Animal Sacrifices allowed or not ?

In both Mahabharatha and Bhagavatham , and in some other sastras like Manudharma, there are discussions on animal Sacrifice and meat eating

All these scriptures agree on one point viz., " Killing animals  is not a sin in sacrifice. Otherwise a great sin."

 But still, we can find some statements against even animal Sacrifices which is not considered as sin.

 The question that arises here is that if animal Sacrifices are sanctioned by scriptures, then why there are conflicting statements which oppose animal Sacrifices ?

 

statements which sanction animal Sacrifices 

 https://sacred-texts.com/hin/m07/m07064.htm

 Of rigid vows and always engaged in due performance of sacrifices, countless animals, desirous of going to heaven, used to come to him of their own accord. 2 So large was the number of animals sacrificed in the Agnihotra of that king that the secretions flowing from his kitchen from the heaps of skins deposited there caused a veritable river which from this circumstance, came to be called the Charmanwati.

https://sacred-texts.com/hin/m07/m07064.htm

The sacred fire is fond of animal food,' this saying has come down to us. And at sacrifices animals are invariably killed by regenerate Brahmanas, and these animals being purged of sin, by incantation of hymns, go to heaven. If, O Brahmana, the sacred fire had not been so fond of animal food in ancient times, it could never have become the food of any one

ŚB 6.4.9,  ŚB 10.69.35,  ŚB 10.58.15-16

 

 https://sacred-texts.com/hin/m01/m01229.htm

    "Then those foremost of car-warriors (Krishna and Arjuna), riding in their cars and placing themselves on opposite sides of that forest, began a great slaughter, on all sides, of the creatures dwelling in Khandava"

    "The birds that took wings to escape from that conflagration were pierced by Arjuna with his shafts, and cut into pieces, they fell down into the burning element below. Pierced all over with Arjuna's shafts, the birds dropped down into the burning forest, uttering loud cries."

 https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/the-mahabharata-mohan/d/doc826441.html

The audition is heard that animals were created for sacrifice. They who eat flesh in any other way are said to follow the Rakshasa practice.

 Bhishma said, Listen to me as I tell you what the ordinance is that has been laid down for the Kshatriyas. They do not incur any fault by eating flesh that has been acquired by expenditure of prowess. All deer of the wilderness were dedicated to the deities and the Pitris in days of old, O king, by Agastya. Hence, the hunting of deer is not censured.

 

statements which oppose animal Sacrifices

 https://sacred-texts.com/hin/m12/m12b092.htm

 Wine, fish, honey, meat, alcohol, and preparations of rice and sesame seeds, have been introduced by knaves. The use of these (in sacrifices) is not laid down in the Vedas. The hankering after these arises from pride, error of judgment, and cupidity. They that are true Brahmanas realise the presence of Vishnu in every sacrifice. His worship, it has been laid down, should be made with agreeable Payasa.

https://sacred-texts.com/hin/m12/m12c037.htm

The Rishis said, The opinion entertained by us, O king, is that sacrifices should be performed with grain. The deities, however, maintain that sacrifices should be performed with animals. Do thou judge between us and tell us which of these opinions is correct.'

"Bhishma continued, 'Learning what the opinion was that was entertained by the deities, Vasu, moved by partiality for them, said that sacrifices should be performed with animals. At this answer, all the Rishis, endued with the splendour of the Sun, became very angry. Addressing Vasu who was seated on his car and who had (wrongly) taken up the side of the deities, they said unto him,--Since thou hast (wrongly) taken up the side of the deities, do thou fall down from heaven.

And those hardcore hindutwa vadis who argue that vedas or scriptures didn't sanction  meateating . They argue that verses were mistranslated.

They also say that some britishers polluted and twisted the scriptures with interpolations and mistranslations.

 

Note : Only persons with good knowledge of scriptures are welcome. Quoating with references is appreciated.

 This question is not for brainwashers who do not show any references.

 

Thank you

 

 

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Replies

  • Hare Krishna,

    Any person ( jiva tattva) who is raising a voice against something and is followed by 1000's of people who is leading a big mass of people for any cause ( be it bhakti or mukti, or animal rights or against rapists or against corruption ) and who is making 1000's of people who change and accept him is said to be  having Shaki and avesha.

