them to revolve according to their karma. 'Sarvabhutasthmaatmanam sarvabhutanichatmani' - a Yogi sees unity everywhere, beholds the Self present in all beings. The Yogi who is established in union with Me, and worships me as residing ' Sarvabhutastitamyomam bhajastamekatvamastitah' in all beings abides in Me. 'Sarvabhutani Kounteya prakrutimyantimamikam' O Kounteya during the final dissolution all beings enter My Prakrti. Know that the knowledge to be Sattvika' Sarvabhuteshuyenaikam bhavamavyayameekshyate' when man perceives one imperishable divine existence in all beings. He who is free from malice towards all beings ' Advestha sarvabhutanam maitraha karunaevacha' -- that devotee of Mine is dear to Me. " Ahimsa --- Dayabhuteshu' -- Non violence, compassion towards all creatures are Divine qualities. The Esavasya Upanishad 'Yastusarvanibhutani Atmanyevanupasyati' - whoever see all beings in Himself, for him there is no moham (attachment) and dukham (sorrow). Dr. Goli (Dr.Anjaneyulu Goli) Dear Sadaks, First one should know that many of us have taken births as birds/animals Etc Bagavan in GEetha said, " I am in everything, but I am not that " . So one should see Bagavan in birds/animals. Bagavan is Chaitaniya in them and us, but HE is not the body of bird/animal. Feeding birds, satvik animals (cow, goat etc) is human Dharma, as one has been in that form earlier, so they are brothers & sisters.Sibi Raja gave his flesh to Eagle to protect it`s pray (bird). Valmiki cursed a hunter for killing a bird which was mating. There are numerous instances where saints protected and fed animals/birds. Mother Seetha said once when she was walking carefully, looking down towards the earth, that she wanted no ants to be killed by her feet. Kakasura in the form of bird bit mother Seetha` s breast. Sri Rama was angry and took bow and arrow. Mother said it is only a bird. But demon (Asura) was born as a bird for his action during Sri Krishna's period. Sri Krishna tore the bird apart holding the beaks. The Asura attained salvation (Moksha) a blessing by Bhagavan. Since we take water from nature we are supposed to pour water to plants. Since we get foods from nature, we should protect nature. Since birds/animals maintain ecology we should protect them. One important message: Never get attached to any bird/animal. Do help them as Bagavan wanted. We should be instrument (tool) in this matter to serve Bagavan WHO is chaitaniya in them. If attachment takes us over, then it is like Jada Bharatha case, where we might take birth as that to which we are attached. B.Sathyanarayan ---------------------------- PREVIOUS POSTING Shree Hari Ram Ram As much Gita as has been understood from Shraddhey Swamiji, and reflecting on it, we must not do to birds, animals and all other beings, what we do not wish for ourselves. Ram Ram, Sarvottam IN HINDI Jitni Gita Shraddhey Swamiji se samjhi usske anusheelan mein hame sabhi pashu pakshi praani maatre ke prati wah nahin karnaa chaahiye jo hum apne prati nahin chaahete Ram Ram Sarvottam ------------------------------ Hari Om Our attitude towards them should be 1- compassionate, 2- student like, learning from them and 3- full of gratitude and service to them. Except prevalence of " conscience " in us - there is nothing in us which can make us proud vis a vis birds, animals , fish, trees etc. Absolutely nothing- from every conceivable view point. Be it utility, beauty, physique, capacity,ability, virtue, power,tolerance, punctuality, longevity, carefulness, service, duty, adaptability, sense organs, mind, intellect, ego, body, conduct - on any count. Only one thing distinguishes us from them- " conscience " . They have that too but only with reference to what is eatable and what is not.( Alas! We fail miserably here also). We have much more discrimination power than them. Whatever they have, in that they are always superior to us. What they don't have, ( conscience), in that only we are superior. It is another matter that they are north bound- in the process of becoming human beings again, while majority of us is south bound, in the process of becoming animals. Otherwise, why we should eat them away? It is due to their presence that we can survive. Books and books can be written as to what we can learn from them. Jai Shree Krishna Vyas NB ------------------------------- GUIDELINES FOR POSTING A RESPONSE: 1. The group is focused on the Holy Gitaji, therefore, only responses which further clarify the understanding of Gitaji, will be posted. 2. Making reference of Gitaji shloka is highly encouraged - at least once in the response. Wherever possible, please quote Gitaji or other scriptures to substantiate your response. 3. Please be as concise and to the point as possible, respecting sadhaka's time. Under no circustance the answer should be limited to half a book page, at the most 3-4 paragraphs. 4. Kindly limit personal feelings, opinions, beliefs etc. to the extent that they further help in understanding the Gita shlokas 5. Kindly focus your writing to the subject at hand only. 6. Please do not include links to the other sites or other organizations (we do not have the bandwidth to review links to determine if content is appropriate for distribution). 7. Complete reproduction of texts from any book is strongly discouraged, however partial cut - paste is acceptable and references may be made of the book or author(but not links to other sites). 8. Kindly do not include your personal information such as phone number, address etc. 9. Please use appropriate judgement and only address the response to a particular individual, where it makes sense to do so. 10. Due to the large readership, only those responses will be posted which are in line with the general philosophy of taking Shrimad Bhagavad Gita as the reference. 11. Moderator will reject any content that does not meet guidelines. However, for expediency, moderator at his discretion, may modify / delete portions of the posting for mispelling, wordiness that is irrelevant to the overall core discussion, personal information, opinions / feelings etc. that do not align with guidelines. 12. Please respond taking into consideration the novices, youth, westerners, non-sectarian audience. Kindly limit the use of only Sanskrit words, rather provide the English word with Sanskrit bracketed wherever possible. 13. Any personal remarks over the knowledge of any sadhak or about the stage at which any sadhak is standing in his quest / sadhna / spiritual journey - must not be included in your posting. Also, there should not be any sarcasm towards fellow sadhaks in this spiritual learning and sharing. MODERATOR Ram Ram Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 20, 2008 Report Share Posted September 20, 2008 Re: What should be Our Attitude towards Birds, Animals and Other Creatures ? According to the Gita, what should be our attitude to the birds, animals and other creatures we share this planet with? " BWC Editor " ------------------------------ NEW POSTING If one were to visit the various temples, both Vaishnavaite and Shaivite, he or she would see plants and trees peculiar to a particular deity existing in the compounds. Nearly every other deity has a mascot in the form of an animal eg. mouse for Lord Ganesha; lion for Eashwari; bull for Lord Shiva; peacock for Lord Muruga; garuda for Lord Vishnu etc. etc. Shri Hanumanji is worshipped as the Lord of Monkeys. What does that teach us? To live in harmony with both plants and animals in an environmentally friendly planet. Mahendra Raj ------------------------------- Narayan Narayan IN ENGLISH India is such a country, where there is love and compassion towards all beings. Where even rivers are given the status of Mother " Maa " , and stones are worshipped. Where in Man (Ram) is seen and in woman (Sita) is seen. Then, what to speak of other things? Ramchandra IN HINDI Bharatvarsh hi ek aisha desh hein jhaha jeev maatre ko prem daaya melti Hai. Jaaha nadiyo ko bhi maa ka darja de te hai ,pattaro ko bhi pujte hai Or nar mai(ram)or nari mai(sheeta) ko dekhte hai . Phir aanya ki baat hi kya kare? (ramchandra) -------------------------------- II Shri Hari II Dear spritual friends, please take a few minutes to watch this.. only a few minutes, simply out of compassion... please make the time: http://www.jivdaya.net/devnar_hell.php Please forward to your friends / family to increase awareness and encourage minimizing violence. As beautifully stated by sadhaks in this forum - " Sarvabhoot hite rata " (BG 12:4) - Help, Love, Serve, Respect and Learn from all beings. " Ahimsa --- Dayabhuteshu' -- Non violence, compassion towards all creatures are Divine qualities. Swamiji's teachings - We must not do to others, what we do not wish for ourselves. Clearly per Gita and Hindu scriptures our role is to serve and protect all beings. If the slides / video has touched you, please visit and sign this petition. http://www.petitiononline.com/prtst12d/petition.html. This is a special request from our team as two minutes can make a difference to thousands of innocent helpless lives. Let ALL BEINGS be SERVED. It is due to their presence that we can survive. We are deeply grateful. Vedoday2050 ----------------------------- If you have thoughts or any ideas around animal protection / minimizing violence or related issues, please post your ideas at: karmayog/message/41339 www.karmayog.com (www.karmayog.org is a unique free platform since June 2004 for concerned citizens - for social causes in India and civic issues in Mumbai. Karmayog is Convenor of the NGO Council, which has a MoU with BMC to collaborate on civic issues.) ----------------------------- PRIOR POSTING Narayan Narayan IN ENGLISH Whatever you have, this body, these senses, this mind, this intellect etc. it is all for the service of others. It is not for us. Therefore we must serve all. Let there be only one thought in the mind - Let ALL BEINGS be SERVED (ALL beings – in form of birds, animals, insects, humans etc.) Srimaan Vyasji, in a very straight and simple language shared the essence with us. Ramchandra IN HINDI Aap ke pas sharir indriya man, buddhi, aadi jo kuch hein Who sab ka sab dhoshroo ke seva ke liye hein, aapne liye Nahi. Is ke liye sab ki seva karo. Man mein ek hi vichar Rahe prani maatre(sabhi jeev jantu pashu pakshi) Shreeman vyasji ne aapni saral bhasha mein saar bhata diya (ramchandra) " Sarvabhoot hite rata " (BG 12:4)- this should be attitude of humans towards every creature. Help them, love them, serve them, respect them, learn from them. Jai Shree Krishna Vyas NB The present question is about our attitude towards birds, animals and other creatures -- according to Gita. Gopal -- Bhagavan Krishna's name itself is with an animal - Cow. O Arjuna , 'Eswarah sarvabhutanam hruddesarjuna tishtati' know that God abides in the hearts of all creatures causing them to revolve according to their karma. 'Sarvabhutasthmaatmanam sarvabhutanichatmani' - a Yogi sees unity everywhere, beholds the Self present in all beings. The Yogi who is established in union with Me, and worships me as residing ' Sarvabhutastitamyomam bhajastamekatvamastitah' in all beings abides in Me. 