Over-Religious Activity, a Threat to Biodiversity (7): Ethical Restrictions Against Animal Cruelty to Protect the Environment - a Review

Over-Religious Activity, a Threat to Biodiversity (7): Ethical Restrictions against Animal Cruelty to Protect the Environment - A Review

Sachidananda Padhy

Vedic Science Research Centre, Bhaba Nagar-1, Berhampur 760 004, Odisha, India E-mail: [email protected]

KEYWORDS Animal Cruelty. Bible. Buddha. Ethical Restriction. Gandhi. Gita. Jaina. Manusmruti. Qur’an. Veda

ABSTRACT Since the Vedic period, there is attempt to protect the biodiversity through ethical restrictions, reflected in various epics. Harming animals is widely considered as one of the lowest and cruellest activity of human beings. Animal cruelty may be for food, religious sacrifice, scientific experiment, business purpose or over carriage; it has a negative impact on the growth and sustenance of the animal world. Let the human society follow the ethical restrictions and save the biodiversity.

INTRODUCTION biodiversity (Khoshoo 1995). The most impor- tant Vedic concept Yajnya sates that, all the Religious epics have ever focused on ethical plants, animals and micro-organism of the na- dictums to drive the human society in right track. ture work with a sacrifice motive and interacts In India, Veda, Smruti (ethical law books) and with each other from work culture point of view Gita stand as a tripod to stabilise the culture and (Padhy 2010). channelize the human life, in right prospective. Three selected famous versions of Yajurve- The new concept ‘Dharma of Ecology’ forward- da says: ed by Dr. T.N. Khoshoo, the eminent environ- “May all living beings look at me with a mentalist is justified, to meet the various threats friendly eye, may I do likewise, and may we all to our environment. This work should start form look each other with the eyes of a friend” (36/ an individual as he suggests. In this context, the 18). various dictums presented in the Dharmic epics “The whole universes with its creatures be- of Hindu religion shows torch to stop animal long to the Lord (Nature). No creature is superi- cruelty, an anti-ecological activity (Padhy 2000, or to any other, and the human beings should 2014; Padhy et al. 2006). This communication is not have absolute power over the nature. Let no aimed to focus on certain selected ethical dic- species encroach upon the rights and privileges tums, which has educative value against cruelty of other species. However, one can enjoy the to biodiversity that is spread over in our coun- bounties of nature by giving up greed” (40/1). try as well throughout the world along with reli- “Look upon all the animate beings as your gious practices (Padhy 2016, 2017a, b, c, d; Padhy bosom friends, for in all of them there resides and Mohapatra 2016). one soul. Behave with others as you would with yourself. All are but a part of that universal soul. SELECTED ETHICAL DICTUMS A person, who believes that all are his soul mates and loves them all alike, never feels lonely. He Vedic Concept experiences the intense joy throughout his life” (40/6). Veda has many Sslokas which are thought provoking from ecological point of view. Mod- Manusmruti ern environmentalists consider that, these ad- vise oriented Vedic concepts are the most an- ‘Smruti’ refers to Dharma Ssastra (ethical cient ideas of mankind for conservation of the law books) which includes social laws, usages, 2 SACHIDANANDA PADHY customs, manners and moral codes. They are He who does not injure any creature attains post Vedic, with applied sociological value. There without an effort what he fixes his mind on (V/47). are twenty major Smruties and fifty minor. In order to preserve living creatures let him Manusmruti the first ethical law book of the world an ascetic always by day and night, even with has encouraged non-violence to sub-human pain to his body, walk carefully scanning the beings and vegetation from ethical, social, sym- ground (VI/68). pathetic, administrative, dietic and religious Persons leading their livelihood at the cost point of view, which has reflected on the con- of pain directly or indirectly to animals, were servation of biodiversity (Fig. 1), from ecologi- highly discouraged in the society through their cal stand point (Padhy 2000). The conservation non-entry into festive rituals like Ssraaddha (III/ laws of Manu originate in three forms (1) ethical 152, 162, 164, 166). dictum in the form of advice (2) offensive dic- A person, who owns the profession of sell- tum-declared as punishable, and (3) self-restric- ing flesh, was considered so degraded socially that none was expected to receive gifts (Daana) tion dictum - a committer of environmental sin is from him (IV/84). asked to undergo penance; a prevention to com- As many hairs as the slain beast has, so of- mit the mistake again (Padhy et al. 2006). ten he will suffer a violent death in future births, Some selected dictums from Manusmruti who killed it without a lawful reason (V/38). against animal cruelty are as follows: He, who injures innoxious beings from a wish An elite person must seek a means of sub- to give himself pleasure never finds happiness, sistence which either causes no or at least little neither living nor dead (V/45). pain to others and live by that except in time of He who does not eat meat like a Pissaacha, distress (Manusmruti IV/2). becomes dear to man and will not be tormented Whether he dwells in his own house, with a by diseases (V/50). teacher or in the forest must never even at the Meat can never be obtained without injury time of distress, cause an injury to any creature to living creatures (which is detrimental to the (V/43). attainment of heavenly wish); let him therefore He who does not seek to cause the suffer- shun (the use of) meat (V/48). ings of bonds and death to living creatures but Considering the origin of flesh and the cru- desires the good of all beings, obtains endless elty of fettering and slaying corporeal beings, bliss (V/46). let him entirely abstain from eating flesh (V/49).