    Just like in telugu we say " Ammavaru poonindi" meaning " uske upar shakti ( goddess) aa gayi hai.

    means that the person at that perticular instance of time having the avesham ( the energy) of amma ( goddess /shakti).  After sometime that person comes back to his originality.

    In that sense we can say.  Jesus, buddha and Mohammad were doing something for humanity they made people who no idea of God....... know that there is God or Self awareness /nirvana in case of Buddha.

    Now that doesn't mean they are Vishnu tattva. They are Jiva tattva only and Srila Prabhupada clarified it when asked -

     "Lord Jesus Christ or Lord Buddha, they come within the jīva-tattva especial power."

    Even for instance=> Ranga Krishna tomorrow makes this a big hype of TV and media about the animal slaughter and run a rally and turn 1000's of people into vegans. Thant Mr. Ranga Krishna will be called Shaktyavesha avatara.

    Because he is turning people towards a cause.  Able to make so many follow his path.  But  Ranga Krishna is simply a Jiva tattva not having any Vishnu tattva. He just has avesham ( /emotional/rage) and Shakti ( power to change many people.

    Take in positive sense. And never insult a  Vaishnava who sacrificed his whole like for Krishna and spread Krishna name, opened so many temples, Spread the glories of Krishna in various continents and also Who chanted Holy name of Lord daily whole life time. It is a big sin. Krishna may not be happy.

    If you start to chant max. 1 -2 mala it is possible sometimes we do 16 mala next day we may not have any mood. This is how we are  So,  we have no right to even point out at a person who has chanted whole life.

    Pride is very bad. When we are prideful we do such comments on others.  Srila Prabhupada is a very elderly man than you.... plus he is not even there now to defend against you. 

    So better you say sorry internally to Srila Prabhupada. Even a vaishnava will forgive but Krishna wont forgive if any one insults a Pure devotee.

    So just becareful and donate Tulasi plant to some pure devotee.

    Hare Krishna

    • Gayatri devi ji,

      We accept holymen like Parasurama, narada, vyasa etc as saktyavesa. But not monsters for simply having strenth. Plz understand.

      I didn't make any baseless allegations. Did not Prabhupada glorify muhammad . Was not a muhammad a demon who established demoniac religion ? Is not quran a proof ?

       

      Were not Prabhupada glorification recorded by iskcon fellows and present in iskcon websites.

      what is this ?

       https://www.harekrsna.de/artikel/islam.htm

      https://krishna.org/a-call-to-the-muslims-of-the-world-from-a-group...

      I will surely beg pardon if I made baseless allegations . 

      A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada on ISLAM
      • Hare Krishna,

        What I understand is SP ji wanted to make all of them come back to Krishna consciousness. In a sweet way.

        He didn't want to fight. 

        Vaishnavas are witty.laughing

         

        If you want to convert a demon also. We praise the demon. laughing demon will fall trap to the praising.. and come under 

        It is Very tough to establish a NEW religion in foreign country. Where the dominant religion is Christianity. Christans could change their path.. but this man became old by than. You must understand... Still he tried a lot to make Krishna available for many people across the world. I appreciate him for that.

        Srila Prabhupada acted like Lord Vishnu tactically. Internally he also knows how demoness can be subdued.

        If you fight. we become bad. But if we act nice and subdue the demon Like how Bhasmasura was put his own hand on his head and became a heap of ashes.

        All the that we know is ALL ARE SOULS and all souls are even if the demon doesn't know..

        We know that the demon is also having a soul and soul is a part and parcel of the Supreme Lord 

        how to make demon subdue?

        to convert them to Krishna consciousness... 

        If you say demon.. and show red firey eyes at it it will naturally as it is stronger than you will fight and you lose your base.

        Indirectly say to the demon.. arey demon.. you are also part of Krishna. You also have Narayana Amsha in you.. you fool. You don't know but i know.. ( WHEN HIRANAYKASHYAP Was torturing little Prahalaad... Little Prahalaada didn't say not a harsh word against him ..because the position of the devotee is.. he knows exactly that all are kids of the same Supreme Lord.)

