On YouTube
Acharya Prashant interviewed by Kip Andersen (#Seaspiracy) || Religion and animals(2017)
Bharat
1.2K views
1 year ago
Religion
Animals
Non-violence
Intellect
Exploitation
Innocence
Godliness
Humanity
Description

Acharya Prashant discusses the relationship between religion, humanity, and animals, distinguishing between organized religions and the essence of religion itself. He notes that while Abrahamic traditions often view man as having dominion over animals, Indian traditions emphasize non-violence and oneness. However, he argues that organized religion often becomes a man-made construct. To him, the essence of religion is man's relationship with himself and the world. He explains that how a person views the world depends on their internal state; if one feels incomplete or hollow, they view the universe and its inhabitants—including animals—as mere resources to be exploited. This exploitative mindset is driven by the human intellect, which values power and utility over innocence. He challenges the notion of human superiority based on intellect, suggesting that if God represents innocence, trust, and surrender to the flow of life, then animals are actually closer to God than humans. The human intellect, while capable of complex reasoning, often acts as a barrier to silence and godliness. Acharya Prashant asserts that an exploitative mind does not stop at animals but extends its violence to women, nature, and the entire universe. He also addresses the comparison between eating plants and animals, stating that a truly non-violent mind avoids destruction in all forms. He suggests that while modern agriculture is exploitative, a harmonious relationship with nature is possible, though it would require a fundamental shift in how humanity values life, prioritizing peace and silence over numbers and consumption.