Fig. 1. Attempts for conservation of biodiversity as reflected in Manusmruti Source: Padhy 2000 OVER-RELIGIOUS ACTIVITY, A THREAT TO BIODIVERSITY 3

He who permits the slaughter of an animal, The Gita says: “Perception and realization of he who cuts it up, he who kills it, he who buys or one imperishable divine existence as undivided sells meat, he who cooks it, he who serves it up and equally present in all individual beings is and he who eats it, must all be considered as the the only means for the conservation of the biodi- slayers of animals (V/51). versity”. The Divine personality as: “He has The above involves a chain of events and endowed with numerous arms, hands, thighs and persons to create the consciousness of non- feet on all sides; many bellies and heads in all killing an animal. directions with innumerable mouths, teeth, eyes The guilt of one who slays not as that of him and ears all round, extended in countless forms who eats meat for no purpose (V/34). pervading everywhere” (Gita: 11/16, 23; 13/13) There is no greater sinner than that man who stands as the most appropriate representation seeks to increase the bulk of one’s own flesh by of the global biosphere as a single unit as per the flesh of others (V/52). the modern ecological science. This is the true Me the Maam-sha will devour in the next essence of worship to the divinity. world, whose flesh I eat in this life; the wise man From environmental point of view, the phys- declares this to be the real meaning of the word ical body of every living organism is a combina- flesh (Maamsha) (V/55). tion of Nature’s abiotic factors and the life force. The king being the administrative head, The life force is named as Chetana Shakti, Aat- whose conduct is expected to reflect on the so- maa, Jiivaatamaa, Jivana, Para Prakriti, Bee- ciety, is advised not to involve in hunting, a ja, Kshertrajna etc in Gita. The life force is per- cruel play which involves unwanted death of vaded within all living organisms in equal form. innocent animals (VII/47-50). The divine life-force and the biological world The king was empowered to punish a care- are intimately associated with each other. The less driver of cart, who causes the death of any person who realises the existence, evolution, man or domesticated animal (VIII/296-98). holding power, fostering and pervading of the Even a blow struck against man or animals in life-force in every living being and who under- order to (give them) pain, shall be inflicted with stands the joy and sorrow of others as his own a fiscal punishment proportion to the amount of self, with a similar view, is worthy to be the wor- pain caused (VIII/286). shiper of the almighty. Gita’s strong view is per- Let him gently place some food on the ground ception of the divine existence in all the living for dogs, crows and insects (III/92). forms is the true essence of worship to the di- Let him not travel with untrained beasts of vinity and the only means for the conservation burden, nor with (animals) that are tormented by of the biodiversity. hunger or disease, or whose horns, eyes and Gita is a part of epic Mahabhaarata. The lat- hoofs have been injured, or whose tail has been ter has clearly mentioned that, too much desire disfigured (IV/67). for woman, too much attraction to play games, Let him always travel with (beasts) without killing animals for pleasure and drinking wine urging to goad them much (IV/68). for amusement spoils the Shree (Lakshmi, for- Let him not interrupt a cow who is suckling tune, wealth, beauty, lustre, prosperity, auspi- (IV/59). ciousness, glory, splendour, decoration, goddess A damage caused by a cow within ten days of wealth, goddess of learning, good fortune) of of her calving, should not be considered as a a human personality (Banaparba 13/2) cattle mischief. Moreover it is advised that there The various selected narrations of Gita with should be sufficient reserved space as pasture diversified approach in this regard are as follows: land around a village or thrice of that around a The soul dwelling in the bodies of all can town for grazing (VIII/242). never be slain (Gita 2/30). The wise look with the same eye on a Braah- Bhagavad Gita mana (a learned and cultured man), a Cow, an Elephant, a Dog and a Pariah too (5/18). In the Gita Srikrishna has not discussed much Who is delighted in the welfare of all beings, about Himsaa and Ahimsaa in relation to con- attains the beatitude of Brahma (5/25). servation of biodiversity. His approach is alto- He (whose mind being harmonized in Yoga) gether different than the other views, which can sees himself in all beings and all beings in him- be summarized as follows (Padhy 2014). self; he sees the same in all (6/29). 4 SACHIDANANDA PADHY