'Sarvabhutani Kounteya prakrutimyantimamikam' O Kounteya during the final dissolution all beings enter My Prakrti. Know that the knowledge to be Sattvika' Sarvabhuteshuyenaikam bhavamavyayameekshyate' when man perceives one imperishable divine existence in all beings. He who is free from malice towards all beings ' Advestha sarvabhutanam maitraha karunaevacha' -- that devotee of Mine is dear to Me. " Ahimsa --- Dayabhuteshu' -- Non violence, compassion towards all creatures are Divine qualities. The Esavasya Upanishad 'Yastusarvanibhutani Atmanyevanupasyati' - whoever see all beings in Himself, for him there is no moham (attachment) and dukham (sorrow). Dr. Goli (Dr.Anjaneyulu Goli) Dear Sadaks, First one should know that many of us have taken births as birds/animals Etc Bagavan in GEetha said, " I am in everything, but I am not that " . So one should see Bagavan in birds/animals. Bagavan is Chaitaniya in them and us, but HE is not the body of bird/animal. Feeding birds, satvik animals (cow, goat etc) is human Dharma, as one has been in that form earlier, so they are brothers & sisters.Sibi Raja gave his flesh to Eagle to protect it`s pray (bird). Valmiki cursed a hunter for killing a bird which was mating. There are numerous instances where saints protected and fed animals/birds. Mother Seetha said once when was walking carefully, looking down towards the earth, that she wants no ants to be killed by her feet. Kakasura in the form of bird bit mother Seetha` s breast. Sri Rama was angry and took bow and arrow. Mother said it is only a bird. But demon (Asura) was born as a bird for his action during Sri Krishna's period. Sri Krishna tore the bird apart holding the beaks. The Asura attained salvation (Moksha) a blessing by Bhagavan. Since we take water from nature we are supposed to pour water to plants. Since we get foods from nature, we should protect nature. Since birds/animals maintain ecology we should protect them. One important message: Never get attached to any bird/animal. Do help them as Bagavan wanted. We should be instrument (tool) in this matter to serve Bagavan WHO is chaitaniya in them. If attachment takes us over, then it is like Jada Bharatha case, where we might take birth as that to which we are attached. B.Sathyanarayan ---------------------------- PREVIOUS POSTING Shree Hari Ram Ram As much Gita as has been understood from Shraddhey Swamiji, and reflecting on it, we must not do to birds, animals and all other beings, what we do not wish for ourselves. Ram Ram, Sarvottam IN HINDI Jitni Gita Shraddhey Swamiji se samjhi usske anusheelan mein hame sabhi pashu pakshi praani maatre ke prati wah nahin karnaa chaahiye jo hum apne prati nahin chaahete Ram Ram Sarvottam ------------------------------ Hari Om Our attitude towards them should be 1- compassionate, 2- student like, learning from them and 3- full of gratitude and service to them. Except prevalence of " conscience " in us - there is nothing in us which can make us proud vis a vis birds, animals , fish, trees etc. Absolutely nothing- from every conceivable view point. Be it utility, beauty, physique, capacity,ability, virtue, power,tolerance, punctuality, longevity, carefulness, service, duty, adaptability, sense organs, mind, intellect, ego, body, conduct - on any count. Only one thing distinguishes us from them- " conscience " . They have that too but only with reference to what is eatable and what is not.( Alas! We fail miserably here also). We have much more discrimination power than them. Whatever they have, in that they are always superior to us. What they don't have, ( conscience), in that only we are superior. It is another matter that they are north bound- in the process of becoming human beings again, while majority of us is south bound, in the process of becoming animals. Otherwise, why we should eat them away? It is due to their presence that we can survive. Books and books can be written as to what we can learn from them. Jai Shree Krishna Vyas NB ------------------------------- GUIDELINES FOR POSTING A RESPONSE: 1. The group is focused on the Holy Gitaji, therefore, only responses which further clarify the understanding of Gitaji, will be posted. 2. Making reference of Gitaji shloka is highly encouraged - at least once in the response. Wherever possible, please quote Gitaji or other scriptures to substantiate your response. 3. Please be as concise and to the point as possible, respecting sadhaka's time. Under no circustance the answer should be limited to half a book page, at the most 3-4 paragraphs. 4. Kindly limit personal feelings, opinions, beliefs etc. to the extent that they further help in understanding the Gita shlokas 5. Kindly focus your writing to the subject at hand only. 6. Please do not include links to the other sites or other organizations (we do not have the bandwidth to review links to determine if content is appropriate for distribution). 7. Complete reproduction of texts from any book is strongly discouraged, however partial cut - paste is acceptable and references may be made of the book or author(but not links to other sites). 8. Kindly do not include your personal information such as phone number, address etc. 9. Please use appropriate judgement and only address the response to a particular individual, where it makes sense to do so. 10. Due to the large readership, only those responses will be posted which are in line with the general philosophy of taking Shrimad Bhagavad Gita as the reference. 11. Moderator will reject any content that does not meet guidelines. However, for expediency, moderator at his discretion, may modify / delete portions of the posting for mispelling, wordiness that is irrelevant to the overall core discussion, personal information, opinions / feelings etc. that do not align with guidelines. 12. Please respond taking into consideration the novices, youth, westerners, non-sectarian audience. Kindly limit the use of only Sanskrit words, rather provide the English word with Sanskrit bracketed wherever possible. 13. Any personal remarks over the knowledge of any sadhak or about the stage at which any sadhak is standing in his quest / sadhna / spiritual journey - must not be included in your posting. Also, there should not be any sarcasm towards fellow sadhaks in this spiritual learning and sharing. MODERATOR Ram Ram Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 26, 2008 Report Share Posted September 26, 2008 shree hari ram ram ONLY ONE ADDITIONAL POSTING TODAY, as part of monthly house-keeping. Please do not . GITA TALK MODERATOR ------------------------------ QUESTION 1: Re: What should our Attitude be towards Birds, Animals and Other Creatures that we share this planet with, according to the Gita? " BWC Editor " QUESTION 2: There was a question recently on our attitude towards animals. I would like to know further whether killing those little insects cockroaches, mosquitoes, rats, lizards for the purpose of keeping our house healthy and clean is wrong. OR It is right under the pretext that this is the law of nature that stronger creature wins and since we cannot allow our houses to be full of these little creatures. Vandana ---------------------------- NEW POSTING II Shri Hari II Dear spritual friends, I have seen the slides and been deeply touched by it. PLEASE TAKE A FEW MINUTES TO WATCH THESE SLIDES and to share with friends and family in an effort to increase awareness and minimize violence wherever possible. http://www.jivdaya.net/devnar_hell.php As beautifully stated by sadhaks in this forum - " Sarvabhoot hite rata " (BG 12:4) - Help, Love, Serve, Respect and Learn from all beings. " Ahimsa --- Dayabhuteshu' -- Non Violence, compassion towards all. We must not do to others, what we do not wish for ourselves. Clearly per Gita and Hindu scriptures our role is to serve and protect all beings. MAY ALL BEINGS be SERVED. It is due to their presence that we can survive. Meera Das -------------------------------- Hari Om Mike's narration as to how he adheres to non violence in agriculture is touching and worth following. Swamiji stated in his purport on 18:48 that some violence in agricultural activity is imminent. But since it is " sahaj duty " of a vaishya (gardner/farmer) he does not become sinful -if his intention and inner sentiments are towards non- violence. In every Karma there is some defect (flaws), but the inner sentiments makes the act sinful. If a doctor as a matter of duty and service, even cuts the limbs of a patient, he doesn't incur sin, rather he gets virtues " punya " because his intention was to cure the patient. One must have compassion towards all creatures, but for Sri Krishna in particular, the love, protection, and care of cows, the mother of all of us, was immense. It is the most pious karma - to protect the Cows. More to follow at a later time. Jai Shree Krishna Vyas N B --------------------------- -Shree Hari- Born out of the original question, I have a question. Out of the responses I have read, and my horror of world starvation. A point emerged in my mind, which I have wrestled with for many years. Looking to the Ancient Gitaji, against the backdrop of the modern world, I beg wise council . You see, most crop farming methods are aggressive, pesticides, fungicides, herbicides and so on. Vermin control in food storage systems. Natures death toll of these things is staggering, if one works up through the food chain. And there are such creatures such as the mosquito, ( I believe the biggest killer of humanity on earth). Taking into account these points, when looking at souls with severe malnutrition, or racked with a parasite born fever, I see a conundrum. With Respect and Divine Love, Mike Keenor ----------------------------- We should be compassionate towards all animals and birds because they are all God's creatures like us. Hari Shanker Deo ----------------------------- HARI AUM The principle: " ... we must not do to birds, animals and all other beings, what we do not wish for ourselves " is really GREAT. I fully believer in it and respect it with utmost devotion. In this context I could not understand the practice followed in many of the temples, especially in Kerala, where Elephants are kept in captivity - life imprisonment - for use in various rituals and celebrations. Is it not against the principle taught by Gita. What should be done to bring an end to widely practiced crime against our fellow beings? Yours Sincerely, NB Nair ---------------------------- PRIOR POSTING If one were to visit the various temples, both Vaishnavaite and Shaivite, he or she would see plants and trees peculiar to a particular deity existing in the compounds. Nearly every other deity has a mascot in the form of an animal eg. mouse for Lord Ganesha; lion for Eashwari; bull for Lord Shiva; peacock for Lord Muruga; garuda for Lord Vishnu etc. etc. Shri Hanumanji is worshipped as the Lord of Monkeys. What does that teach us? To live in harmony with both plants and animals in an environmentally friendly planet. Mahendra Raj ------------------------------- Narayan Narayan IN ENGLISH India is such a country, where there was love and compassion towards all beings. Where even rivers are given the status of Mother " Maa " , and stones are worshipped as Ram and Sita. Then, what to speak of other things? Ramchandra IN HINDI Bharatvarsh hi ek aisha desh hein jhaha jeev maatre ko prem daaya melti Hai. Jaaha nadiyo ko bhi maa ka darja de te hai ,pattaro ko bhi pujte hai Or nar mai(ram)or nari mai(sheeta) ko dekhte hai . Phir aanya ki baat hi kya kare? (ramchandra) -------------------------------- II Shri Hari II Dear spritual friends, I have seen the slides and been deeply touched by it. PLEASE TAKE A FEW MINUTES TO WATCH THESE SLIDES and to share with friends and family in an effort to increase awareness and minimize violence wherever possible. http://www.jivdaya.net/devnar_hell.php As beautifully stated by sadhaks in this forum - " Sarvabhoot hite rata " (BG 12:4) - Help, Love, Serve, Respect and Learn from all beings. " Ahimsa --- Dayabhuteshu' -- Non Violence, compassion towards all. We must not do to others, what we do not wish for ourselves. Clearly per Gita and Hindu scriptures our role is to serve and protect all beings. MAY ALL BEINGS be SERVED. It is due to their presence that we can survive. Meera Das ----------------------------- If you have thoughts or any ideas around animal protection / minimizing violence or related issues, please post your ideas at: karmayog/message/41339 www.karmayog.com (www.karmayog.org is a unique free platform since June 2004 for concerned citizens - for social causes in India and civic issues in Mumbai. Karmayog is Convenor of the NGO Council, which has a MoU with BMC to collaborate on civic issues.) ----------------------------- PRIOR POSTING Narayan Narayan IN ENGLISH Whatever you have, this body, these senses, this mind, this intellect etc. it is all for the service of others. It is not for us. Therefore we must serve all. Let there be only one thought in the mind - Let ALL BEINGS be SERVED (ALL beings – in form of birds, animals, insects, humans etc.) Srimaan Vyasji, in a very straight and simple language shared the essence with us. Ramchandra IN HINDI Aap ke pas sharir indriya man, buddhi, aadi jo kuch hein Who sab ka sab dhoshroo ke seva ke liye hein, aapne liye Nahi. Is ke liye sab ki seva karo. Man mein ek hi vichar Rahe prani maatre(sabhi jeev jantu pashu pakshi) Shreeman vyasji ne aapni saral bhasha mein saar bhata diya (ramchandra) " Sarvabhoot hite rata " (BG 12:4)- this should be attitude of humans towards every creature. Help them, love them, serve them, respect them, learn from them. Jai Shree Krishna Vyas NB The present question is about our attitude towards birds, animals and other creatures -- according to Gita. Gopal -- Bhagavan Krishna's name itself is with an animal - Cow. O Arjuna , 'Eswarah sarvabhutanam hruddesarjuna tishtati' know that God abides in the hearts of all creatures causing them to revolve according to their karma. 