Guest guest Posted March 30, 2009 Report Share Posted March 30, 2009 Dear Friends, What I am writing below is in the context of first yogic principle, which is Ahimsa (See Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras). Many of us are affected when we see animals, birds, fish, lobsters, etc. being killed for food. For years modern scientists have been saying that some creatures do not feel pain because they do not have a well developed nervous system. Once I was told by someone speaking authoritatively that even though lobsters are boiled alive, they do not experience any pain according to science. I immediately reject such “scientific assertions” preferring to rely on my own gut feelings and intuition. Now new studies are saying that indeed even the so called lower level creatures like lobsters, crabs, and insects can experience pain and suffering. lobsters-and-crabs-do-feel-pain Sri Ramana used to say, “Ahimsa Param Dharma” (Nonviolence is the supreme dharma). Ancient sages have been saying it for thousands of years that all life is interdependent and mutually supportive. Reverence for life thus is the first principle of spiritual life. In Jainism, the religion of my teacher Chitrabhanu-ji, Nonviolence is the cardinal principle. Given below is an article by my teacher’s wife Pramoda-ji (Pramoda Chitrabhanu) that talks about the link between ecology and vegetarianism. Pramoda-ji is on the board of directors for PETA in India and works for the welfare of the underprivileged and also is involved in preventing cruelty to animals. ecology-and-vegetarianism-in-jain-dharma-by-pramoda-chitrabhanu Namaste and love to all Yours in Bhagavan Harsha Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.