Hindu social action and concern
Hindus practise charity in order to live out the idea of good karma/kammaActions, and the consequences of actions. An important concept in Buddhism, Hinduism and Sikhism.. The Hindu concept of ahimsaThe Buddhist, Hindu and Sikh principle of total non-violence, in thoughts, words and actions. means ‘non-violence’ or ‘harmlessness’. For some Hindus, this involves vegetarianA person who does not eat meat, especially for ethical or religious reasons., environmental protection and care for all living things, human and animal. Because many Hindus see all life as one (monismFrom the Greek ‘mono’, meaning ‘one’. The belief that reality consists of one fundamental, ultimate essence or substance. In monism, everything is ultimately one thing. Therefore, monists believe that God and the universe are the same thing.), and because BrahmanIn Hindu belief, the absolute reality that is the true essence of all existence, God. can be seen in the living atmanThe essence of a being. Can refer to body, mind or soul, depending on context, but usually indicates the soul that is reborn. of all creatures, Hindus believe that practising kindness is very important.
Charity in Hinduism is known as danaGenerosity, giving., which means ‘giving’, or sewaSelfless service to the community., which means ‘selfless service’. For Hindus, charity is not done to get something back but to live a life of pure goodness.
Environmental protection projects
The Hindu charity Friends of Vrindavan aims to protect India’s sacred forests, saving trees and educating people about environmental protection. A Hindu story in the Srimad-Bhagavatam tells of the life of VishnuVishnu is the aspect of Brahman responsible for the preservation of the world. Vishnu forms one part of the Trimurti, along with with gods, Brahma and Shiva. in the Vrindavan forest, so Hindus believe the forest should be looked after and protected.
Cow protection projects
Hindu scripture recognises cows as the ‘mothers of all things’. KrishnaHindu deity, an avatar of Lord Vishnu. There are many tales of him as a mischievous but loving child., an avatar (or avatara)The Hindu word for incarnation of a god in a human (or animal) form on Earth. The spelling ‘avatara’ comes from the Sanskrit. of the god Vishnu, was a cow herd, so some Hindus follow his example of caring for cows.
There are many goshillas, or places for the care of cows, found in India. In the UK, the Bhaktivedanta Manor cow protection project was set up in 1996. The project continues to shelter and care for cows.
Women’s rights and inclusion
Equality for women has been championed by some Hindu reformers over the past century. One Hindu charity that works for women’s rights and empowerment is Sewa International. The charity promotes paid work for women, empowering them through enabling them to earn money and provide for their families. This charity also challenges the lack of fairness and opportunities for women through its focus on equality.
The ISKCON Food for Life programme
The Hare Krishna Food for Life programme (run by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, or ISKCONThe International Society for Krishna Consciousness, also known as the Hare Krishna movement.) is the world’s largest vegetarian food charity. The founder of the program stated in 1972 that no one within ten miles of an ISKCON temple should go hungry. ISKCON devotees now run a global network of free restaurants in many of the largest cities around the world, serving millions of meals every day.
Question
What is the name given to a place where Hindus take care of cows?
Goshilla is the name given to a place where Hindus take care of cows.