Animals in Religion: Devotion, Symbol and Ritual

Synopsis

Explores The Role Of Animals Within A Wide Range Of Religious Traditions. Sacred Writings And Oral Traditions Through The Ages Contain Countless Myths, Legends And Stories Of Animals, Forming A Fascinating Record Of The Ways Animals Have Figured In Our Spiritual Lives. Delving Deeper, The Author Highlights The Ways That Our Religious Practices Have Honored And Relied Upon Our Animal Brethren, Whether As Gods, Sacrificial Beasts Or Companion Creatures. She Examines The Principle Of Ahimsa, Or Non-violence, In Jainism, Buddhism And Hinduism, As Well As Tza'ar Ba'alei Chayim In Judaism, The Prohibition On Inflicting Suffering On Living Beings, Revealing The Importance Of Respect For Life In Faiths Of All Times And Places. From Ancient Egypt And East Asia To The Druids, Celts And Vikings, To The Indigenous Cultures Of Central America, This Book Reveals A Unifying Message: The Interdependence And Spiritual Connection Of All Species. Animals In Tribal And First Peoples' Religions -- Animals In Ancient Egyptian Religion And Mythology -- Animals In Celtic And Viking Myth And Ritual -- Animals In Judaism -- Animals In Christianity -- Animals In Islam -- Animals In Hinduism -- Animals In Jainism -- Animals In Buddhism -- Animals In Religion In China And Japan. Barbara Allen. Includes Bibliographical References (pages 463-536) And Index.