Introduction
One of the most common themes in the Hindu religion is the role of animals. This influences the way someone will live their life and the kinds of foods they eat. According to the BBC, they are considered to be sacred and must be respected at all costs. (“Hinduism and Animals,” 2013) To fully understand their significance requires looking at the role of animals, how this influences theological doctrine and the effects on individual behavior.
Body
Respect for animals is a central theme of Hinduism which dates back over 3,000 years. This is because they provide individuals with a sense of protection and safety, by making them at one with God. In many of their statues and artworks, it shows various people and animals together. The basic idea is to create a sense of harmony between the person and what the animals represents. (Philips, 2008) (Penney, 1995)
This influences theological doctrine, as many Hindus feel that harming specific animals (such as: cows or elephants) could bring them bad luck through upsetting the balance of nature. The result is that many religious practices will discourage someone from engaging in activities. That is considered to be harmful to the animal. (Philips, 2008) (Penney, 1995)
These beliefs impact individual behavior, as they do not want to be associated with eating or killing certain animals. In many cases, if a cow is running around the streets of New Delhi. There is particular emphasis, on gently coaxing them into the trucks in order to take them to rural locations. This is designed not to upset the millions of Hindus. That believe it is creating an uneasy balance with nature by going against these concepts. (Philips, 2008) (Penney, 1995)
Conclusion
Clearly, animals play a major role in the Hindu religion. This is taking place based upon practices which date back over 3,000 years. The basic idea is that animals are part of helping to sustain life, create balance and offer protection. These concepts have influenced theological doctrine with various cows and elephants used to show their importance. This is impacting individual behaviors; with many changing their diets and are concerned about how they are treated within contemporary society. As a result, Hinduism is having an influence on modern day thinking by stressing the contributions animals make to the world we live in.
Outline
Topic: Importance of Animals in Hinduism
Specific Purpose: At the conclusion of the speech the audience will know the significance of animals to the Hindu religion.
I. Introduction
A. Attention Getter: One of the most common themes in the Hindu religion is the role of animals.
B. Self Topic / Introduction: This influences the way someone will live their life and the kinds of foods they eat.
C. Ethos: According to the BBC, they are considered to be sacred and must be respected at all costs.
D. Preview Main Points: The role of animals, how this influences theological doctrine and the effects on individual behavior.
II. Body
A. The role of animals.
B. How this influences theological doctrine?
C. The effects on individual behavior?
III. Conclusion
A. Summary Statement: Clearly, animals play a major role in the Hindu religion.
B. Concluding Remarks: As a result, Hinduism is having an influence on modern day thinking by stressing the contributions animals make to the world we live in.
- Hinduism and Animals. (2013). BBC. Retrieved from: http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/hinduism/hinduethics/animal.shtml
- Penney, S. (1995). Hinduism. Oxford: Heinemann.
- Phillips, C. (2008). The Welfare of Animals. New York, NY: Springer.
