Source: AI Overview

The Buddha outspokenly criticized and banned animal sacrifice, a prevalent practice in Vedic traditions of his time, which significantly paved the way for the ideal of vegetarianism in India. His emphasis on compassion (karuṇā) and non-violence (ahimsa) toward all sentient beings formed the ethical foundation for this shift. 

Opposition to Animal Sacrifice

The Buddha rejected the large-scale, bloody sacrificial rituals (like the aśvamedha) performed by some Brahmins and royalty, viewing them as cruel, wasteful, and a source of negative karma. He taught that true sacrifice was an internal, spiritual act of giving (dāna) done with a pure intention, rather than an external rite involving the slaughter of animals. 

Stance on Vegetarianism

While the Buddha explicitly condemned killing or causing others to kill, his rules for the monastic community regarding diet were pragmatic due to their reliance on alms: 

• The “Three-fold Pure” Rule: Monks were permitted to eat meat if they had not seen, heard, or suspected that the animal had been specifically killed for their meal. This rule was designed to prevent monks from being a direct cause of an animal’s death and to graciously accept whatever food the lay people offered to gain merit.
• Right Livelihood for Lay People: For lay followers, the Buddha proscribed certain professions, including being a butcher, hunter, fisherman, or engaging in the meat trade. This encouraged a social environment where intentional killing for food was minimized.
• Rejection of Mandatory Vegetarianism: The Buddha notably refused a proposal by his cousin Devadatta to make vegetarianism mandatory for all monks, considering it an extreme ascetic practice that did not align with the Middle Way. 

Historical Impact

The Buddha’s teachings, alongside those of Jainism, fostered a strong ethic of non-violence in Indian society. This led to a greater acceptance of vegetarianism, particularly among certain Hindu sects and the general population over time. The first Buddhist emperor of India, Ashoka, implemented policies reflecting these values, including banning animal sacrifices and restricting the killing of certain animals in his royal kitchens, further cementing the ideal of vegetarianism in Indian culture. 

Thus, the Buddha’s strong opposition to animal sacrifice and his emphasis on compassion were pivotal in encouraging the widespread embrace of vegetarianism in India as a moral and spiritual ideal. 

Several Indian states have passed legislation to ban animal sacrifice, including Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Puducherry, and Telangana

. Other states, such as Chhattisgarh and Delhi, have prohibitions against the slaughter of agricultural cattle.

• Rajasthan: The Rajasthan Animals and Birds Sacrifices (Prohibition) Act, 1975, prohibits animal sacrifice in places of religious worship.
• Gujarat: The Gujarat Animals and Birds Sacrifices (Prohibition) Act, 1972, bans animal sacrifice in places of religious worship.
• Karnataka: The Karnataka Prevention of Animal Sacrifices Act, 1959, prohibits animal and bird sacrifices in places of religious worship.
• Kerala: The Kerala Animals and Birds Sacrifices Prohibition Act, 1968, prohibits sacrifices within temple precincts.
• Puducherry: The Puducherry Animals and Birds Sacrifices Prohibition Act, 1965, bans animal sacrifices within temple precincts.
• Telangana: The Telangana Animals and Birds Sacrifices Prohibition Act, 1950, prohibits animal and bird sacrifices in places of public religious worship.
• Chhattisgarh: Prohibits the slaughter of agricultural cattle and the possession of beef.
• Delhi: Prohibits the slaughter of agricultural cattle.

Several Indian states have enacted specific legislation to ban animal sacrifice, particularly within the precincts of public religious places or in public congregations and processions

. 

Several states and union territories in India have specific laws against animal sacrifice, often focusing on public religious spaces. These include

Gujarat

,

Karnataka

,

Kerala

,

Puducherry

(a Union Territory), and

Telangana

.

Andhra Pradesh

also has similar legislation.

Odisha

has laws concerning cow slaughter, which may relate to animal sacrifice

Himachal Pradesh

. While briefly banned public animal sacrifices in 2014, the order was later lifted. The High Court in Tripura banned animal sacrifice in temples. 

Additionally, the central Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960, criminalizes unnecessary animal suffering. However, a clause in Section 28 of the PCA Act permits killing animals according to religious requirements, which can complicate legal interpretations. More details on specific state laws can be found on Animal Legal & Historical Center. 

• India | Animal Legal & Historical Center

This law, specific to the state of Gujarat in western India, prohibits animal sacrifice within the precincts of places of public r…

Animal Legal & Historical Center

Source: AI Overview