Animal rights in Indian religions

The respect for animal rights in Jainism, Hinduism, and Buddhism derives from the doctrine of ahimsa.^[1][2]

This painting in a Jain temple features a religious teaching in Sanskrit: अहिंसा परमो धर्मः, romanized: ahimsā paramo dharmah, lit. 'non-violence is the highest dharma.'.

In Hinduism, animals contain a soul just like humans; when sentient beings die, they can either be reincarnated as a human or as an animal.^[3]

These beliefs have resulted in many Hindus practicing vegetarianism, while Jain doctrine mandates vegetarianism based on its strict interpretation of the doctrine of ahimsa.^[3] Mahayana Buddhists similarly practice vegetarianism and Mahayana Buddhism prohibits the killing of animals.^[4]

Jainism

Further information: Ahimsa in Jainism and Jain vegetarianism

Almost every Jain community in India has established animal hospitals to care for injured and abandoned animals.^[4] Many Jains also rescue animals from slaughterhouses.^[4]

Hinduism

Hinduism teaches that a part of God resides in all living things, which forms the atman.^[5] As such, reverence and respect for animals is taught.^[5]

In Hinduism, many animals are venerated, including the tiger, the elephant, the mouse, and especially, the cow.^[4]

Mahatma Gandhi is noted for his compassion to all living things; he advocated against animal experimentation and animal cruelty.^[4]

Mahayana Buddhism

Further information: Animals in Buddhism

Mahayana Buddhism teaches that "we can only escape our own suffering if we avoid inflicting it on others."^[4] Mahayana Buddhists practice vegetarianism to this end.^[4]

See also

• Animals in Islam
• Christian vegetarianism