Animals in Religion

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.