Sacred Cow

The third of a set of seven Tankas created as part of the All Live is Sacred series, each with inspirational quotations and animal Buddhas.

There are three quotes interwoven into this art. The two very surprising quotes, the first from His Holiness Pope John Paul II and the second by a former cattle rancher:

“Animals possess a soul and men must love and feel solidarity with our smaller brethren…the fruit of the creative action of the Holy Spirit and merit respect…as near to God as men are.” He reminded people that all living beings came into being because of the “breath” of God. He spoke of St. Francis’s love for animals declaring, “We, too, are called to a similar attitude.” —His Holiness Pope John Paul II

“The cow is an exceptionally loving and gentle creature. She cries for days when her calf is taken from her. It is a pitiful sound, a pitiful sound.”—Helen Weston, former cattle rancher

Also subtly interwoven into the art are the words ”All Life is Sacred” and a wonderful prayer said each morning by his Holiness the Dalai Lama:

”As long as there are beings to be found, may I continue likewise to remain to soothe the sufferings of those who may live.”—His Holiness the Dalai Lama