Post by sarmasastrigal on Jul 22, 2012 17:45:16 GMT 5.5
Dog at Home
Taken from the FAQ section of the book 'The Great Hindu Tradition' authored by Sarma Sastrigal
Qn. It is said one should not grow dogs at home. Is this right?
Ans. Yes. Mahabharata also states: “Dogs, broken utensils and broken cots are not considered auspicious and fit for a home†(Mahabharata Anusasana Parva 127/5). Dharma Sastra does permit having a dog to protect our houses and agricultural lands. And it is not a crime either feeding or protecting dogs.
However, it is advised that even if we have dog at home, it should be kept at a distance. Anyone who is particular about observing Vedic way of life and giving importance to religious achara at home should make it a point not to give a dog access to interiors of the house, and should avoid bodily contact like kissing and hugging it or taking it to bed.
It is true that people tend to develop an affectionate relationship with dogs at home and for such people it is not easy suddenly to either discontinue or do away with the habit of close contact with dogs. It will take time and effort. Feeding dogs and other animals is indeed not only a good thing to do but is our duty too.
Taken from the FAQ section of the book 'The Great Hindu Tradition' authored by Sarma Sastrigal
Qn. It is said one should not grow dogs at home. Is this right?
Ans. Yes. Mahabharata also states: “Dogs, broken utensils and broken cots are not considered auspicious and fit for a home†(Mahabharata Anusasana Parva 127/5). Dharma Sastra does permit having a dog to protect our houses and agricultural lands. And it is not a crime either feeding or protecting dogs.
However, it is advised that even if we have dog at home, it should be kept at a distance. Anyone who is particular about observing Vedic way of life and giving importance to religious achara at home should make it a point not to give a dog access to interiors of the house, and should avoid bodily contact like kissing and hugging it or taking it to bed.
It is true that people tend to develop an affectionate relationship with dogs at home and for such people it is not easy suddenly to either discontinue or do away with the habit of close contact with dogs. It will take time and effort. Feeding dogs and other animals is indeed not only a good thing to do but is our duty too.
