Proper use of animal items.

Hare Krishna!

In Vedic culture, the use of leather is generally discouraged due to its association with animal slaughter and cruelty. The principle of ahimsa (non-violence) is highly valued in the Vedic scriptures, and using leather products goes against this principle.

The Srimad Bhagavatam (10.22.35) states, "One should be satisfied with whatever comes by God's grace and should not endeavor to acquire more than necessary. One should not engage in unnecessary animal killing or use animal products, such as leather, fur, or ivory."

Similarly, in the Bhagavad-gita (17.7), Lord Krishna describes the qualities of goodness, which include compassion and non-violence. Using animal products, including leather, contradicts these qualities.

However, it is important to note that the Vedic scriptures do not specifically mention non-cow leather. The emphasis is on avoiding animal products in general. Therefore, it is recommended to extend the principle of non-violence to all animals and avoid using any kind of leather.

To illustrate this point, there is a story in the Mahabharata about a king named Harishchandra. He was known for his truthfulness and adherence to dharma (righteousness). In a difficult situation, Harishchandra had to sell his wife and son as slaves to fulfill his promise. Later, he had to work in a crematorium to earn money for their release. During his time there, he refused to accept any payment made with leather, as it reminded him of the suffering and killing of animals.

In another analogy, just as a doctor prescribes medicine to cure a disease, the Vedic scriptures prescribe non-violence and compassion towards all living beings as a remedy for the suffering caused by material existence. By following these principles, we can purify our consciousness and develop a deeper connection with the Supreme Lord.

I hope this clarifies the Vedic perspective on the use of leather.

Hare krsna

Actually cow is important and loveable of lord so acoording to me I don't think that killing a cow for any devotional purpose even for the Devotinal service because you can't kill Krishna's favourite to make him happy ,That does'nt make any of the sense ,even cow is recognised as mother so we can't kill them as Krishna also treat him as mother when he is just enjoying in vrndavan

Replies

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Gadadhar das August 13, 2023 at 10:17am

Hare Krishna!

In Vedic culture, the use of leather is generally discouraged due to its association with animal slaughter and cruelty. The principle of ahimsa (non-violence) is highly valued in the Vedic scriptures, and using leather products goes against this principle.

The Srimad Bhagavatam (10.22.35) states, "One should be satisfied with whatever comes by God's grace and should not endeavor to acquire more than necessary. One should not engage in unnecessary animal killing or use animal products, such as leather, fur, or ivory."

Similarly, in the Bhagavad-gita (17.7), Lord Krishna describes the qualities of goodness, which include compassion and non-violence. Using animal products, including leather, contradicts these qualities.

However, it is important to note that the Vedic scriptures do not specifically mention non-cow leather. The emphasis is on avoiding animal products in general. Therefore, it is recommended to extend the principle of non-violence to all animals and avoid using any kind of leather.

To illustrate this point, there is a story in the Mahabharata about a king named Harishchandra. He was known for his truthfulness and adherence to dharma (righteousness). In a difficult situation, Harishchandra had to sell his wife and son as slaves to fulfill his promise. Later, he had to work in a crematorium to earn money for their release. During his time there, he refused to accept any payment made with leather, as it reminded him of the suffering and killing of animals.

In another analogy, just as a doctor prescribes medicine to cure a disease, the Vedic scriptures prescribe non-violence and compassion towards all living beings as a remedy for the suffering caused by material existence. By following these principles, we can purify our consciousness and develop a deeper connection with the Supreme Lord.

I hope this clarifies the Vedic perspective on the use of leather.
Sangeeta kumari August 12, 2023 at 2:57pm

Hare krsna

Hare krsna

Actually cow is important and loveable of lord so acoording to me I don't think that killing a cow for any devotional purpose even for the Devotinal service because you can't kill Krishna's favourite to make him happy ,That does'nt make any of the sense ,even cow is recognised as mother so we can't kill them as Krishna also treat him as mother when he is just enjoying in vrndavan
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Sudheendra S April 23, 2012 at 12:32pm

The only leather that is permitted is the one obtained from animals that die naturally. The leather obtained from animals that are killed is forbidden. Since we are not sure how the leather was obtained, devotees try and avoid use all sorts of leather products. The only leather items used are the one in Mridangas and we generally buy them from Mayapur or Vrindavan from some of the authorized dealers where we know that they would not kill an animal to obtain the leather.

hare krishna.
Charles April 23, 2012 at 5:03am

I mean, is only non-cow leather permitted. Sorry.

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