'Sarvabhutasthmaatmanam sarvabhutanichatmani' - a Yogi sees unity everywhere, beholds the Self present in all beings. The Yogi who is established in union with Me, and worships me as residing ' Sarvabhutastitamyomam bhajastamekatvamastitah' in all beings abides in Me. 'Sarvabhutani Kounteya prakrutimyantimamikam' O Kounteya during the final dissolution all beings enter My Prakrti. Know that the knowledge to be Sattvika' Sarvabhuteshuyenaikam bhavamavyayameekshyate' when man perceives one imperishable divine existence in all beings. He who is free from malice towards all beings ' Advestha sarvabhutanam maitraha karunaevacha' -- that devotee of Mine is dear to Me. " Ahimsa --- Dayabhuteshu' -- Non violence, compassion towards all creatures are Divine qualities. The Esavasya Upanishad 'Yastusarvanibhutani Atmanyevanupasyati' - whoever see all beings in Himself, for him there is no moham (attachment) and dukham (sorrow). Dr. Goli (Dr.Anjaneyulu Goli) Dear Sadaks, First one should know that many of us have taken births as birds/animals Etc Bagavan in GEetha said, " I am in everything, but I am not that " . So one should see Bagavan in birds/animals. Bagavan is Chaitaniya in them and us, but HE is not the body of bird/animal. Feeding birds, satvik animals (cow, goat etc) is human Dharma, as one has been in that form earlier, so they are brothers & sisters.Sibi Raja gave his flesh to Eagle to protect it`s pray (bird). Valmiki cursed a hunter for killing a bird which was mating. There are numerous instances where saints protected and fed animals/birds. Mother Seetha said once when was walking carefully, looking down towards the earth, that she wants no ants to be killed by her feet. Kakasura in the form of bird bit mother Seetha` s breast. Sri Rama was angry and took bow and arrow. Mother said it is only a bird. But demon (Asura) was born as a bird for his action during Sri Krishna's period. Sri Krishna tore the bird apart holding the beaks. The Asura attained salvation (Moksha) a blessing by Bhagavan. Since we take water from nature we are supposed to pour water to plants. Since we get foods from nature, we should protect nature. Since birds/animals maintain ecology we should protect them. One important message: Never get attached to any bird/animal. Do help them as Bagavan wanted. We should be instrument (tool) in this matter to serve Bagavan WHO is chaitaniya in them. If attachment takes us over, then it is like Jada Bharatha case, where we might take birth as that to which we are attached. B.Sathyanarayan ---------------------------- PREVIOUS POSTING Shree Hari Ram Ram As much Gita as has been understood from Shraddhey Swamiji, and reflecting on it, we must not do to birds, animals and all other beings, what we do not wish for ourselves. Ram Ram, Sarvottam IN HINDI Jitni Gita Shraddhey Swamiji se samjhi usske anusheelan mein hame sabhi pashu pakshi praani maatre ke prati wah nahin karnaa chaahiye jo hum apne prati nahin chaahete Ram Ram Sarvottam ------------------------------ Hari Om Our attitude towards them should be 1- compassionate, 2- student like, learning from them and 3- full of gratitude and service to them. Except prevalence of " conscience " in us - there is nothing in us which can make us proud vis a vis birds, animals , fish, trees etc. Absolutely nothing- from every conceivable view point. Be it utility, beauty, physique, capacity,ability, virtue, power,tolerance, punctuality, longevity, carefulness, service, duty, adaptability, sense organs, mind, intellect, ego, body, conduct - on any count. Only one thing distinguishes us from them- " conscience " . They have that too but only with reference to what is eatable and what is not.( Alas! We fail miserably here also). We have much more discrimination power than them. Whatever they have, in that they are always superior to us. What they don't have, ( conscience), in that only we are superior. It is another matter that they are north bound- in the process of becoming human beings again, while majority of us is south bound, in the process of becoming animals. Otherwise, why we should eat them away? It is due to their presence that we can survive. Books and books can be written as to what we can learn from them. Jai Shree Krishna Vyas NB ------------------------------- GUIDELINES FOR POSTING A RESPONSE: 1. The group is focused on the Holy Gitaji, therefore, only responses which further clarify the understanding of Gitaji, will be posted. 2. Making reference of Gitaji shloka is highly encouraged - at least once in the response. Wherever possible, please quote Gitaji or other scriptures to substantiate your response. 3. Please be as concise and to the point as possible, respecting sadhaka's time. Under no circustance the answer should be limited to half a book page, at the most 3-4 paragraphs. 4. Kindly limit personal feelings, opinions, beliefs etc. to the extent that they further help in understanding the Gita shlokas 5. Kindly focus your writing to the subject at hand only. 6. Please do not include links to the other sites or other organizations (we do not have the bandwidth to review links to determine if content is appropriate for distribution). 7. Complete reproduction of texts from any book is strongly discouraged, however partial cut - paste is acceptable and references may be made of the book or author(but not links to other sites). 8. Kindly do not include your personal information such as phone number, address etc. 9. Please use appropriate judgement and only address the response to a particular individual, where it makes sense to do so. 10. Due to the large readership, only those responses will be posted which are in line with the general philosophy of taking Shrimad Bhagavad Gita as the reference. 11. Moderator will reject any content that does not meet guidelines. However, for expediency, moderator at his discretion, may modify / delete portions of the posting for mispelling, wordiness that is irrelevant to the overall core discussion, personal information, opinions / feelings etc. that do not align with guidelines. 12. Please respond taking into consideration the novices, youth, westerners, non-sectarian audience. Kindly limit the use of only Sanskrit words, rather provide the English word with Sanskrit bracketed wherever possible. 13. Any personal remarks over the knowledge of any sadhak or about the stage at which any sadhak is standing in his quest / sadhna / spiritual journey - must not be included in your posting. Also, there should not be any sarcasm towards fellow sadhaks in this spiritual learning and sharing. MODERATOR Ram Ram Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 27, 2008 Report Share Posted September 27, 2008 QUESTION 1: Re: What should our Attitude be towards Birds, Animals and Other Creatures that we share this planet with, according to the Gita? " BWC Editor " QUESTION 2: There was a question recently on our attitude towards animals. I would like to know further whether killing those little insects cockroaches, mosquitoes, rats, lizards for the purpose of keeping our house healthy and clean is wrong. OR It is right under the pretext that this is the law of nature that stronger creature wins and since we cannot allow our houses to be full of these little creatures. Vandana ---------------------------- NEW POSTING Hari Om This refers to the question of Vandanaji. If one otherwise keeps house clean, certain creatures described will not be there in the house at the outset. By not keeping house clean they take birth/ make your house their house too. Just as you make your house, are they not entitled to make their house also? . Emphasis should be on prevention rather than on cure. Rats, lizards etc come into house from outside. You can always identify holes/ their entry points and block them rather than killing them. Cockroaches, mosquitoes get created by lack of hygeine. There are non violent homely methods of control- ask elders/old ladies, they will tell you. If even after maintaining purity and cleanliness, such creatures remain , then let them remain. What is wrong in considering them to be part of household ? Don't kill them so that you don't become like them in future lives and don't get killed. Simple ! A human being is entitled to protect himself only and not to kill any other. There is no law of strong killing weak for human beings. Such laws are there in the jungles mostly applicable for animals- among animals. Animals and human beings are different species/form of life. Laws applicable in their lives are not applicable in human form of life !! Reasonable and logical ? Isn't it ? Please note no one is capable of killing anyone or getting killed. Soul is immortal- and that soul is existing in all creatures-same soul. In this Divine play ground of Paramatma- your bhavas (inner expressions) are the main propellents. If you feel that strong has right to kill weak, then you should also think as to why strong is strong and how? Who made them strong? Why weak is weak and how? Can strong not become weak and weak not become strong? Does not Paramatma have that capacity of turning the tables? Doesn't He quite frequently do so? If that happens then whether on that day, the strong will spare us ? Will Law of Karma not operate for us at that time ? Hence prevention is always better than cure. Jai Shree Krishna Vyas N B --------------------------- Hari Om This refers to Mike's question. For crop storage excellent methods of prevention are available from times immemorial. For example if you put just a handful of ash in the sacks containing the whole grains- there will be no other control necessary. Rely more on nature taking its course. Parasite born fevers, starvation syndrome etc are nature's ways of ruthlessly operating Law of Karma. You can always fill your heart with compassion and please Krishna and own your soul. Beyond that it is beyond us. Farmers also many times sweep all the garbage at one place and burn it. This destroys many creatures. Better way is to throw garbage in forest. For controlling menace of ants in the farms, the best way is to put thorn bushes outside the holes of ants - when the ants are inside the hole due to severe hot or cold climate and then to place a stone on