He who sees Me (the universal self) present Whatsoever being, animate or inanimate, in all beings, and all beings existing within Me, know it as an emanated from the union of Kshe- never loses sight of Me, and I never lose sight tra (matter) and Kshetrajna (spirit) (13/26). of him (6/30). He alone truly sees, who sees the supreme He who, established in oneness, worships lord as imperishable and abiding equality in all Me abiding in all being; abides in Me, no matter perishable beings, both animate and inanimate what he does (6/31). (13/27). He who looks on all as one, on the analogy Whatever forms (species of various kinds) of his own self, and looks upon the pleasure and are produced, in any wombs whatsoever, the pain of all with a similar eye-is regarded as su- nature is the conceiving Mother, while I am the preme (6/32). seed-giving Father (14/4). The life element by which this universe is The eternal; Jiivaatmaa in the body of be- upheld- is my higher Prakriti (nature) (7/5). ings of the biodiversity (Jiivaloka) is a part of All beings have evolved from the two fold My own being (15/7). Prakriti: Para (life-principle) and Apara (mate- I support all creatures by My vital energy rial); I am the source of the entire creation (7/6). (15/13). I am the life in all beings (7/9). I am seated in the hearts of all (15/15). Know Me as the eternal seed of all beings The Yogi established in identity with Brah- (7/10). ma in all beings attains supreme devotion (18/ I know all beings, past as well as present, 54). may, even those that are yet to come; but none The Lord dwells in the hearts of all beings, knows Me (7/26). causing them to revolve as though mounted on All beings reside within the Supreme Purusha a machine (18/61). and by whom all this is pervaded (8/22). My divine (power of) yoga is the sustainer Holy Bible and creator of the beings (9/5). Know that all beings abide in Me (9/6). Bible conveys a coordinated message, that All beings enter my Prakriti (the prime at some time the earth faced dissolution with cause) during the final dissolution and I gener- heavy rain and flood, and man was alerted by ate them again at the beginning of next creation the divinity (nature) to protect the biosphere as (9/7). a prime moral obligation. The myth opens a vis- Animating my Prakriti, I send forth again ta to realise that, it should be ever a human re- and again all this multitude of beings helpless sponsibility to take care of the biodiversity, an- under the regime of Prakriti (9/8). cient days or modern time. Human commitment I am equally present in all beings; there is in this regard is above any religion; but later the none hateful or dear to Me (9/29). facts have pervaded into religious scriptures. I am the self-seated in the hearts of all be- In the old testament of Bible it is narrated ings. I am the beginning, the middle and also the that, when men began to increase in number end of all beings (10/20). (over populated) and wickedness entered into I am the consciousness (life-energy) in liv- their character all the people on earth had cor- ing beings (10/22). rupted their ways, earth was filled with violence I am the seed of all life (Genetic principle- due to human activity, God (nature) wanted to DNA). No creature, moving or inert, that can wipe out mankind along with animals and other exist without Me (10/39). creatures. During that time there was a righteous Those who are engaged in the welfare of all man, blameless among the people, named Noah, beings- verily they come unto Me (12/4). who was in coordination with the eternal spirit. He who is free from malice towards all be- Noah was the tenth generation of Adam. He re- ings, friendly and compassionate to all-is dear ceived a divine message that, after seven days to me (12/13). there will be heavy rain for forty days and nights, He who is not a source of annoyance to his which would bring the flood water that, would fellow-creatures, and who in his turn does not destroy all living beings (Biodiversity). He was feel vexed with his fellow-creatures- is dear to advised to build up an ark and to collect a pair of Me (12/15). each living creatures, male and female and con- OVER-RELIGIOUS ACTIVITY, A THREAT TO BIODIVERSITY 5 serve them inside the ark with facilities for their Do not plough with an ox and a donkey yoked food during flood time. Noah and his family together (Deuteronomy 22: 10). worked accordingly. The waters inundated the Do not muzzle an Ox while it is treading out earth for hundred and fifty days and slowly re- the grains (Deuteronomy 25: 4). ceded. Meanwhile all the creatures on the earth I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep along with mankind were wiped out, except Noah and my sheep know me - just as the Father knows and those with him in the ark. Finally after more me and I know my Father - and I lay down my life than one year from the day of first occurrence of for the sheep (John 10: 14,15). The coordinated the rain, the earth was completely dry and Noah relation between the master and his pet animals came out of the ark along with his family and is clear in this version. other animals by the order of God. God said Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish “Bring out every kind of living creature that is you have just caught”. Jesus said, “Come and with you - the birds, the animals, all the crea- have breakfast.” Jesus came, took the bread and tures that move along the ground - so they can gave it to then (his followers) and did the same multiply on the earth and be beautiful and in- with the fish (John 21: 10, 12, 13). The feeling of crease in number upon it” (Genesis 8: 17). equality between man and animal can be marked Noah and his family might have struggled here. hard to protect the animals and save the ship from the flood waters for a long time of one year. Qur’an The intension of Noah was a clear expression of his attitude for the conservation of biodiversity The following descriptions of Qur’an are at the time of dissolution. The mythical descrip- collected from a paper presented in an interna- tion spread the message that, mankind being tional conference held in Chicago from 11th to the supreme being of creation and guardian of 13th November, 1997 to which representative of the nature should not be a defaulter to take care all major religions had been invited to discusses of the biodiversity (Padhy 2006). about (1) Peace, (2) Environmental problems and Few more selected ethical restrictions against (3) Education. The author’s name and publica- animal cruelty focused in Bible are as follows: tion authority is not reflected. So God created man in his own image… God blessed them (man) and said “Be fruit- If without good reason anyone kills a sparrow, or a creature lesser than that even, the liv- ful and increase in number; fill the earth and ing creature will put his plaint to God on the day subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the of judgement, saying : so and so killed me for no birds of the air and over every living creature purpose. that moves on the ground” (Genesis 1: 27, 28). It is thus stressed that the purposeless and This is the highest ethics of Bible that man is the arbitrary killing of the living creatures of nature, ruler (guardian, authority, conservator, care tak- whether large or small, is prohibited, and that er) of the Biodiversity. those who do so will be called to account by Anyone who has sexual relations with an God on the last day. Sparrow is an example only. animal must be put to death (Exodus 22:19). The ethics is applicable for the whole animal Do not have sexual relations with animal and world. defile yourself with it. (Leviticus 18:23). This Qur’an expresses about the animals is that, shows that, the animals should not be harassed they are a ‘Community’ (Umma). God’s messen- sexually by man. ger has taught that Muslims should act kindly You shall not murder (Deuteronomy 5: 17). not only towards human beings but to all living This is a part of the Ten Commandments de- beings. clared by Lord. The most merciful one is merciful towards If you see your brother’s donkey or his Ox these who are merciful. “Act kindly to those on fallen on the road, do not ignore it. Help him to the earth, so that those in the heavens (the an- get it to its feet (Deuteronomy 22: 4). gels) will be merciful