Significance of Carnivorous animals
Carnivorous animal, as defined across various texts such as Purana, Jyotisha, Vyakarana, Dharmashastra, and Mahayana, encompasses a range of predatory creatures that primarily consume meat. These animals symbolize danger, violence, and the consequences of sin, particularly in the contexts of battle, ecological balance, and moral implications. From flesh-eating predators in forests to those associated with death and suffering, the concept highlights both their role in regulating populations and the spiritual ramifications of consuming meat in different religious frameworks.
Synonyms: Meat-eater, Hunter
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Carnivorous animals'
In Buddhism, carnivorous animals symbolize a cycle of dependence on killing, reflecting the interconnectedness of suffering within the animal kingdom. Their meat-eating nature underscores the moral implications of violence and suffering in the natural world.
From: Lankavatara Sutra
(1) Species that primarily consume meat, representing a cycle of dependence on killing and the perpetuation of suffering in the animal kingdom.[1]
Hindu concept of 'Carnivorous animals'
In Hinduism, carnivorous animals symbolize dangers, ecological balance, and consequences of actions. They are associated with predation, sin, and the aftermath of violence, reflecting themes of doom and the cycle of life and death.
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Animals that eat other animals or raw flesh and are generally advised against for consumption.[2] (2) Refers to animals that primarily eat meat, such as kites and jackals, which also render the animals they kill as having pure flesh.[3] (3) Animals that primarily feed on other animals and are often associated with predatory behavior.[4] (4) Animals whose consumption is mentioned in texts and requires specific rites to be performed if eaten.[5] (5) Animals that primarily consume meat, mentioned in the context of their flesh being forbidden for consumption without proper atonement.[6]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Refers to the dangerous creatures surrounding Duryodhana's body, symbolizing his impending doom and the ferocity of battle.[7] (2) Animals attracted to the battlefield, feeding on the bodies of the dead, enhancing the gruesome atmosphere.[8] (3) Refers to predators attracted to the battlefield due to the presence of death and injury among the warriors and animals.[9]
From: The Skanda Purana
(1) Creatures that accompanied the figure in Vrinda's dream, emphasizing a sense of danger or violence.[10] (2) Creatures that consume flesh, which played a role in the fate of Damana's body after his death.[11]
From: The Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The scavengers that gather at the battlefield, symbolizing the aftermath of the violence and chaos.[12]
From: The Agni Purana
(1) Predatory animals that signify bad omens when they appear.[13]
From: The Padma Purana
(1) Predatory creatures in hell that participate in the torment of sinners, adding to their suffering.[14]
From: The Bhagavata Purana
(1) Animals like tigers and lions that exhibit fierce behavior when encountering the king elephant.[15]
From: Brihat Samhita
(1) Wild animals in the forests seeking prey when the Sun is the lord of the year.[16]
From: Amarakoshodghatana of Kshirasvamin (study)
(1) Predatory animals that feed on other animals, helping to regulate herbivore populations and maintain ecological balance.[17]