those thorn bushes- so that birds, foxes, crows are not able to eat them. There are methods of diverting their paths also to save crop without destroying them. Dear Mike-Mosquitoes kill more humans or humans kill more mosquitoes? Any idea about numbers? If humans kill more mosquitoes than what is wrong in mosquitoes also killing some humans? Are they not entitled to do that, if humans are entitled to kill them ? Are they not children of same Krishna ? Can they also not become strong- some time for a change ? This food chain is for animals/other creatures, among animals/other creatures - other than humans. Jai Shree Krishna Vyas N B ---------------------- Hari Om This refers to Nair's Query. Lucky indeed are those elephants who live in the temples. Are they kept hungry? What will they do if they are left in jungles- except eating ? Here in temples , do not humans attend to them ? How beautiful they look when decorated ! It is not captivity. It is caring. If any cruelty is inflicted upon them ,then it is another matter. Otherwise what is wrong? Jai Shree Krishna Vyas N B ---------------------------- II Shri Hari II Dear spritual friends, I have seen the slides and been deeply touched by it. PLEASE TAKE A FEW MINUTES TO WATCH THESE SLIDES and to share with friends and family in an effort to increase awareness and minimize violence wherever possible. http://www.jivdaya.net/devnar_hell.php As beautifully stated by sadhaks in this forum - " Sarvabhoot hite rata " (BG 12:4) - Help, Love, Serve, Respect and Learn from all beings. " Ahimsa --- Dayabhuteshu' -- Non Violence, compassion towards all. We must not do to others, what we do not wish for ourselves. Clearly per Gita and Hindu scriptures our role is to serve and protect all beings. MAY ALL BEINGS be SERVED. It is due to their presence that we can survive. Meera Das -------------------------------- Hari Om Mike's narration as to how he adheres to non violence in agriculture is touching and worth following. Swamiji stated in his purport on 18:48 that some violence in agricultural activity is imminent. But since it is " sahaj duty " of a vaishya (gardner/farmer) he does not become sinful -if his intention and inner sentiments are towards non- violence. In every Karma there is some defect (flaws), but the inner sentiments makes the act sinful. If a doctor as a matter of duty and service, even cuts the limbs of a patient, he doesn't incur sin, rather he gets virtues " punya " because his intention was to cure the patient. One must have compassion towards all creatures, but for Sri Krishna in particular, the love, protection, and care of cows, the mother of all of us, was immense. It is the most pious karma - to protect the Cows. More to follow at a later time. Jai Shree Krishna Vyas N B --------------------------- -Shree Hari- Born out of the original question, I have a question. Out of the responses I have read, and my horror of world starvation. A point emerged in my mind, which I have wrestled with for many years. Looking to the Ancient Gitaji, against the backdrop of the modern world, I beg wise council . You see, most crop farming methods are aggressive, pesticides, fungicides, herbicides and so on. Vermin control in food storage systems. Natures death toll of these things is staggering, if one works up through the food chain. And there are such creatures such as the mosquito, ( I believe the biggest killer of humanity on earth). Taking into account these points, when looking at souls with severe malnutrition, or racked with a parasite born fever, I see a conundrum. With Respect and Divine Love, Mike Keenor ----------------------------- We should be compassionate towards all animals and birds because they are all God's creatures like us. Hari Shanker Deo ----------------------------- HARI AUM The principle: " ... we must not do to birds, animals and all other beings, what we do not wish for ourselves " is really GREAT. I fully believer in it and respect it with utmost devotion. In this context I could not understand the practice followed in many of the temples, especially in Kerala, where Elephants are kept in captivity - life imprisonment - for use in various rituals and celebrations. Is it not against the principle taught by Gita. What should be done to bring an end to widely practiced crime against our fellow beings? Yours Sincerely, NB Nair ---------------------------- PRIOR POSTING If one were to visit the various temples, both Vaishnavaite and Shaivite, he or she would see plants and trees peculiar to a particular deity existing in the compounds. Nearly every other deity has a mascot in the form of an animal eg. mouse for Lord Ganesha; lion for Eashwari; bull for Lord Shiva; peacock for Lord Muruga; garuda for Lord Vishnu etc. etc. Shri Hanumanji is worshipped as the Lord of Monkeys. What does that teach us? To live in harmony with both plants and animals in an environmentally friendly planet. Mahendra Raj ------------------------------- Narayan Narayan IN ENGLISH India is such a country, where there was love and compassion towards all beings. Where even rivers are given the status of Mother " Maa " , and stones are worshipped as Ram and Sita. Then, what to speak of other things? Ramchandra IN HINDI Bharatvarsh hi ek aisha desh hein jhaha jeev maatre ko prem daaya melti Hai. Jaaha nadiyo ko bhi maa ka darja de te hai ,pattaro ko bhi pujte hai Or nar mai(ram)or nari mai(sheeta) ko dekhte hai . Phir aanya ki baat hi kya kare? (ramchandra) -------------------------------- II Shri Hari II Dear spritual friends, I have seen the slides and been deeply touched by it. PLEASE TAKE A FEW MINUTES TO WATCH THESE SLIDES and to share with friends and family in an effort to increase awareness and minimize violence wherever possible. http://www.jivdaya.net/devnar_hell.php As beautifully stated by sadhaks in this forum - " Sarvabhoot hite rata " (BG 12:4) - Help, Love, Serve, Respect and Learn from all beings. " Ahimsa --- Dayabhuteshu' -- Non Violence, compassion towards all. We must not do to others, what we do not wish for ourselves. Clearly per Gita and Hindu scriptures our role is to serve and protect all beings. MAY ALL BEINGS be SERVED. It is due to their presence that we can survive. Meera Das ----------------------------- If you have thoughts or any ideas around animal protection / minimizing violence or related issues, please post your ideas at: karmayog/message/41339 www.karmayog.com (www.karmayog.org is a unique free platform since June 2004 for concerned citizens - for social causes in India and civic issues in Mumbai. Karmayog is Convenor of the NGO Council, which has a MoU with BMC to collaborate on civic issues.) ----------------------------- PRIOR POSTING Narayan Narayan IN ENGLISH Whatever you have, this body, these senses, this mind, this intellect etc. it is all for the service of others. It is not for us. Therefore we must serve all. Let there be only one thought in the mind - Let ALL BEINGS be SERVED (ALL beings – in form of birds, animals, insects, humans etc.) Srimaan Vyasji, in a very straight and simple language shared the essence with us. Ramchandra IN HINDI Aap ke pas sharir indriya man, buddhi, aadi jo kuch hein Who sab ka sab dhoshroo ke seva ke liye hein, aapne liye Nahi. Is ke liye sab ki seva karo. Man mein ek hi vichar Rahe prani maatre(sabhi jeev jantu pashu pakshi) Shreeman vyasji ne aapni saral bhasha mein saar bhata diya (ramchandra) " Sarvabhoot hite rata " (BG 12:4)- this should be attitude of humans towards every creature. Help them, love them, serve them, respect them, learn from them. Jai Shree Krishna Vyas NB The present question is about our attitude towards birds, animals and other creatures -- according to Gita. Gopal -- Bhagavan Krishna's name itself is with an animal - Cow. O Arjuna , 'Eswarah sarvabhutanam hruddesarjuna tishtati' know that God abides in the hearts of all creatures causing them to revolve according to their karma. 'Sarvabhutasthmaatmanam sarvabhutanichatmani' - a Yogi sees unity everywhere, beholds the Self present in all beings. The Yogi who is established in union with Me, and worships me as residing ' Sarvabhutastitamyomam bhajastamekatvamastitah' in all beings abides in Me. 'Sarvabhutani Kounteya prakrutimyantimamikam' O Kounteya during the final dissolution all beings enter My Prakrti. Know that the knowledge to be Sattvika' Sarvabhuteshuyenaikam bhavamavyayameekshyate' when man perceives one imperishable divine existence in all beings. He who is free from malice towards all beings ' Advestha sarvabhutanam maitraha karunaevacha' -- that devotee of Mine is dear to Me. " Ahimsa --- Dayabhuteshu' -- Non violence, compassion towards all creatures are Divine qualities. The Esavasya Upanishad 'Yastusarvanibhutani Atmanyevanupasyati' - whoever see all beings in Himself, for him there is no moham (attachment) and dukham (sorrow). Dr. Goli (Dr.Anjaneyulu Goli) Dear Sadaks, First one should know that many of us have taken births as birds/animals Etc Bagavan in GEetha said, " I am in everything, but I am not that " . So one should see Bagavan in birds/animals. Bagavan is Chaitaniya in them and us, but HE is not the body of bird/animal. Feeding birds, satvik animals (cow, goat etc) is human Dharma, as one has been in that form earlier, so they are brothers & sisters.Sibi Raja gave his flesh to Eagle to protect it`s pray (bird). Valmiki cursed a hunter for killing a bird which was mating. There are numerous instances where saints protected and fed animals/birds. Mother Seetha said once when was walking carefully, looking down towards the earth, that she wants no ants to be killed by her feet. Kakasura in the form of bird bit mother Seetha` s breast. Sri Rama was angry and took bow and arrow. Mother said it is only a bird. But demon (Asura) was born as a bird for his action during Sri Krishna's period. Sri Krishna tore the bird apart holding the beaks. The Asura attained salvation (Moksha) a blessing by Bhagavan. Since we take water from nature we are supposed to pour water to plants. Since we get foods from nature, we should protect nature. Since birds/animals maintain ecology we should protect them. One important message: Never get attached to any bird/animal. Do help them as Bagavan wanted. We should be instrument (tool) in this matter to serve Bagavan WHO is chaitaniya in them. If attachment takes us over, then it is like Jada Bharatha case, where we might take birth as that to which we are attached. B.Sathyanarayan ---------------------------- PREVIOUS POSTING Shree Hari Ram Ram As much Gita as has been understood from Shraddhey Swamiji, and reflecting on it, we must not do to birds, animals and all other beings, what we do not wish for ourselves. Ram Ram, Sarvottam IN HINDI Jitni Gita Shraddhey Swamiji se samjhi usske anusheelan mein hame sabhi pashu pakshi praani maatre ke prati wah nahin karnaa chaahiye jo hum apne prati nahin chaahete Ram Ram Sarvottam ------------------------------ Hari Om Our attitude towards them should be 1- compassionate, 2- student like, learning from them and 3- full of gratitude and service to them. Except prevalence of " conscience " in us - there is nothing in us which can make us proud vis a vis birds, animals , fish, trees etc. Absolutely nothing- from every conceivable view point. Be it utility, beauty, physique, capacity,ability, virtue, power,tolerance, punctuality, longevity, carefulness, service, duty, adaptability, sense organs, mind, intellect, ego, body, conduct - on any count. Only one thing distinguishes us from them- " conscience " . They have that too but only with reference to what is eatable and what is not.