to you.” If you come across a bird’s nest beside the God’s messenger also commanded that bird’s road, either in a tree or on the ground, and the nests should not be disturbed, or the eggs or mother is sitting on the young or on the eggs, chicks stolen. do not take the mothers with the young (Deuter- The prophet Muhammad used to enjoy the onomy 22: 6). protection of animals and birds, that they should 6 SACHIDANANDA PADHY not be ill-treated, but should be well looked after either by mental, vocal or bodily activities and kept clean, and employed in work suitable (Tahtinen 1976). In this context the Gandhian to their natures, and should not be loaded with view of non-violence, derived from the ascetic burdens greater than they can bear. He put a sources says that non-violence is not essential- ban on hunting and forbidding the arbitrary ly regarded for all biological life, it is rather the hunting of animals for pleasure. non-exploitation of sentient creatures. Gandhi There is a (divine) reward for giving any liv- understood that, non-violence is a mental being creature to drink. haviour. It means the absence of ill will (Gandhi There is not an animal (that lives) on the 1950). The themes of non-violence and humani- earth, nor a being that flies on its wings, but ty (Maanavikataa) can act as neutralizing fac- (forms part of) communities like you. tors against the brutal activity of mankind and Prophet Muhammad also insisted on the pro- save the world from destruction of biota (Gan- tection of animals and the kind treatment of them. dhi 1948-1949). His concern that they should be well treated, The Jains have very laboriously dealt not protected, and not abused or degraded is truly only with Ahimsaa but also with the meanings noteworthy. The prophet prohibited torture and of Himsaa. To them, Himsaa means the hurting abuse of animals. of life-principles due to passionate activity. They A woman was sent to hell because she tied consider, even when there is injury to life, it can- up her cat and neither gave it food nor allowed it not be considered Himasaa if the person is not free to hunt the cockroaches. motivated by any kind of passion and carefully God’s messenger stated that like men, ani- follows the code of right conduct. On the other mals employed in various tasks had the right to hand, if one acts out of ignorance motivated by rest, and when stopping to rest or journeys, in passions, violence takes place irrespective of particular insisted that the animals’ needs should whether another being killed or not. The types be met and that they should be rested. of Himsaa as per Jains are as follows: Whenever someone arrives at a stopping – a) 1. Thinking of violence place, he would never start the prayer until he 2. Making preparations for violence had removed the loads from the pack-animals 3. Actual commission (and left them free to rest). b) 1. Done by one self Islam religion permits that no living creatures 2. Caused to be done through others is tormented or abused. Whether man or beast, 3. By consent all living creatures have rights (of their own). c) Caused by the passions Those who violate their rights or disregard them d) 1. By mind will be punished in the hereafter by God if it not 2. By speech possible for them to be punished by the author- 3. By body ities here. Jains consider any kind of injury to any one is Himsaa. Violence includes not only killing and Concept of Ahimsaa: Buddha, Jaina and Gandhi physical injury, but also curtailing the freedom of thought and speech of others. The Jains re- The theme of non-violence has a popular spect the life of even the smallest creatures. They meaning of “Non-killing of living beings.” explain that, the ignorant who commit Himsaa In this context, it is necessary to put forth by mind, speech or body suffer for long in the two distinct ideas on non-violence, as: great forest of rebirths. 1. The Vedic concept The Buddhist Ahimsaa is defined as that “by 2. The Ascetic concept which another being is not harmed”. It is an an- The Vedic concept of Ahimsaa (non-vio- tidote to the mental factor Himsaa. The Bud- lence) states that only that type of injury is Him- dhist monk uses alms food not for sport, indul- saa (violence) proper, which is against the Vedic gence, decoration, beautification, but simply eats injunction. It is a big question whether Veda ever what is necessary for the support and suste- sanctioned Himsaa? Various interpretations in nance of the body for keeping it unharmed. This this regard are in support (MacDonald and Kei- is practise of non-violence towards oneself and th 1912) or against the Vedic concept of Himsaa casually turns to a rule it is applicable to other (Das 1960). living begins. Hence, the phrase “Nonviolence The ascetic view of Ahimsaa means not to to all living beings” includes both the agent and cause suffering to any living being at any time other living beings. The Buddhist non-violence OVER-RELIGIOUS ACTIVITY, A THREAT TO BIODIVERSITY 7 seems to have been mainly mental. The mental fore the audience. The mutton is cooked and non-violent attitude is to give up the faults of ill- served as Prasad. will. One must remain with a heart free from ill- In some communities, swine is used as sacri- will. fice animal. In such case the animal is beaten to The doctrine of Buddha many be broadly death. The roaring sound of the animal on every understood as the path leading to the uprooting strike of bamboo sticks by a group of people of all future suffering that can be uprooted. Vio- creates a horrid sight of animal cruelty. lence which deliberately results in some forms In certain tribal community buffalo are scar- of suffering can be seen to be evil against this ified in the agricultural field for better produc- background. A Buddhist should at any rate tion. Some portions of its meat and blood are avoid the practice of tormenting others and not sprinkled in the field with the faith to enhance earn his livelihood as a cattle-butcher, a pig-kill- the fertility. er, fowler, deer-stalker, hunter, fisherman, thief, Every living being is an offspring of the di- executioner, jailer or through any other cruel vine Mother. People are biased with religious occupation. dogmas and superstitions to offer her own children as a sacrifice to the Mother, the great. There ANIMAL CRUELTY are notable temples throughout the country for animal sacrifice with flow of blood streams on Harming animals is widely considered as one the occasion day. Different authorities have tried of the lowest and cruellest activity of any hu- to put a stop to it with varying degrees of suc- man being. This cruelty may be for food, enter- cess. Even court imposition on ban of animal tainment, religious sacrifice, scientific experi- sacrifice has little effect to such instances. ment, for business (Fur, Ivory, Skin, Nail, Bone, Circus etc.) and over carriage purpose. Animals Massacre of Thousands of Animals are the greatest source of milk. The cow is worshiped and respected in India as mother since Animal sacrifice reaches its extreme during the Vedic age. But to get more milk from the moth- “Gadhimai festival” held at Nepal. Millions of er cow, the way the calf is prohibited to suck the devotee assembled in the holy temple of mother udder is cruelty. Moreover, the use of chemical Gadhimai, the Hindu Goddess at Bariyapur in injections to produce more milk from a mother Nepal. The festival comes every five years. Upto animal crosses all the limitations of ethical sense. 400,000 animals are slaughtered in just two days. Animals and birds are used for human food pur- Part of this sacrificial herd are 40,000 buffalos, pose. They are grown in forms with much care. which are not considered sacred since they are But the living beings, the way they are carried to the vehiculum of the Hindu God of death - Yama. markets before their death is a great reflection of The by-products of the sacrificed creatures - human cruelty. bones, meat and hides are sold off to various Animal cruelty throughout the world due to companies for their uses. Good commercial ac- religious activity and superstition are reflected tivity is associated with this religious practice. as follows: Unfortunately many adherents unable to afford livestock, simply kill rats, snakes and pigeons or Animal Sacrifice in India any animal they get with them.