        Shut  them up and make them  understand........By praising them.... THIS IS ACTUAL  preaching without HARMING......... samjha karo this is what SP ji did to establish Krishna in western countries... If possible we could use that Vishnu's tactics to preach .... ( Bhasmasura )..  get  back to Krishna consciousness that is a biggest achievement. If not possible the resort is to protection of dharma by use of weapons... firstly we must try tactical approach.. first TRUCE.. friendly way explain... third step fight.

        The secret of Preaching is "wink wink" subdue the demon in all people ( EVERYONE ONE of us is a  Demon ) removeand burn it into ashes.. then the left over is only pure consciousness that is belonging to Krishna

        We never be harsh to anyone during preaching.

        A first class preacher knows clearly that all are part and parcel of Supreme Personality of Godhead and they don't try to hurt anyone. 

        But if things turning bad. ( Like in the case of Mahabharata.... we are not going to keep praising them... We are going to retaliate and wage a war also). This is  fight for justice.

         

        Hare Krishna

      • Sevak

        Hare Krsna

        Your hatred, poison and malice are not required here. Offenders of Srila Prabhupada are not allowed here,

        Please go away and.never return

        Hare Krsna

  • Hare Krishna,

    I don't get it? What is the question actually? Are u in the favor of killing animals or are you against it? 

    Killing animals is not a sin in sacrifice ..otherwise a great sin? Do I AGREE TO THIS OR NOT?

    Ya kill animals for appeasing demigods is not a sin as per vedas ( in olden times).

    Now also these muslims kills bakri for pleasing their god. ( as if they have a seperate god).

    For Krishna-- Kill LUST, ANGER, GREED in you and appease HIM.

    Maybe for demigods - they want animal sacrifices. ( well how can any god be pleased thats a big question)... except the tantric gods. ( kali, durga, chamundi, chinnamasta etc.) these tantric sadhanas are generally done to get some benefit in return. 

    For our Little Krishna.- all He needs is your love for HIM. You can show love by offerig a small flower, fruit or leaf or little bit of makkhan ( didn't he tell us in BG clearly what He wants )

    patram puspam phalam toyam
    yo me bhaktya prayacchati
    tad aham bhakty-upahrtam
    asnami prayatatmanah (9.26 BG)

    If one offers Me with love and devotion a leaf, a flower, fruit a water, I will accept it.

    If he would have just added non veg will please me. Then surely we also like our muslim bhai bahen will cut bakri. But our Krishna is very simple. He asked very simple things to offer.

    Btw our main aim is not some benefit out of this relationship with Krishna. Our aim is kill and sacrficie the- lust greed anger in us and offer ourselves ( Atmanivedanam) to Krishna for nothing in return. ( we are not seeking gaadi, banglow or something else from krishna).

    Tantriks perform these rituals for some ulterior benefits. Vedas contains some part of Tantra sadhana + mantra sadhana techniques.

    We should restrict ourselves to Mantra sadhana instead of Tantra sadhana ( why? because Krishna doesn't require killing of other animals. .. all krishna requires is Killing our lust, greed and anger)

    Hare Krishna

    • Bhishma's discourse to Yudhistira

       https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/the-mahabharata-mohan/d/doc...

      " There has never been, nor will there ever be, a gift that is superior to the gift of life. It is certain that there is nothing dearer to oneself than one’s life. Death, O Bharata, is a calamity or evil unto all creatures. When the time comes for Death, a trembling of the whole frame is seen in all creatures. "

      "It is seen that even those men who are possessed of learning and who seek to achieve the highest good in the form of Emancipation, are not free from the fear of death. What need there be said of those innocent and healthy creatures endued with love of life, when they are sought to be slain by sinful wretches subsisting by slaughter."

      "The life-breaths of other creatures are as dear to them as those of one’s to one’s own self. Men endued with intelligence and cleansed souls should always behave towards other creatures after the manner of that behaviour which they like others to observe towards themselves. "

       My doubt is why kshatriyas do not remember these ethics while hunting deer ? why brahmins do not remember these ethics while slaughtering in yagna ?