( Alas! We fail miserably here also). We have much more discrimination power than them. Whatever they have, in that they are always superior to us. What they don't have, ( conscience), in that only we are superior. It is another matter that they are north bound- in the process of becoming human beings again, while majority of us is south bound, in the process of becoming animals. Otherwise, why we should eat them away? It is due to their presence that we can survive. Books and books can be written as to what we can learn from them. Jai Shree Krishna Vyas NB ------------------------------- GUIDELINES FOR POSTING A RESPONSE: 1. 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Guest guest Posted December 15, 2009 Report Share Posted December 15, 2009 What Gita says about this - QUESTION 1: Re: What should our Attitude be towards Birds, Animalsand Other Creatures that we share this planet with, according to the Gita?"BWC Editor"QUESTION 2: There was a question recently on our attitude towardsanimals. I would like to know further whether killing those littleinsects cockroaches, mosquitoes, rats, lizards for the purpose ofkeeping our house healthy and clean is wrong. OR It is right underthe pretext that this is the law of nature that stronger creaturewins and since we cannot allow our houses to be full of these littlecreatures.Vandana ================================== Dear Sahakas, 1.Neem,Calotrophis, Aloe vera ,Cleodendrum inermi (Peenarichangu n Tamil ) ,Vitex negundo (Nochi in Tamil ) are in combination or alone will repel most of the pests or prevent disease in plants if the extract is prayed at 1- 2 percent concentration. This is non violent herbal pesticide tested in many farmers field . We also use this mixture as herbal dewormer ( internal parasites ) for animals instead of using poisonous chemicals such as Albendazole or Fenbendazole. We give training to farmers on herbal treatment for plants,animals . We have tested so far in more than 30,000 animals over the last 10 years . With kind regards, Sincerely,P.Vivekanandan, ------- -Shree Hari-Namaste!I touched on the effects of various insecticides for agricultural /gardening reference Global warming.As I am a keen organic gardener, I have developed zero toxic methods of pest control.Last night I had 5 vegetables on my plate, 4 of which I grew. And for breakfast I had 6 freshly picked different fruits , so you can see I am serious. I did mention in an earlier post some methods I use. Does any one know just what sprays etc. are used when they go and buy vegetables?I use nothing toxic, barriers over fruit e.g . bird/mosquito netting.Iron based snail pellets, that turns into fertilizer when it breaks down, completely harmless to mammals.That's it really , be prepared to offer some of your garden to Mother Nature, I mean tolerate imperfection!Fertilizers, organic, NOT BLOOD AND BONE, or FISH, minimize death and suffering in the production of plant life. (May have to use trace elements)I used to use neem products but see no use for that any more. 'From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Oil pressed from the fruits and seeds of Neem (Azadirachta indica), an evergreen tree which is endemic to the Indian subcontinent and has been introduced to many other areas in the tropics. It is perhaps the most important of the commercially available products of neem for organic farming and medicines.' Check for natural insecticides, plant based.If one decides one has no choice but to spray.Then take these point into consideration.I hope you find these gardening tips useful pointers!OM...Shanti...Mike. (K). ------ Shree Hari Ram Ram Q 1 - Regarding birds, animals and various creatures, there is nothing specifically written about them that you desire to know. Q2 - To keep our environment clean, it is not essential to kill rodents, mosquitoes and other bugs. If you understood the meaning of the word "atataayi" (one intent on violence) then it is written in Manusmriti 8/350 - 351 "Those intent on harming us that come into the house with intent on violence, they should be killed without much thought, and the one who kills will not incur any sin." So be it. Vineet Sarvottam -----------------Tips avoid use of products that involve cruelty or killing. Silks, Furs, Leather products, Health and Beauty Products and Foods. Let us be alert in our Entertainment and Recreation activities. Knowledge is Power. Be informed about the laws, and be proactive in putting these into action. from "Beauty without Crueltly" ---- In recent posting, someone mentioned about tree / lawn pesticides. Can you share about natural alternatives and where to find more information on them. In a lecture by Swamiji, in Vishesh pravachan he talks about the importance of not using pesticides and strongly urges learning about natural / other alternatives. He talks about destroying both mother earth and the clean water resources that affects all of us. Moderators, could someone translate some of these lectures / books for the benefit of all? Bala ========================================= QUESTION 1: Re: What should our Attitude be towards Birds, Animalsand Other Creatures that we share this planet with, according to theGita?"BWC Editor"QUESTION 2: There was a question recently on our attitude towardsanimals. I would like to know further whether killing those littleinsects cockroaches, mosquitoes, rats, lizards for the purpose ofkeeping our house healthy and clean is wrong. OR It is right underthe pretext that this is the law of nature that stronger creaturewins and since we cannot allow our houses to be full of these littlecreatures.Vandana----------------------------NEW POSTINGHari OmThis refers to the question of Vandanaji. If one otherwise keepshouse clean, certain creatures described will not be there in thehouse at the outset. By not keeping house clean they take birth/make your house their house too. Just as you make your house, arethey not entitled to make their house also? . Emphasis should be onprevention rather than on cure. Rats, lizards etc come into housefrom outside. You can always identify holes/ their entry points andblock them rather than killing them.Cockroaches, mosquitoes get created by lack of hygeine. There arenon violent homely methods of control- ask elders/old ladies, theywill tell you. If even after maintaining purity and cleanliness,such creatures remain , then let them remain. What is wrong inconsidering them to be part of household ? Don't kill them so thatyou don't become like them in future lives and don't get killed.Simple !A human being is entitled to protect himself only and not to killany other.There is no law of strong killing weak for human beings. Such lawsare there in the jungles mostly applicable for animals- amonganimals. Animals and human beings are different species/form oflife. Laws applicable in their lives are not applicable in humanform of life !! Reasonable and logical ? Isn't it ?Please note no one is capable of killing anyone or getting killed.Soul is immortal- and that soul is existing in all creatures-samesoul. In this Divine play ground of Paramatma- your bhavas (innerexpressions) are the main propellents. If you feel that strong hasright to kill weak, then you should also think as to why strong isstrong and how? Who made them strong? Why weak is weak and how? Canstrong not become weak and weak not become strong? Does notParamatma have that capacity of turning the tables? Doesn't He quitefrequently do so? If that happens then whether on that day, thestrong will spare us ? Will Law of Karma not operate for us at thattime ?Hence prevention is always better than cure.Jai Shree KrishnaVyas N B---------------------------Hari OmThis refers to Mike's question. For crop storage excellent methodsof prevention are available from times immemorial. For example ifyou put just a handful of ash in the sacks containing the wholegrains- there will be no other control necessary. Rely more onnature taking its course. Parasite born fevers, starvation syndromeetc are nature's ways of ruthlessly operating Law of Karma. You canalways fill your heart with compassion and please Krishna and ownyour soul. Beyond that it is beyond us.Farmers also many times sweep all the garbage at one place and burnit. This destroys many creatures. Better way is to throw garbage inforest. For controlling menace of ants in the farms, the best way isto put thorn bushes outside the holes of ants - when the ants areinside the hole due to severe hot or cold climate and then to placea stone on those thorn bushes- so that birds, foxes, crows are notable to eat them. There are methods of diverting their paths also tosave crop without destroying them.Dear Mike-Mosquitoes kill more humans or humans kill moremosquitoes? Any idea about numbers? If humans kill more mosquitoesthan what is wrong in mosquitoes also killing some humans? Are theynot entitled to do that, if humans are entitled to kill them ? Arethey not children of same Krishna ? Can they also not become strong-some time for a change ?This food chain is for animals/other creatures, among animals/othercreatures - other than humans.Jai Shree KrishnaVyas N B----------------------Hari OmThis refers to Nair's Query. Lucky indeed are those elephants wholive in the temples. Are they kept hungry? What will they do if theyare left in jungles- except eating ? Here in temples , do not humansattend to them ? How beautiful they look when decorated ! It is notcaptivity. It is caring. If any cruelty is inflicted upon them ,thenit is another matter. Otherwise what is wrong?Jai Shree KrishnaVyas N B----------------------------II Shri Hari IIDear spritual friends, I have seen the slides and been deeplytouched by it. PLEASE TAKE A FEW MINUTES TO WATCH THESE SLIDES andto share with friends and family in an effort to increase awarenessand minimize violence wherever possible.http://www.jivdaya.net/devnar_hell.phpAs beautifully stated by sadhaks in this forum - "Sarvabhoot hiterata" (BG 12:4) - Help, Love, Serve, Respect and Learn from allbeings. "Ahimsa --- Dayabhuteshu' -- Non Violence, compassiontowards all. We must not do to others, what we do not wish forourselves. Clearly per Gita and Hindu scriptures our role is toserve and protect all beings. MAY ALL BEINGS be SERVED. It is due totheir presence that we can survive.Meera Das--------------------------------Hari OmMike's narration as to how he adheres to non violence in agricultureis touching and worth following. Swamiji stated in his purport on18:48 that some violence in agricultural activity is imminent. Butsince it is "sahaj duty" of a vaishya (gardner/farmer) he does notbecome sinful -if his intention and inner sentiments are towards non-violence. In every Karma there is some defect (flaws), but theinner sentiments makes the act sinful. If a doctor as a matter ofduty and service, even cuts the limbs of a patient, he doesn't incursin, rather he gets virtues "punya" because his intention was tocure the patient. One must have compassion towards all creatures,but for Sri Krishna in particular, the love, protection, and care ofcows, the mother of all of us, was immense. It is the most piouskarma - to protect the Cows. More to follow at a later time.Jai Shree KrishnaVyas N B----------------------------Shree Hari-Born out of the original question, I have a question.Out of the responses I have read, and my horror of worldstarvation.A point emerged in my mind, which I have wrestled with for manyyears. Looking to the Ancient Gitaji, against the backdrop of themodern world, I beg wise council .You see, most crop farming methods are aggressive, pesticides,fungicides, herbicides and so on. Vermin control in food storagesystems. Natures death toll of these things is staggering, if oneworks up through the food chain. And there are such creatures suchas the mosquito, ( I believe the biggest killer of humanity onearth). Taking into account these points, when looking at souls withsevere malnutrition, or racked with a parasite