Durga/Kali is focused as the Hindu Divine The Truth behind Kosher Killing Mother. The act of animal sacrifice before the Mother has been in existence since centuries. According to Jewish tradition strict guide- This activity is related with the Tantra philoso- lines are prescribed for preparation of kosher phy. Mostly goats, sheep, pigeons, cocks are food. Bulls, cows, sheep and other livestock must scarified before the Mother on certain ritual oc- be humanely slaughtered by a ‘Shohet’ - a butch- casions. Many people take a vow before a deity er certified by a Jewish Court (a rabbi) to kill to perform animal sacrifice in case of one’s par- animals for food as prescribed by Jewish law. ticular desire is fulfilled (Maanasika). On the The Shohet performs a deep slice on the throat specific day of sacrifice, people in groups go to of the animal which renders it instantaneously the Goddess temple with music and dance along unconscious. It is a quick and painless death with the frightened animal. After offering puja procedure of the animal concerned. In 2004 and the slaughterer sacrifices the animal openly be- 2007, PETA (People for Ethical Treatment to 8 SACHIDANANDA PADHY

Animals) discovered that kosher killing is not the death of their leaders - Julius Caeser, Augus- properly followed in many places. In Kosher tus Ceaser, Marcus Agrippa. In course of time slaughterhouses in Iowa and Nebraska the ani- old beliefs gave a way to new ones, such as owl mals are murdered while they were fully con- hooting or screeching got related to death of a scious violating both federal and Kosher law. newborn. Owls were also associated with witch- The workers directly dig into the throats of the es and ghosts. Owl nesting in a house is consid- animals with a hook to speed up the bleeding ered as a haunted one. Dreaming of an owl meant process. In such treatment the cows were even encounter of an accident and its appearance in seen attempting to stand up consciously as their day time makes an expectation of major misfor- blood flowed freely. tune. In old Roman practice owls were actually Many countries have laws that the animals burned during festivals and their ashes scat- be stunned or sedated prior to being slaughtered in the Tiber River. tered. In Sweden and Denmark this process is In India, Goddess Lakshmi represents the strictly followed regardless of any contradicting beliefs. But in the Muslim practice ‘halal’ an ex- beauty, good luck, wealth, source of food, di- emption is often granted based on religious belief. versified nature, perfection, completion, purity In the later process the activity is offered to God as and cleanliness. Owl is the considered as the sacrifice of Hindus. However, a good news (Box. 1) vehiculum of this wealth goddess. Wealthy peo- awaits for Animal Welfare Activists. ple are convinced that, if the vehiculum of the wealth goddess is scarified with some black BOX. 1: ANIMAL RIGHTS PUSH DUTCH SLAUGH- magic, she cannot fly away from their house and TERING REFORMS their richness will remain everlasting. There was thrilling news of owl sacrifice as a Jewish and Muslim groups have agreed to religious activity in the Diwali night, published make changes to prevent unnecessary suf- in news media and T.V. The price range of an owl fering to bovines. for sacrifice range in upward of Rs. 30,000/- to 40,000/- per bird. The cost of the bird is no doubt Observant Jews and Muslims follow reli- high, which is more business provoking for an- gious laws that dictate that they eat the meat imal traders and the sacrificer being a rich per- of animals that have been slaughtered ac- son hardly bothers for the tune of payment. In cording to strict rules, including that the general, religious beliefs and dogmas are highly animals are conscious and healthy when contagious. If this superstition migrates from their throats are cut (Koser and Halal). place to place and initiates such negative activ- Animal welfare activists say the practice ity, it may cause the end of this bird population causes unnecessary suffering. quickly in an area (Padhy 2016).

Responding to intense pressure from vari- Black Dog Syndrome ous activists, Jewish and Muslim groups have agreed to make some necessary chang- In many religious beliefs and superstitions es in an effort to preserve their age old slaughtering practices. But, even though a dark-coloured animals are considered as evil, compromise solution was developed, the inauspicious. In earlier days of Christianity, a Dutch Party for the Animals is planning to large black dog called the ‘grim’ was believed to introduce legislation early this year in an move frequently in graveyards. Appearance of attempt to ban religious slaughter. (The Hin- a black dog ‘grim’ near the window of a sick du, National Daily, Visakhapatnam: January person was considered as an indicator of his 3, 2018, Page 20). death. It was believed once that vampires took the form of black dogs and are related with their roaming the countryside right after the attack of Owl Sacrifice livestock. These dogs were considered as the negative forces behind the livestock attacks. Many superstitious beliefs are associated This negative belief is named as black dog syn- with owls. Romans believed that owls were ‘sus- drome which resulted to less adoptability, less picious’ because of their nocturnal habit. They friendly and more intimidating of this animal. had strong belief that these creatures foretold Compared to other pets, black dogs are harder OVER-RELIGIOUS ACTIVITY, A THREAT TO BIODIVERSITY 9 to sell. Even in animal shelters they are often the ture will crawl into their homes at night and stab last to find a home. They are frequently eutha- them in the heart with its long finger. This nega- nized due to these negative believes. tive feeling of local people responsible for drop- In contrast, in Hindu religion the black dog, ping them dead on the spot leading towards their black cow and crow are considered as divine endangered status. Practically the animal is representative of planet Saturn (Sani). People friendly and curious by nature. running with a negative effect of Saturn in their horoscope worship these animals and feed them Entertainment Enters into Religion daily, a positive activity of conservation. In India different types of animals sports are Eating Dogs to Cure Ailments organised and celebrated. Each of these sports activity has its own historical origin. Such sports In the northern mountains of the Philippines, are also observed in different other countries of an indigenous tribe inhabit named ‘Igorot’. They the world in variegated form and name. No doubt have a belief that the dogs are spiritual guard- these sports originated first for entertainment ians with mystical characteristics. Dog’s teeth are said to protect from snake bites and thunder and in course of time gambling got tagged with lightening. They wear dog teeth as necklace it. Finally the sports and gambling entered into which is enriched with magical properties. They religion and become a part and parcel of the lat- decorate their body with dog tattoos in order to ter. Such activities are Jallikattu (Tamil Nadu), gain the canine’s agility and power. Cock fighting, (Andhra, Telangana, Odisha), The Igorotes eat dog meat during their heal- Kambala (Karnataka), Bullock Cart competition ing rituals. In course of time the eating of dogs (Odisha), Sheep fighting (Karnataka, Telanga- in most special occasions has turned to a daily na, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha), buffalo fighting habit. This has enhanced the poaching of dogs (Assam), Bull fighting (Odisha) and bulbul bird rampantly causing ecological threat. fighting (Assam and West Odisha). These sports In India, the dog population has gone up in are also found in different form throughout In- urban areas. Their mischievous activity, quarrel dia, but are rampant in the places specified. Lit- between themselves to cause sound pollution tle details of the above sports are as follows. in midnight, attack to children and live stocks are identified as extra urban problems in addi- Jallikattu tion to spreading of ‘Mad dog’ disease. They also carry a number of skin diseases. Frequently The other name of these sports is ‘Eru attempt is taken by Municipality authority for thazhuvuthal’ and ‘Manju Virattu’. It is a game their vasectomy to check dog population. How- specified to Tamil culture. A trained Bull (Puliku- ever, in urban and rural areas people feed the lam breed or Kangayam bread) is released into a dogs and crows in the morning with love and crowd of people (male) and multiple human par- affection as a daily habit with religious feelings. ticipants attempt to grab on the large hump of the bull with both arms and hang on it. This is a The Unfortunate ‘Aye-aye’ game worthy of bold and free people. However, the name Jallikattu (Jalli - Coins, Kattu - Bundle) The tiny creature found in Madagascar called links the sports with gambling. This sports in ‘Aye-aye’, is a rare nocturnal primate related to the lemurs. It has rodent like incisor teeth and an celebrated in Tamil Nadu during Pongal follow- elongated twig like finger on each hand. This ing day of Makara Sankranti. unfortunate mammal in now in endangered con- dition due to its long middle finger. In course of Cock Fighting evolution the animal has developed a long middle finger used as a tool to snatch insects inside This game is spread throughout the world. tree barks and branches. The Malagasy people Cocks with knife fight with each other and thou- of Madagascar believe that the middle finger of sands of people enjoy the game with betting of the Aye-aye is pointed towards them to cause a money upto lakhs. This sport is prevalent during certain doom. They also believe that, the crea- Makara Shankranti in Andhra and Telangana. 10 SACHIDANANDA PADHY