       

             "King Vasu, knowing that flesh is inedible, answered that is was edible, O monarch. From that moment Vasu fell down from the firmament on the earth"

              ŚB 6.4.9,  four-legged animals like deer and goats, as well as food grains, are meant to be the food of human beings.

           https://sacred-texts.com/hin/manu/manu05.htm

             The eater who daily even devours those destined to be his food, commits no sin; for the creator himself created both the eaters and those who are to be eaten (for those special purposes).

            'The consumption of meat (is befitting) for sacrifices,' that is declared to be a rule made by the gods; but to persist (in using it) on other (occasions) is said to be a proceeding worthy of Rakshasas.

             Some times they say meat is edible and other times not edible.

                     sastras say that god created animals for humans to eat. But they should do yagna . But the purpose of their creation itself is to kill them and eat them, whether it is godly way of yagna or    rakshasa way of nonyagna.

       

           Then why bhishma talks about compassion, fear of death, empathy,  etc., ?

            Whether it is yagna or butchery or hunting  they feel same fear, trembling, pain etc.,

           Can they gaurantee that animals don't feel fear, trembling, pain etc., during yagna ?

       

       


       
      Section CXVI [Mahabharata, English]
      'Yudhishthira said, 'Alas, those cruel men, who, discarding diverse kinds of food, covet only flesh, are really like great Rakshasas! Alas, they do n…
      • Sevak

        Hare Krsna

        Your hatred, poison and malice are not required here. Offenders of Srila Prabhupada are not allowed here,

        Please go away and.never return

        Hare Krsna

  • Sevak

    Hare Krsna

    tarko ’pratiṣṭhaḥ śrutayo vibhinnā
    nāsāv ṛṣir yasya mataṁ na bhinnam
    dharmasya tattvaṁ nihitaṁ guhāyāṁ
    mahājano yena gataḥ sa panthāḥ

    Dry arguments are inconclusive. A great personality whose opinion does not differ from others is not considered a great sage. Simply by studying the Vedas, which are variegated, one cannot come to the right path by which religious principles are understood. The solid truth of religious principles is hidden in the heart of an unadulterated, self-realized person. Consequently, as the śāstras confirm, one should accept whatever progressive path the mahājanas advocate. Mahābhārata, Vana-pārva (313.117).

    Hare Krsna

  • It would be interesting to explore whether these contradictions arise from different time periods, sectarian influences, or deeper metaphysical understandings of dharma.

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  • Hare Krsna Prabhu

    All the scriptures are not the same. Some are for the mode of goodness. Some in the mode for passion. Some in the mode for ignorance.  Of the Sattvic Puranas, Srimad Bhagavatam is chief. Then there is the devotee Bhagavata. There is no difference between the book Bhagavatam and the devotee Bhagavata Srila Prabhupada.  Who can explain the real import of the text. Surrender to Him, because only the spiritual master can give you divine eyes to see the text in true light.  

    The following is the most conclusive statement regarding meat eating and it's consequences given in the Srimad-Bhagavatam and explained in perfect detail by Srila Prabhupada:

    sva-praanaan yah para-praanaih
    prapusnaaty aghrnah khalah
    tad-vadhas tasya hi sreyo
    yad-dosaad yaaty adhah pumaan
    Translation
    A cruel and wretched person who maintains his existence at the cost of other's lives deserves to be killed for his own well-being, otherwise he will go down by his own actions.
    Purport
    According to civic codes and religious principles, even the killer of an animal is to be considered a murderer because animal food is never meant for civilized man, whose prime duty is to prepare himself for going back to Godhead. In the act of killing an animal, there is a regular conspiracy by the part of sinners, and all of them are liable to be punished as murderers exactly like a party of conspirators who kill a human being combinedly. He who gives permission, he who kills the animal, he who cooks the slaughtered animal, he who administers distribution of the food stuff, and at last he who eats such cooked animal food are all murderers, and all of them are liable to be punished by the laws of nature.
    Srimad- Bhagavatam 1.7.37

    Hari Bol 

     

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