born fever, I see aconundrum.With Respect and Divine Love,Mike Keenor-----------------------------We should be compassionate towards all animals and birds becausethey are all God's creatures like us.Hari Shanker Deo-----------------------------HARI AUMThe principle: "... we must not do to birds, animals and all otherbeings, what we do not wish for ourselves" is really GREAT. I fullybeliever in it and respect it with utmost devotion.In this context I could not understand the practice followed in manyof the temples, especially in Kerala, where Elephants are kept incaptivity - life imprisonment - for use in various rituals andcelebrations. Is it not against the principle taught by Gita.What should be done to bring an end to widely practiced crimeagainst our fellow beings?Yours Sincerely,NB Nair----------------------------PRIOR POSTINGIf one were to visit the various temples, both Vaishnavaite andShaivite, he or she would see plants and trees peculiar to aparticular deity existing in the compounds. Nearly every other deityhas a mascot in the form of an animal eg. mouse for Lord Ganesha;lion for Eashwari; bull for Lord Shiva; peacock for Lord Muruga;garuda forLord Vishnu etc. etc. Shri Hanumanji is worshipped as the Lord ofMonkeys. What does that teach us? To live in harmony with both plantsand animals in an environmentally friendly planet.Mahendra Raj-------------------------------Narayan NarayanIN ENGLISHIndia is such a country, where there was love and compassion towardsall beings. Where even rivers are given the status of Mother "Maa",and stones are worshipped as Ram and Sita. Then, what to speak ofother things? RamchandraIN HINDIBharatvarsh hi ek aisha desh hein jhaha jeev maatre ko prem daayamelti Hai.Jaaha nadiyo ko bhi maa ka darja de te hai ,pattaro ko bhi pujte haiOr nar mai(ram)or nari mai(sheeta) ko dekhte hai .Phir aanya ki baat hi kya kare?(ramchandra)--------------------------------II Shri Hari IIDear spritual friends, I have seen the slides and been deeplytouched by it. PLEASE TAKE A FEW MINUTES TO WATCH THESE SLIDES andto share with friends and family in an effort to increase awarenessand minimize violence wherever possible.http://www.jivdaya.net/devnar_hell.phpAs beautifully stated by sadhaks in this forum - "Sarvabhoot hiterata" (BG 12:4) - Help, Love, Serve, Respect and Learn from allbeings. "Ahimsa --- Dayabhuteshu' -- Non Violence, compassiontowards all. We must not do to others, what we do not wish forourselves. Clearly per Gita and Hindu scriptures our role is toserve and protect all beings. MAY ALL BEINGS be SERVED. It is due totheir presence that we can survive.Meera Das-----------------------------If you have thoughts or any ideas around animal protection /minimizing violence or related issues, please post your ideas at:karmayog/message/41339 www.karmayog.com (www.karmayog.org is a unique free platformsince June 2004 for concerned citizens - for social causes in Indiaand civic issues in Mumbai. Karmayog is Convenor of the NGO Council,which has a MoU with BMC to collaborate on civic issues.)-----------------------------PRIOR POSTINGNarayan NarayanIN ENGLISHWhatever you have, this body, these senses, this mind, thisintellect etc. it is all for the service of others. It is not forus. Therefore we must serve all. Let there be only one thought inthe mind - Let ALL BEINGS be SERVED (ALL beings – in form ofbirds, animals, insects, humans etc.) Srimaan Vyasji, in a verystraight and simple language shared the essence with us.RamchandraIN HINDIAap ke pas sharir indriya man, buddhi, aadi jo kuch heinWho sab ka sab dhoshroo ke seva ke liye hein, aapne liyeNahi. Is ke liye sab ki seva karo. Man mein ek hi vicharRahe prani maatre(sabhi jeev jantu pashu pakshi)Shreeman vyasji ne aapni saral bhasha mein saar bhata diya(ramchandra)"Sarvabhoot hite rata" (BG 12:4)- this should be attitude of humanstowards every creature. Help them, love them, serve them, respectthem, learn from them.Jai Shree KrishnaVyas NBThe present question is about our attitude towards birds, animalsand other creatures -- according to Gita.Gopal -- Bhagavan Krishna's name itself is with an animal - Cow.O Arjuna , 'Eswarah sarvabhutanam hruddesarjuna tishtati' know thatGod abides in the hearts of all creatures causing them to revolveaccording to their karma.'Sarvabhutasthmaatmanam sarvabhutanichatmani' - a Yogi sees unityeverywhere, beholds the Self present in all beings.The Yogi who is established in union with Me, and worships me asresiding ' Sarvabhutastitamyomam bhajastamekatvamastitah' in allbeings abides in Me.'Sarvabhutani Kounteya prakrutimyantimamikam' O Kounteya during thefinal dissolution all beings enter My Prakrti.Know that the knowledge to be Sattvika' Sarvabhuteshuyenaikambhavamavyayameekshyate' when man perceives one imperishable divineexistence in all beings.He who is free from malice towards all beings ' Advesthasarvabhutanam maitraha karunaevacha' -- that devotee of Mine isdear to Me."Ahimsa --- Dayabhuteshu' -- Non violence, compassion towards allcreatures are Divine qualities.The Esavasya Upanishad 'Yastusarvanibhutani Atmanyevanupasyati' -whoever see all beings in Himself, for him there is no moham(attachment) and dukham (sorrow).Dr. Goli(Dr.Anjaneyulu Goli)Dear Sadaks,First one should know that many of us have taken births asbirds/animals Etc Bagavan in GEetha said, "I am in everything, but Iam not that". So one should see Bagavan in birds/animals. Bagavan isChaitaniya in them and us, but HE is not the body of bird/animal.Feeding birds, satvik animals (cow, goat etc) is human Dharma, asone has been in that form earlier, so they are brothers & sisters.SibiRaja gave his flesh to Eagle to protect it`s pray (bird). Valmikicursed a hunter for killing a bird which was mating. There arenumerous instances where saints protected and fed animals/birds.Mother Seetha said once when was walking carefully, looking downtowards the earth, that she wants no ants to be killed by her feet.Kakasura in the form of bird bit mother Seetha` s breast. Sri Ramawas angry and took bow and arrow. Mother said it is only a bird. Butdemon (Asura) was born as a bird for his action during Sri Krishna'speriod. Sri Krishna tore the bird apart holding the beaks. The Asuraattained salvation (Moksha) a blessing by Bhagavan. Since we takewater from nature we are supposed to pour water to plants. Since weget foods from nature, we should protect nature. Since birds/animalsmaintain ecology we should protect them. One important message:Never get attached to any bird/animal. Do help them as Bagavanwanted. We should be instrument (tool) in this matter to serveBagavan WHO is chaitaniya in them. If attachment takes us over, thenit is like Jada Bharatha case, where we might take birth as that towhich we are attached.B.Sathyanarayan----------------------------PREVIOUS POSTINGShree HariRam RamAs much Gita as has been understood from Shraddhey Swamiji, andreflecting on it, we must not do to birds, animals and all otherbeings, what we do not wish for ourselves. Ram Ram, SarvottamIN HINDIJitni Gita Shraddhey Swamiji se samjhi usske anusheelan mein hamesabhi pashu pakshi praani maatre ke prati wah nahin karnaa chaahiyejo hum apne prati nahin chaaheteRam RamSarvottam------------------------------Hari OmOur attitude towards them should be 1- compassionate, 2- studentlike, learning from them and 3- full of gratitude and service tothem.Except prevalence of "conscience" in us - there is nothing in uswhich can make us proud vis a vis birds, animals , fish, trees etc.Absolutely nothing- from every conceivable view point. Be itutility, beauty, physique, capacity,ability, virtue,power,tolerance, punctuality, longevity, carefulness, service, duty,adaptability, sense organs, mind, intellect, ego, body, conduct -on any count.Only one thing distinguishes us from them-"conscience".They have that too but only with reference to what is eatable andwhat is not.( Alas! We fail miserably here also). We have much morediscrimination power than them. Whatever they have, in that they arealways superior to us. What they don't have, ( conscience), in thatonly we are superior.It is another matter that they are north bound- in the process ofbecoming human beings again, while majority of us is south bound, inthe process of becoming animals. Otherwise, why we should eat themaway?It is due to their presence that we can survive. Books and books canbe written as to what we can learn from them.Jai Shree KrishnaVyas NB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 10, 2010 Report Share Posted January 10, 2010 What Gita says about this - QUESTION 1: Re: What should our Attitude be towards Birds, Animalsand Other Creatures that we share this planet with, according to the Gita?"BWC Editor"QUESTION 2: There was a question recently on our attitude towardsanimals. I would like to know further whether killing those littleinsects cockroaches, mosquitoes, rats, lizards for the purpose ofkeeping our house healthy and clean is wrong. OR It is right underthe pretext that this is the law of nature that stronger creaturewins and since we cannot allow our houses to be full of these littlecreatures.Vandana ================================== NEW POSTING Consider animals,birds and every specie of life as part of creation by almighty God and hence take care of them and even help them in all ways.Lord Buddha taught the same treatments towards birds and creations of the world This is my understanding of my life. Truly yours Shankerprasad S Bhatt ------- Dear SadhakasSeeing God in everything and being aware every moment sometimes seem different but sre not separate. If we are aware and keep our living space including earth and air clean the space will not be infested by pests. We should always remember that we would have built house pushing away the living beings that already existed there.. This helps us to be grateful to them always. As a reward we will not be afraid to the extent of killing them if we come across them in our houses.When we do not store raw or processed food unnecessarily no worms will happen. If by chance they do happen, we need to realize that we are affluent enough to let them have that particular food. Or at least expose the food to such a condition that they themselves vanish.I discovred that in one of the meditation camps, it is forbidden to kill mosquitoes. I stopped killing them the day I read the info. It has been over two years. I have been healthier than before! I am grateful for all of you allowing me to share this.Pranaams.Veena Hassan ---------- Dear Sadhakas,Hare Krishna. This is in response to a question from a Sadhaka, regarding our attitude towards animals, birds, other creatures. Every life in this world is created by Him and hence it must be treated with love and respect. Lord Krishna says in Bhagavad Gita,"Sarva bhuta stham atmanam,Sarva bhutani catmani,Ikshate yoga yuktatma,Sarvatra sama darshanah. "( Gitaji 6,29)Which means,'A true yogi sees Me in all beings and also sees every being in Me. The self realized person sees Me, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, every where. 'Once we train ourselves to see the Lord in every creature, then naturally we treat them with compassion. A sage or learned person sees every living being with an equal vision as stated in the following Sloka,"Vidya vinaya sampanne,Brahmane gavi hastani,Suni caiva sva pake ca,Panditah sama darshanah. "(Gitaji 5,18)Which means,'Panditas, by virtue of their true knowledge, see with equal vision, a learned brahmana,a cow, an elephant or a dog. 