Ne-ljudske životinje u indijskim mitovima i religijama
Non-Human Animals in Indian Myths and Religions

Summary/Abstract: Indian culture has developed a particularly rich relationship with the world of nature and animals. Animals in a literal and figurative sense are often mentioned in Vedic poetry and rituals. In post-Vedic Brahmanism, the supreme god Viṣṇu is represented as transcendent and in his incarnations, including some mythical animal figures. In the Rāmāyaṇa, many animal heroes appear as helpers of Rāma, also an incarnation of Viṣṇu, the most miraculous helper being the wise monkey Hanumant. In the Pañcatantra collection, animal figures serve symbolically to convey a political lesson. Symbolic animals in Brahmanism are also associated with the great gods Viṣṇu, Śiva, Brahmā and the goddess Durgā. Buddhism and Jainism developed the principle of non-violence (ahiṃsā) and an ethical attitude towards animals. In the Buddhist Jātakas, the bodhisattva is often depicted as being born in animal forms with virtues that lead to enlightenment. The great Buddhist ruler Aśoka shows concern for people and animals in his proclamations. Brahmanism (Hinduism) also developed a greater sensitivity towards animals over time.

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