Kambala characterised as a blood drinker. But it had fee- ble jaws and incapable of handling prey much It is a buffalo pair running race that occurs in larger than 5 kgs. Researchers believe that they Karnataka. Recently hundreds of people marched only ate small animals. with 300 he-buffaloes at Moodbidri town (Kar- People’s crazy superstitions was responsi- nataka) in Kakshimna Kannada district demand- ble for the extinct of the animal since 1930s. An ing lifting of the ban on Kambala. unnatural evil became associated with the Thy- lacine. The creatures were often associated with Bullock Cart Competition mysterious deaths of livestock’s and characterised as vicious poultry thieves. Even at one time In Odisha at certain places this competition the Government offered £1 bounty for every is organised to encourage the farmers. There is Thylacine killed. This erroneous belief was pop- no negative report for this sport, however goad- ular until 1980s, fifty years after extinction of the ing and beating the animals to run fast is not animal. In 2011, a study conducted by the Uni- free from cruelty. versity of New South Wales concluded that the jaws of the Thylacine were not nearly as strong Sheep Fight, Bull Fight, Buffalo Fight to carry livestock as widely believed by early people. This is how a false superstition caused Two equally competent male animals are en- the extension of an animal from the world eco- couraged to fight with each other. People enjoy system. the sports at the cost of injury to the animals. These activities are also related with religious Killing Bear Cubs for Their Spiritual Abode functions. In Japan the Ainu people regard the brown Bulbul Bird Fighting bears as gods. They believe that since gods dwell in the spiritual world, these bears ought to It is a favourite game of Assam and some be sent there. The Ainu people grab the bear parts of west Odisha. The birds are tied with cubs from the wild. If the mother is found near strings by the masters of the opposite parties. her baby, she is killed immediately so as to not They are provoked to fight. They screen and disrupt the process of sending the baby to Gods. nibble each other. Bulbul fights are organised to The cuddly cub is then brought back to the vil- mark the Marvest festival of Bogali Bihu in the lage and nursed to full health. If necessary the Hayagriva Madhava temple of Hajo, about 30 women of the village help to grow it by breast- Km from Guwahati. feeding. In all the above sports, cruelty for the ani- After two years or so, when the grisly festi- mals can be marked exist in silent form. The en- val begins, the creature is taken out of the hold- tertainers hardly realize this. Moreover linking ing cage and tied down in the centre of the vil- the animal sports with religious events opens lage. The villagers begin shooting it with blunted ways for its bonafied and free access. Even when arrows. If the bear is still alive the villagers either there is ban from courts against animal sports, crush its head or strangle it to death. Its brain, people revolt and go for strike in favour of orga- tongue and eye balls are then removed and the nising such events. skill is filled with flowers. Similar activity is also followed by neighbouring Nivkh people or Gily- Extinct Thylacine was Not Evil aks of Sakhalin Island with little modification.

It was the largest known carnivorous marsu- Hanging a Bull for Future Peaceful Year pial of modern times. It is commonly known as Tasmanian tiger or the Tasmanian wolf (Thylaci- In China Naoyu festival is a religious gather- nus cynocephalus). Now it is extinct, was a na- ing held every June 2 of the Chinese lunar calen- tive to continental Australia, appearing like a dar. It is a celebration of different ethnic groups large size dog an apex predator, was naturally such as Dong, Yao, Miao. It is a festival of danc- nocturnal. The animal was typically shy, secre- ing, singing, folk gathering with Bull fighting. tive and avoiding human contact. It is wrongly The locals begin the day innocently by catch- OVER-RELIGIOUS ACTIVITY, A THREAT TO BIODIVERSITY 11 ing fish and offering prayers. By the end of the In addition to the above all, there are many day they grab one of the Bulls, tie a noose around animal sports which are not linked with religious its neck and hang it tied to the branches of a activity such as circus play with animals, mon- tree. The animal struggles until it dies. This slow key dance in streets, dog fighting, greyhound and painful death of the animal is believed to racing, horse racing etc. In the later the animals bring about a peaceful year and a prosperous are medicated to show more vigorous activity, is harvest for the community. not free from cruelty.