'For a person with spiritual wisdom, every creature is a reflection of God's creation and hence treats every life with love and respect. Thank YouHare Krishna. Prasad.A.Iragavarapu,M.D ------------------------ ---------------- As per Bhagavad Gita and several Upanishats like Eesaavaasya (for example) all life forms are of equal significance to Parama Atma. (cf. 9.29 of BG). Further Parama Atma exists in each being as Anumanta (impartial observer) as said in 13.23 and 28. It is the utter folloy of human to think or presume human is a superior and favored species. This is utter nonsense. Let me ask those who advocate human superiority one rather vulgar sounding but relevant question: Have you ever heard of a dog raping even a bitch? Birds, animals and trees and plants are all beings. One being depends on anothe rfor survival. All those who denounce meat eating as sin would better realize that eating a bhendi (Okra in Us, Lady finger in Indian English) is consuming alife form and hence is as good or bad as eating a fish or poultry bird. Eating as a body necessity is Dharma Aviruddha Kama. Lord says "bhootaanaam Dharma Aviruddho kamo asmi" Per my understadning, Kautily's Artha Saastra (written 300 years before Christ and under the influence of Buddha) details quite elaborately how edible meat should be acquired, stored and eaten. The important point in this analysis is the meat should be acquired through a process which gives fair chance for the animal to escape. When you pluck a fruit from a tree, just question yourself how much of a chance you are giving the fruit to survive. Sarva Bhootastham Atmaanam, sarva bhootaani ca Atmani eekshate yoga yukta Atma, sarvatra Sama Darsanh Sarva bhootah sthitam yo maam bhajati ekatvam asthitah Sarvadhaa vartmaano api sa yogee mayi vartate (Ch. 6, BG) With this idea firmly planted in Mana, Buddhi and Atma, eatng a fowl or a fish or a brinjal hardly makes difference. Regarding insects like cockroaches and roaches, they are born out of cleanlilessness. If you and the premises are clean, there are no roaches and insecticides etc are not necessary. Once they are born, you are duty bound to get rid of them just like Law (Police) arrests human cockroaches. While maintaining cleanliness one should be with clear concience that a spray or bait is not being done due to any personal enimity but as a part of the duty. Just like a hangman before hanging a criminal declares that he is killing the person as part of his duty and not out of enimty. Do not split the hairs. Krishna Samudrala -------------------------------- 1. Gita says that one should realize that God is in every creature and everycreature exists in God. So animals, birds, and other beings whether small ortiny or big, whether peaceful or violent / ferocuous, are all transformation ofGpd. They should be viewed as the same as anything else including any humanbeing. One should practice equanamity - every thing is the same - no difference. 2. If one realizes that in the true sense and therefore become ego-free,desire-free, fear-free and attachment-free, one does not bother at all beingkilled or adversely affected by other humans, wild animals or insect bites.Corres[pondingly, all beings tend to love such a person. 3. Till such time, one has reached the stage, Gita says that one needs torealize that one cannot kill or destroy or hurt any creature because the Atmanin any creature is indestructible and unaffected by any external event/ force.Thus the question really does not arise of killing someone. Gita also says thatone must realise that whatever happens to a particular creature is determinedindependently of decisions/ actios of other creatures or human beings.Therefore, one need to worry if one were to kill or hurt another creature forreasons of safety, food or other reasons . Please note that Gita is not pleadingagainst what you refer to Natural Law. Gits preaches Divine Laws of whichNatural Laws are consistent parts. 4. How one interprets Gita and follows Gita are also part of the same Divine Lawand Gita's God says that the behaviour and actions of different creatures aregoing to be different in accordance with the Guna-combinations each creature isendowed with. Only those creatures who have realized souls in them at somestage (as referred to in 2 above) may behave similarly witl love and equanimityand with out desire, attachment, anger, fear, and ego. 5. Gita is the ultimate science: it analyses what and how things happen in thisWorld: it does not prescribe any medicine or solution to suit guna-imparted individual beings under delusion. It says that those who have overcome the Gunas and the Illusion successfully and completely are the ideal of human endeavour.Basudeb Sen --- Dear Sahakas, 1.Neem,Calotrophis, Aloe vera ,Cleodendrum inermi (Peenarichangu n Tamil ) ,Vitex negundo (Nochi in Tamil ) are in combination or alone will repel most of the pests or prevent disease in plants if the extract is prayed at 1- 2 percent concentration. This is non violent herbal pesticide tested in many farmers field . We also use this mixture as herbal dewormer ( internal parasites ) for animals instead of using poisonous chemicals such as Albendazole or Fenbendazole. We give training to farmers on herbal treatment for plants,animals . We have tested so far in more than 30,000 animals over the last 10 years . With kind regards, Sincerely,P.Vivekanandan, ------- -Shree Hari-Namaste!I touched on the effects of various insecticides for agricultural /gardening reference Global warming.As I am a keen organic gardener, I have developed zero toxic methods of pest control.Last night I had 5 vegetables on my plate, 4 of which I grew. And for breakfast I had 6 freshly picked different fruits , so you can see I am serious. I did mention in an earlier post some methods I use. Does any one know just what sprays etc. are used when they go and buy vegetables?I use nothing toxic, barriers over fruit e.g . bird/mosquito netting.Iron based snail pellets, that turns into fertilizer when it breaks down, completely harmless to mammals.That's it really , be prepared to offer some of your garden to Mother Nature, I mean tolerate imperfection!Fertilizers, organic, NOT BLOOD AND BONE, or FISH, minimize death and suffering in the production of plant life. (May have to use trace elements)I used to use neem products but see no use for that any more. 'From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Oil pressed from the fruits and seeds of Neem (Azadirachta indica), an evergreen tree which is endemic to the Indian subcontinent and has been introduced to many other areas in the tropics. It is perhaps the most important of the commercially available products of neem for organic farming and medicines.' Check for natural insecticides, plant based.If one decides one has no choice but to spray.Then take these point into consideration.I hope you find these gardening tips useful pointers!OM...Shanti...Mike. (K). ------ Shree Hari Ram Ram Q 1 - Regarding birds, animals and various creatures, there is nothing specifically written about them that you desire to know. Q2 - To keep our environment clean, it is not essential to kill rodents, mosquitoes and other bugs. If you understood the meaning of the word "atataayi" (one intent on violence) then it is written in Manusmriti 8/350 - 351 "Those intent on harming us that come into the house with intent on violence, they should be killed without much thought, and the one who kills will not incur any sin." So be it. Vineet Sarvottam -----------------Tips avoid use of products that involve cruelty or killing. Silks, Furs, Leather products, Health and Beauty Products and Foods. Let us be alert in our Entertainment and Recreation activities. Knowledge is Power. Be informed about the laws, and be proactive in putting these into action. from "Beauty without Crueltly" ---- In recent posting, someone mentioned about tree / lawn pesticides. Can you share about natural alternatives and where to find more information on them. In a lecture by Swamiji, in Vishesh pravachan he talks about the importance of not using pesticides and strongly urges learning about natural / other alternatives. He talks about destroying both mother earth and the clean water resources that affects all of us. Moderators, could someone translate some of these lectures / books for the benefit of all? Bala ========================================= QUESTION 1: Re: What should our Attitude be towards Birds, Animalsand Other Creatures that we share this planet with, according to theGita?"BWC Editor"QUESTION 2: There was a question recently on our attitude towardsanimals. I would like to know further whether killing those littleinsects cockroaches, mosquitoes, rats, lizards for the purpose ofkeeping our house healthy and clean is wrong. OR It is right underthe pretext that this is the law of nature that stronger creaturewins and since we cannot allow our houses to be full of these littlecreatures.Vandana----------------------------NEW POSTINGHari OmThis refers to the question of Vandanaji. If one otherwise keepshouse clean, certain creatures described will not be there in thehouse at the outset. By not keeping house clean they take birth/make your house their house too. Just as you make your house, arethey not entitled to make their house also? . Emphasis should be onprevention rather than on cure. Rats, lizards etc come into housefrom outside. You can always identify holes/ their entry points andblock them rather than killing them.Cockroaches, mosquitoes get created by lack of hygeine. There arenon violent homely methods of control- ask elders/old ladies, theywill tell you. If even after maintaining purity and cleanliness,such creatures remain , then let them remain. What is wrong inconsidering them to be part of household ? Don't kill them so thatyou don't become like them in future lives and don't get killed.Simple !A human being is entitled to protect himself only and not to killany other.There is no law of strong killing weak for human beings. Such lawsare there in the jungles mostly applicable for animals- amonganimals. Animals and human beings are different species/form oflife. Laws applicable in their lives are not applicable in humanform of life !! Reasonable and logical ? Isn't it ?Please note no one is capable of killing anyone or getting killed.Soul is immortal- and that soul is existing in all creatures-samesoul. In this Divine play ground of Paramatma- your bhavas (innerexpressions) are the main propellents. If you feel that strong hasright to kill weak, then you should also think as to why strong isstrong and how? Who made them strong? Why weak is weak and how? Canstrong not become weak and weak not become strong? Does notParamatma have that capacity of turning the tables? Doesn't He quitefrequently do so? If that happens then whether on that day, thestrong will spare us ? Will Law of Karma not operate for us at thattime ?Hence prevention is always better than cure.Jai Shree KrishnaVyas N B---------------------------Hari OmThis refers to Mike's question. For crop storage excellent methodsof prevention are available from times immemorial. For example ifyou put just a handful of ash in the sacks containing the wholegrains- there will be no other control necessary. Rely more onnature taking its course. Parasite born fevers, starvation syndromeetc are nature's ways of ruthlessly operating Law of Karma. You canalways fill your heart with compassion and please Krishna and ownyour soul. Beyond that it is beyond us.Farmers also many times sweep all the garbage at one place and burnit. This destroys many creatures. Better way is to throw garbage inforest. For controlling menace of ants in the farms, the best way isto put thorn bushes outside the holes of ants - when the ants areinside the hole due to severe hot or cold climate and then to placea stone on those thorn bushes- so that birds, foxes, crows are notable to eat them. There are methods of diverting their paths also tosave crop without destroying them.Dear Mike-Mosquitoes kill more humans or humans kill