The Sacred Cow

Animals are sacred in the Vedic tradition because they hold the complex memory of life on earth. Man has used the movements and appearance of animals for a yearning to spiritually unite with the earth. 

The cow is also called Go, the name of the earth in Sanskrit and the holy scriptures. Protecting the cow is an expression of protecting the scriptures and nurturing the land. The cow is "the keeper of the memory of the earth's spiritual dharmas." (Tiwari, 1995). 

We are linked to animals, and we should understand that milk is the milk of the eternal mother, and that their flesh is our flesh. "Sattva is the art of living gently on the earth" (Tiwari, 1995) We are in a time where we must raise our consciousness when the consequences of our collective consciousness is becoming more conscious (unethical farming). In a small village in India, everyday milk was boiled three times and the cream was removed to make fresh yogurt, buttermilk, and butter. 

Ghee was used for Vedic Foods and an important carrier of herbs and medicines in Ayurvedic remedies

Milk would also be used for ceremonial foods for different pujas (Ceremonies of worship).

Tiwari, M. (1995). A Life of Balance. Healing arts press. ISBN:978-089281490-9