Peacock Feather Business Donkey Slaughter for Healing in China

Peacock (Pavo cristatus) is the National Bird Throughout the world in many under devel- of India. It has rich religious legendary involve- oped countries donkeys are the primary means ment in Indian traditions. The bird’s feathers are to transport food, water, firewood, goods and inordinately used for religious purpose with good people. However, in China they are used for an- commercial income. For example, in the authors other purpose, production of a traditional medi- place, Ganjam District, Odisha the peacock feath- cine called ‘Ejiao’. This medicine is made from er business gears up during the Chaitra month the gelatin extracted form boiled donkey hides. upto Rs. 50 lakhs per season with an average of Ejiao was once prescribed to supplement lost Rs. 1.5 to 2 lakhs per shop. The procurement of blood and balance ‘Yin’ (the passive female pres- the feathers in huge number is questionable ence in the universe as per Chinese Philosophy) which is supplied from Jodhpur of Rajasthan and ‘Yang’ (the active male force in the universe and Agra of Utter Pradesh. This may cause in a - Chinese Philosophy). But nowadays it is used setback of peacock population in the natural for a range of ills such as delaying ageing, in- biodiversity, an apprehension of negative na- creasing libido, preventing infertility, miscarriage tional interest (Padhy 2017b). and menstrual irregularity in women. Ejiao is a centuries old medicine, but its modern popular- Prisoning Animals for a Good Day ity began to grow from around 2010. There are many companies in China to produce the medi- According to Hindu belief, if a day’s activity cine. The price of Ejiao has risen up around 45 or any journey starts by seeing a fish, turtle, fold in the last fifteen years. Ichneumon (Mongoose), albino rat, a cow feed- The demand for donkey has increased in ing her calf or listening the songs of a parrot, China and once the highest world’s population every activity of that day and journey turns suc- of the animal in that country has fallen to 6 mil- cessful. People keep aquariums with coloured lion from 11 million. Unlike other animals, don- fishes and turtle. They feed them and take care keys do not have intensive breeding. A female of them. But the animals are not that free as they produce one foal per year. Now Chinese compa- are in a natural environment. The Mongoose, a nies have begun buying donkey skins from de- firstly moving animal in the nature is tied with a veloping nations at high cost. This may cause a string and forced to loiter in a small space. The potential crisis of donkeys throughout the rest harmless albino rats are confined inside cages. of world. Out of a global population of 44 mil- Every living being has its own feeling. They are lion, around 1.8 million donkeys are slaughtered unable to express or if at all they express in their per year to produce Ejiao as per a published own languages, we are unable to catch it. The report from United Kingdom. Even researchers parrots inside a cage are forced to sing. We en- from Chinese universities warned that, the de- joy it. But the birds forgets its flying habit and mand and craze for Ejiao may cause the animal turns motionless even if brought out of the cage endangered (Nuwer 2018). after few years. In pet shops, poor, helpless animals are im- Snake Throwing Competition prisoned in tiny cages without even enough space to turn around. Their sad and pleading The fifth day (Panchami) of the month of eyes can be marked. Birds are forced to live in- Shravana of the lunar calendar is named as “Naga side little cages. And for what beneficial pur- Panchami”. It is a day for traditional workshop pose? Birds are meant to fly. of snakes observed by Hindus throughout In- 12 SACHIDANANDA PADHY dia, Nepal and other countries where Hindu ad- 16. The Bombay Society for the Prevention herents live. But the way snakes are worshiped of Cruelty to Animals in a village Aagapura, 40 km away from Bagusa- 17. Help in Suffering rai District of Bihar, India is horripilation. In the 18. Vet Helpline India snake worship event of the village, people play 19. State Society for the Prevention of Cru- with poisonous snakes. They throw snakes to elty to Animals Odisha each other just like toy and flowers. There are 20. Param Foundation records for death of people due to snake bite, In addition to the above there are local or- yet this practice continues there. People walk ganisations throughout the country that work freely furling snakes on their hands and neck. silently with a greater purpose to save the ani- Even children are not afraid of the poisonous mal diversity. One such organisation famous in reptiles. This game is also arranged in many oth- Odisha state devoted to save the Vedic age an- er places of Samastipur District, Bihar. A week imal black buck is Antilope servicapra (Krish- long Mela (fair) is celebrated for snake game. nasara Mruga) which is in endangered state. Collection of so many poisonous snakes for This animal is under conservation at Vaidya the purpose and torturing them in the name of Narayan - Tamil Nadu, Gir Forest - Gujurat, Sawai worship is negatively eco-friendly. It is a dan- Madopur - Rajasthan, Kanha National Park - gerous entertainment in the name of religious Madhya Pradesh and other places of India. In activity (Published in an Odia daily newspaper - Odisha they are conserved at Bhitara Kania of ‘Prameya’ Sunday Issue, 13 January 2018). Cuttack district and Balukhanda of Puri District. In south Odisha (Ganjam: home district of the CONCLUSION author) near village areas around Buguda, Bhet- anai and Ramanda the animal lives in a natural Throughout the world NGOs are working for habitat and Government has declared this area animal care. The progressive Animal welfare so- as their game reserve. In this area, the common ciety (PAWS) established by a group of women people are motivated to conserve the animal at Washington in the year 1967 tops the list. being influenced by the Vedic age epic They provide shelter to homeless animals, cares ‘Manusmruti’ and ‘Bhagawata’. This most sen- for sick, injured and orphaned wild life until they sitive animal is declared as an Ecological Indica- are returned to their own natural habitat and tor since thousands of years ago and empha- educate, people against animal cruelty. sized to take care of them (Padhy et al. 1997). In India, there are many such NGOs to take This shows that religious epics have a positive care of animals listed as follows: impact on the society to create eco-conciseness. 