moremosquitoes? Any idea about numbers? If humans kill more mosquitoesthan what is wrong in mosquitoes also killing some humans? Are theynot entitled to do that, if humans are entitled to kill them ? Arethey not children of same Krishna ? Can they also not become strong-some time for a change ?This food chain is for animals/other creatures, among animals/othercreatures - other than humans.Jai Shree KrishnaVyas N B----------------------Hari OmThis refers to Nair's Query. Lucky indeed are those elephants wholive in the temples. Are they kept hungry? What will they do if theyare left in jungles- except eating ? Here in temples , do not humansattend to them ? How beautiful they look when decorated ! It is notcaptivity. It is caring. If any cruelty is inflicted upon them ,thenit is another matter. Otherwise what is wrong?Jai Shree KrishnaVyas N B----------------------------II Shri Hari IIDear spritual friends, I have seen the slides and been deeplytouched by it. PLEASE TAKE A FEW MINUTES TO WATCH THESE SLIDES andto share with friends and family in an effort to increase awarenessand minimize violence wherever possible.http://www.jivdaya.net/devnar_hell.phpAs beautifully stated by sadhaks in this forum - "Sarvabhoot hiterata" (BG 12:4) - Help, Love, Serve, Respect and Learn from allbeings. "Ahimsa --- Dayabhuteshu' -- Non Violence, compassiontowards all. We must not do to others, what we do not wish forourselves. Clearly per Gita and Hindu scriptures our role is toserve and protect all beings. MAY ALL BEINGS be SERVED. It is due totheir presence that we can survive.Meera Das--------------------------------Hari OmMike's narration as to how he adheres to non violence in agricultureis touching and worth following. Swamiji stated in his purport on18:48 that some violence in agricultural activity is imminent. Butsince it is "sahaj duty" of a vaishya (gardner/farmer) he does notbecome sinful -if his intention and inner sentiments are towards non-violence. In every Karma there is some defect (flaws), but theinner sentiments makes the act sinful. If a doctor as a matter ofduty and service, even cuts the limbs of a patient, he doesn't incursin, rather he gets virtues "punya" because his intention was tocure the patient. One must have compassion towards all creatures,but for Sri Krishna in particular, the love, protection, and care ofcows, the mother of all of us, was immense. It is the most piouskarma - to protect the Cows. More to follow at a later time.Jai Shree KrishnaVyas N B----------------------------Shree Hari-Born out of the original question, I have a question.Out of the responses I have read, and my horror of worldstarvation.A point emerged in my mind, which I have wrestled with for manyyears. Looking to the Ancient Gitaji, against the backdrop of themodern world, I beg wise council .You see, most crop farming methods are aggressive, pesticides,fungicides, herbicides and so on. Vermin control in food storagesystems. Natures death toll of these things is staggering, if oneworks up through the food chain. And there are such creatures suchas the mosquito, ( I believe the biggest killer of humanity onearth). Taking into account these points, when looking at souls withsevere malnutrition, or racked with a parasite born fever, I see aconundrum.With Respect and Divine Love,Mike Keenor-----------------------------We should be compassionate towards all animals and birds becausethey are all God's creatures like us.Hari Shanker Deo-----------------------------HARI AUMThe principle: "... we must not do to birds, animals and all otherbeings, what we do not wish for ourselves" is really GREAT. I fullybeliever in it and respect it with utmost devotion.In this context I could not understand the practice followed in manyof the temples, especially in Kerala, where Elephants are kept incaptivity - life imprisonment - for use in various rituals andcelebrations. Is it not against the principle taught by Gita.What should be done to bring an end to widely practiced crimeagainst our fellow beings?Yours Sincerely,NB Nair----------------------------PRIOR POSTINGIf one were to visit the various temples, both Vaishnavaite andShaivite, he or she would see plants and trees peculiar to aparticular deity existing in the compounds. Nearly every other deityhas a mascot in the form of an animal eg. mouse for Lord Ganesha;lion for Eashwari; bull for Lord Shiva; peacock for Lord Muruga;garuda forLord Vishnu etc. etc. Shri Hanumanji is worshipped as the Lord ofMonkeys. What does that teach us? To live in harmony with both plantsand animals in an environmentally friendly planet.Mahendra Raj-------------------------------Narayan NarayanIN ENGLISHIndia is such a country, where there was love and compassion towardsall beings. Where even rivers are given the status of Mother "Maa",and stones are worshipped as Ram and Sita. Then, what to speak ofother things? RamchandraIN HINDIBharatvarsh hi ek aisha desh hein jhaha jeev maatre ko prem daayamelti Hai.Jaaha nadiyo ko bhi maa ka darja de te hai ,pattaro ko bhi pujte haiOr nar mai(ram)or nari mai(sheeta) ko dekhte hai .Phir aanya ki baat hi kya kare?(ramchandra)--------------------------------II Shri Hari IIDear spritual friends, I have seen the slides and been deeplytouched by it. PLEASE TAKE A FEW MINUTES TO WATCH THESE SLIDES andto share with friends and family in an effort to increase awarenessand minimize violence wherever possible.http://www.jivdaya.net/devnar_hell.phpAs beautifully stated by sadhaks in this forum - "Sarvabhoot hiterata" (BG 12:4) - Help, Love, Serve, Respect and Learn from allbeings. "Ahimsa --- Dayabhuteshu' -- Non Violence, compassiontowards all. We must not do to others, what we do not wish forourselves. Clearly per Gita and Hindu scriptures our role is toserve and protect all beings. MAY ALL BEINGS be SERVED. It is due totheir presence that we can survive.Meera Das-----------------------------If you have thoughts or any ideas around animal protection /minimizing violence or related issues, please post your ideas at:karmayog/message/41339 www.karmayog.com (www.karmayog.org is a unique free platformsince June 2004 for concerned citizens - for social causes in Indiaand civic issues in Mumbai. Karmayog is Convenor of the NGO Council,which has a MoU with BMC to collaborate on civic issues.)-----------------------------PRIOR POSTINGNarayan NarayanIN ENGLISHWhatever you have, this body, these senses, this mind, thisintellect etc. it is all for the service of others. It is not forus. Therefore we must serve all. Let there be only one thought inthe mind - Let ALL BEINGS be SERVED (ALL beings – in form ofbirds, animals, insects, humans etc.) Srimaan Vyasji, in a verystraight and simple language shared the essence with us.RamchandraIN HINDIAap ke pas sharir indriya man, buddhi, aadi jo kuch heinWho sab ka sab dhoshroo ke seva ke liye hein, aapne liyeNahi. Is ke liye sab ki seva karo. Man mein ek hi vicharRahe prani maatre(sabhi jeev jantu pashu pakshi)Shreeman vyasji ne aapni saral bhasha mein saar bhata diya(ramchandra)"Sarvabhoot hite rata" (BG 12:4)- this should be attitude of humanstowards every creature. Help them, love them, serve them, respectthem, learn from them.Jai Shree KrishnaVyas NBThe present question is about our attitude towards birds, animalsand other creatures -- according to Gita.Gopal -- Bhagavan Krishna's name itself is with an animal - Cow.O Arjuna , 'Eswarah sarvabhutanam hruddesarjuna tishtati' know thatGod abides in the hearts of all creatures causing them to revolveaccording to their karma.'Sarvabhutasthmaatmanam sarvabhutanichatmani' - a Yogi sees unityeverywhere, beholds the Self present in all beings.The Yogi who is established in union with Me, and worships me asresiding ' Sarvabhutastitamyomam bhajastamekatvamastitah' in allbeings abides in Me.'Sarvabhutani Kounteya prakrutimyantimamikam' O Kounteya during thefinal dissolution all beings enter My Prakrti.Know that the knowledge to be Sattvika' Sarvabhuteshuyenaikambhavamavyayameekshyate' when man perceives one imperishable divineexistence in all beings.He who is free from malice towards all beings ' Advesthasarvabhutanam maitraha karunaevacha' -- that devotee of Mine isdear to Me."Ahimsa --- Dayabhuteshu' -- Non violence, compassion towards allcreatures are Divine qualities.The Esavasya Upanishad 'Yastusarvanibhutani Atmanyevanupasyati' -whoever see all beings in Himself, for him there is no moham(attachment) and dukham (sorrow).Dr. Goli(Dr.Anjaneyulu Goli)Dear Sadaks,First one should know that many of us have taken births asbirds/animals Etc Bagavan in GEetha said, "I am in everything, but Iam not that". So one should see Bagavan in birds/animals. Bagavan isChaitaniya in them and us, but HE is not the body of bird/animal.Feeding birds, satvik animals (cow, goat etc) is human Dharma, asone has been in that form earlier, so they are brothers & sisters.SibiRaja gave his flesh to Eagle to protect it`s pray (bird). Valmikicursed a hunter for killing a bird which was mating. There arenumerous instances where saints protected and fed animals/birds.Mother Seetha said once when was walking carefully, looking downtowards the earth, that she wants no ants to be killed by her feet.Kakasura in the form of bird bit mother Seetha` s breast. Sri Ramawas angry and took bow and arrow. Mother said it is only a bird. Butdemon (Asura) was born as a bird for his action during Sri Krishna'speriod. Sri Krishna tore the bird apart holding the beaks. The Asuraattained salvation (Moksha) a blessing by Bhagavan. Since we takewater from nature we are supposed to pour water to plants. Since weget foods from nature, we should protect nature. Since birds/animalsmaintain ecology we should protect them. One important message:Never get attached to any bird/animal. Do help them as Bagavanwanted. We should be instrument (tool) in this matter to serveBagavan WHO is chaitaniya in them. If attachment takes us over, thenit is like Jada Bharatha case, where we might take birth as that towhich we are attached.B.Sathyanarayan----------------------------PREVIOUS POSTINGShree HariRam RamAs much Gita as has been understood from Shraddhey Swamiji, andreflecting on it, we must not do to birds, animals and all otherbeings, what we do not wish for ourselves. Ram Ram, SarvottamIN HINDIJitni Gita Shraddhey Swamiji se samjhi usske anusheelan mein hamesabhi pashu pakshi praani maatre ke prati wah nahin karnaa chaahiyejo hum apne prati nahin chaaheteRam RamSarvottam------------------------------Hari OmOur attitude towards them should be 1- compassionate, 2- studentlike, learning from them and 3- full of gratitude and service tothem.Except prevalence of "conscience" in us - there is nothing in uswhich can make us proud vis a vis birds, animals , fish, trees etc.Absolutely nothing- from every conceivable view point. Be itutility, beauty, physique, capacity,ability, virtue,power,tolerance, punctuality, longevity, carefulness, service, duty,adaptability, sense organs, mind, intellect, ego, body, conduct -on any count.Only one thing distinguishes us from them-"conscience".They have that too but only with reference to what is eatable andwhat is not.( Alas! We fail miserably here also). We have much morediscrimination power than them. Whatever they have, in that they arealways superior to us. What they don't have, ( conscience), in thatonly we are superior.It is another matter that they are north bound- in the process ofbecoming human beings again, while majority of us is south bound, inthe process of becoming animals. Otherwise, why we should eat themaway?It is due to their presence that we can survive. Books and books canbe written as to what we can learn from them.Jai Shree KrishnaVyas NB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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