Recently, one of my readers asked an interesting question: “If eating beef is considered sinful because of the relationship between the cow as a mother and her milk, then why do Hindus, especially Nepalese Hindus, happily eat buffalo meat? Isn’t buffalo milk more nutritious, making buffalo a better mother?”
It got me thinking, and I did some digging to explore this further. Here’s what I found and why I don’t eat beef.
First, it’s important to recognise that in Hinduism, the cow holds a unique and sacred place, and this reverence goes beyond mere practicality or nutrition. The cow is symbolically and spiritually connected to Hindu beliefs and culture, which is why I, like many other Hindus, refrain from eating beef.
The Spiritual Connection with Cows
The cow has been revered in Hinduism for thousands of years. In the Vedas and ancient scriptures, the cow is referred to as “Gau Mata” or “Mother Cow,” symbolising motherhood, nurturing, and selfless giving. This connection comes not just from the milk the cow provides but from its association with key deities. For instance:
- Lord Krishna, one of the most beloved Hindu deities, was raised as a cowherd, and his playful interaction with cows is often depicted in religious art. Cows are also tied to Lord Krishna’s teachings on compassion and non-violence.
- Goddess Earth (Prithvi) is sometimes personified as a cow, highlighting the belief that cows are life-sustaining and nurturing like the Earth itself.
In this context, cows are considered symbols of life, fertility, and the provider of sustenance, much like a mother to her children. Eating beef, therefore, is seen as equivalent to committing harm to a mother, which is why it is considered a sin in many Hindu communities.
But Why is Buffalo Meat Accepted?
In Nepal, and particularly among groups like the Newars, buffalo meat is widely consumed despite the taboo on beef. This difference arises because buffaloes do not share the same religious or cultural symbolism as cows. While buffalo milk is indeed more nutritious than cow milk—higher in fat, protein, and other nutrients—the spiritual reverence for cows stems from deeper historical, cultural, and religious roots.
Here are a few reasons why buffalo meat is accepted in certain Hindu communities:
- Lack of Spiritual Connection: Buffaloes, unlike cows, are not venerated in Hindu scriptures. While buffaloes are important for milk and meat, they do not have the same symbolic and religious significance as cows. The spiritual bond with cows goes beyond their utility, making them sacred, while buffaloes are seen as utilitarian animals.
- Cultural and Ethnic Traditions: In Nepal, different ethnic groups have their own dietary practices. For example, Newar Hindus include buffalo meat (locally called “buff”) as a staple in their cuisine. The acceptance of buffalo meat comes from cultural practices that predate modern Hindu dietary restrictions. Buffaloes are raised for both milk and meat, and the consumption of buffalo meat has become culturally normalised.
- Practicality: In regions where cows may be harder to raise due to climate or geography, buffaloes are more common because they are hardy animals that can thrive in harsher conditions. This practicality makes buffaloes valuable for both their milk and meat, especially in Nepal.
The Sacredness of Cows Goes Beyond Nutrition
Even though buffalo milk is more nutritious, the sacredness of cows in Hinduism is not tied to nutritional value. Instead, it is based on symbolism. Cows are gentle creatures, embodying the principles of non-violence (ahimsa), purity, and selfless service. They provide milk, dung (used as fuel or fertiliser), and serve as companions in farming, making them deeply integrated into traditional agrarian life.
For Hindus, the reverence for cows is not just about their physical benefits; it’s about what they represent in terms of compassion, nurturing, and life-giving energy. This is why cow slaughter is prohibited in many parts of India and Nepal, and why I choose not to eat beef.
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Take care,
M from Nepaliaustralian
XOXO
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