1. People for Animals India Human endeavour to conserve the biodiversity 2. Sanjay Gandhi Animal Care Centre is well reflected in ancient Indian epics, Bible, (SGACC) Koran, Buddhist and Jain religious books which 3. Peta India needs deep study. 4. Visakha Society for the Protection and It is rightly reflected in Gita: “The scripture Care of Animals (VSPCA) alone is your guide in determining what should 5. Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) be done and what should not be done. Knowing 6. Friendicoes this, you ought to perform only such action as 7. Stray Relief and Animal Welfare in ordained by the scriptures (Gita 16/24). (STRAW) Biotic consciousness is the first step towards 8. Circle of Animal Lovers their conservation. The religious epics through- 9. Pet Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) out the world have attempted emphatically to 10. Animal Rahat create eco-consciousness among the human 11. Furry Flyers community, with the description of different as- 12. Delhi Society for Prevention of cruelty pects of biodiversity in diversified contexts. Man in Animal (SPCA) has to learn the lessons of religion to protect the 13. Plant and Animals Welfare Society - plants, animals and micro-organisms around him; Mumbai (PAWS - Mumbai) instead of turning over religious and spoil them. 14. Animal Helplines in Delhi and NCR It is a request to all NGOs working through- 15. Wild Life SOS out the world to make the best use of the basic OVER-RELIGIOUS ACTIVITY, A THREAT TO BIODIVERSITY 13 theme of Dharma (fundamental principle of hu- of biodiversity at the juncture of dissolution, as man life) to motivate people in this noblest work reflected in religious epics of East and West. J Hum Ecol, 20(4): 301-308. to stop animal cruelty and protection of biodi- Padhy SN 2010. Pancha yajnya (five sacrifices): The versity. The scientific journal “The Ecologist” scientific philosophy of human ecological respon- published form London has devoted its first is- sibility since the Vedic age - A review. In: V Bhasin, sue (2000) to discuss on the theme “Religion C Susanne (Eds.): Anthropology Today: Trends and and Conservation of Environment”. The basic Scope of Human Ecology. New Delhi: Kamala-Raj Enterprises, pp. 149-169. theme of all the articles published in that issue Padhy SN 2014. Ethno-ecological introspection into was ‘Religion and the Wisdom Associated with Bhagawatgeetaa 3: Conservation and ramification it can only save the environment’. This central of biodiversity. J Hum Ecol, 45(1): 41-48. idea is based on a Vedic theme “Dharma Ra- Padhy SN 2016. Over-religious activity, a threat to khyati Rakhyata” - If principle is saved, all are biodiversity: A case study (2): Save the owl (Aves: Strigidae). J Biodiversity, 7(2): 104-109. saved. Padhy SN 2017a. Over-religious activity, a threat to biodiversity (3): Conserve ‘Kusha’ (Desmostachya ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS bipinnata) before its extinction. J Biodiversity, 8(I): 44-50. The information availed from different Padhy SN 2017b. Over-religious activity, a threat to biodiversit : A case study (4): The Indian national friends and internet sources is acknowledged. bird : Peacock (Pavo cristatus) is in danger. J Biodi- versity, 8(I): 51-54. REFERENCES Padhy SN 2017c. Over-religious activity, a threat to biodiversity (5): The Vedic age fire-technology, ends Das P 1960. Veda Manushya Kruta Ki? 3rd Edition 1976. with air pollution as Deepavali. J Biodiversity, 8(2): Bhubaneswar: Vaidik Anusandhan Pratisthan. 70-75. Gandhi MK 1948-49. Non-violence in Peace and War. Padhy SN 2017d. Over-religious activity, a threat to Vol I, II. Ahmedabad: Navajivan Publishing House. biodiversity (6): Celebrations of Sri Jagannath Tem- Gandhi MK 1950. Hindu Dharma. Ahmedabad: Nava- ple, Odisha vis-a-vis epidemic diarrhoea in the past jivan Publishing House. - A mini review. J Biodiversity, 8(2): 65-69. Khoshoo TN 1995. Mahatma Gandhi an Apostle of Padhy SN, Mohapatra R 2016. Over-religious activity, Applied Human Ecology. New Delhi: Tata Energy a threat to biodiversity: A case study. J Biodiversity, Research Institute. 7(I): 1-3. MacDonald AA, Keith AB 1912. Vedic Index of Names Padhy SN, Dash SK, Mohanty RB 1997. Ethnobiolog- rd and Subjects. 3 Reprint 1967. Delhi, Patna, Vara- ical studies from Manusmruti-II: Black buck, an “eco- nasi: Motilal Banarasidas. logical indicator. J Hum Ecol, 8(2): 109-111. Nuwer R 2018. Donkey Slaughter in Africa is a High Padhy SN, Dash SK, Mohapatra R 2006. Environmen- Price for Healing in China. The Hindu Visakhapat- nam, January 3, P. 24. tal laws of Manu - A concise review. J Hum Ecol, Padhy SN 2000. Studies on ethno-ecology and genetics 19(1): 1-12. of Vedic age as retrieved from the compendium Tahtinen U 1976. Ahimsaa - Non-violence in Indian Manusmruti - A review. In: MK Bhasin, V Bhasin Tradition. Reprint 1983. Ahmedabad: Navajivan (Eds.): Man-environment Relationship. Delhi: Ka- Publishing House. mala-Raj Enterprises, pp. 103-117. Padhy SN 2006. Ethnobiological analysis from myth Paper received for publication on February 2018 to science, VII: Human endeavour for conservation Paper accepted for publication on March 2018