Extracts from the Book The Sacred Cow (Part 1)

[jayram]

It is sometimes said, "There is more than meets the eye." This means that ordinary

sense perception is limited, and so cannot disclose the whole truth of a matter.

For example, we understand from Bhagavad-Gita that the material body is but a covering,

a dress of the soul. And yet, with our eyes, we can only see the external body - we

cannot see the external soul. It is for this reason that Srila Prabhupada repeatedly

urged us to consider shastra chaksu (the eye of the shastra) to be more important than

our material eyes.

 

We may look at a cow and think that it is just an ordinary animal, like all others,

such as dogs, cats and donkeys. But, if we see through the eyes of shastra, we will

understand a truth that is far beyond the perception of the senses.

 

Srila Vyasadeva divided the Vedas, and also compiled many scriptures like the Mahabaratha,

the Puranas, Vedanta Sutras and Yoga Darsana. The entire range of vedic literatures is his unique contribution. In all his literature, he gace a special place to the cow.

The religious principle, or dharma, has been compared with Vrsabha, the bull. He wrote

in the Puranas that the Vedas and sacrifice are the two best means for the protection

of this world, and that both of these are supported by cow products like milk and ghee.

Actually, the brahmanas, the Vedas, and the cows are one and the same.

 

The cow is extremely pure. Therefore, wherever she is present, that place cannot be

polluted. The cow is considered to be the gateway to heaven. She is all auspicious,

and the supplier of food to both the demigods and human beings. Vedavyasa also described

that the Supersoul lives within the body, just like milk. He cannot be seen from outside,

but can be perceived through the study of the scriptures.

 

In the mahabharata, there is an entire chapter dedicated to the worship of the cow.

His father, the sage Parasara, wrote a book called Krisi parasara, in which he glorified the

cow and the bull. Cows should be treated politely. They should be kept in a cowshed.

When sick, they should be treated properly. The cowshed should be free from all types of fear.

There should be arrangements to keep the cows aloof from excessive cold, heat and rain.

There should be pasturing grounds for cows in every village.