A Surprising Solution to the World’s Problems

Though hundreds of billions of dollars are donated to various causes around the globe, there may be a surprising cause that trumps them all – cow protection. How is the plight of these simple, unassuming creatures greater than that of starving, disease-ridden children in Africa, victims of natural disasters or ravaged rain forests of South America? According to the great saints and books of knowledge of the Vaishnava tradition, cows embody the qualities and blessings needed to prevent the myriad of problems we face today. They are simple, innocent, eager to serve human-kind with their milk and most importantly, loved by the Supreme Lord Krishna. As such, if we abuse them, we abuse our own selves and our own destinies.

Ample evidence is now available on the ecological crisis caused mainly by agribusiness who exploit the animals and land to sell the global marketplace foodstuffs at a profit. The life-threatening, physiological problems of meat consumption are just as terrifying.

However according to the Vaishnava tradition, there is a deeper, more subtle effect of exploiting any living being and especially cows that manifests in the above mentioned external problems. Killing or neglecting this animal undermines the compassionate nature of humans. It cultivates qualities that lead to the degradation of our consciousness and character. A cascading, tragic impact on the welfare of all living beings is the end result.

With sincere and discerning attention to the wealth of insight found in this tradition, even the meekest of students can become an instrument of dramatic change in this world. Such is the promise of the great Vaishnavas.