This open access book provides both a broad perspective and a focused examination of cow care as a subject of widespread ethical concern in India, and increasingly in other parts of the world. In the face of what has persisted as a highly charged political issue over cow protection in India, intellectual space must be made to bring the wealth of Indian traditional ethical discourse to bear on the realities of current human-animal relationships, particularly those of humans with cows. Dharma, yoga, and bhakti paradigms serve as starting points for bringing Hindu—particularly Vaishnava Hindu—animal ethics into conversation with contemporary Western animal ethics. The author argues that a culture of bhakti—the inclusive, empathetic practice of spirituality centered in Krishna as the beloved cowherd of Vraja—can complement recently developed ethics-of-care thinking to create a solid basis for sustaining all kinds of cow care communities.
This unique report involving 105 contributors from 26 countries provides invaluable information concerning livestock keeping and poverty alleviation in developing countries.
Why is there a cow on the front cover of this book? This is a book about agriculture, and farm animals have become unfashionable in some quarters. Cows, it turns out, are responsible for global warming, climate change, and so, no doubt, rising sea levels and chemtrails. But any real farmer, from any time in history, knows that this is not true. Animals have been around forever. Animals are a vital part of an insanely complex living system. Anyone who knows the basics of regenerative agriculture understands this. Albert Howard spent years studying and using the methods of traditional Asian agriculture, and shows in this book that the fertility and health of the soil depend on humus, in the production of which animal materials play an vital role. A healthy soil needs animal inputs. Animals in agriculture are central; they're right in there with fungi. This message is not welcomed by those who would feed the modern world a diet of plant-based, lab-grown food substitutes that have lists of ingredients as long as your arm, and are going to save the planet using gene-spliced soybeans and 3D printed pizzas. So, the cow and her calf are on the cover to redress the balance, and also to feature as one of the stars of this book (along with sugar cane, waste pits, and public servants). She was the photogenic one. Albert Howard's text has been thoroughly re-edited in this new version of his book. The habit, common at the time, of using long paragraphs is not preferred by modern readers, so the text has been extensively 'reparagraphed'. Grammar has been tweaked, and styles have been adopted. Headings have been added, infinitives unsplit. The changes made have been to make things more comfortable for modern eyes and tastes. The sense and intention of the author has not been altered at all, of course. We hope that Albert Howard would approve of this reworking of his book. His ideas are more important than ever. Wendell Berry wrote in The Last Whole Earth Catalog "Howard's discoveries and methods, and their implications, are given in detail in An Agricultural Testament. They are of enormous usefulness to gardeners and farmers, and to anyone who may be interested in the history and the problems of land use. But aside from its practical worth, Howard's book is valuable for his ability to place his facts and insights within the perspective of history. This book is a critique of civilisations, judging them not by their artefacts and victories, but by their response to the sacred duty of handing over to the next generation, unimpaired, the heritage of a fertile soil."
Welcome to the profound and transformative world of "My Non-violence" by M.K. Gandhi, a seminal work that offers readers deep insights into the philosophy and practice of non-violence as a path to personal and societal transformation. Prepare to be inspired by the words and wisdom of Mahatma Gandhi, whose tireless advocacy for non-violence and civil disobedience has left an indelible mark on the world. In this illuminating book, Gandhi shares his personal reflections on the principles of ahimsa (non-violence) and satyagraha (truth-force), offering readers a roadmap to living a life of compassion, integrity, and social justice. Join Gandhi as he explores the essence of non-violence, from its roots in ancient Indian philosophy to its application in the struggle for Indian independence and beyond. Through his heartfelt reflections and profound insights, he invites readers to embrace non-violence as not just a political strategy, but a way of life—a path to personal transformation and societal change. "My Non-violence" is more than just a book—it's a manifesto for peace, justice, and human dignity. Gandhi's compassionate and principled approach to non-violence offers readers a powerful alternative to the cycles of violence and oppression that plague our world, empowering them to become agents of change in their own lives and communities. The overall tone of the book is one of humility and conviction, as Gandhi shares his deeply-held beliefs and convictions with honesty and sincerity. Through his gentle guidance and unwavering commitment to truth and justice, he inspires readers to live with courage, compassion, and integrity. Since its publication, "My Non-violence" has inspired countless individuals around the world to embrace the principles of non-violence and work towards a more just and compassionate society. Its timeless message continues to resonate with readers of all backgrounds, making it a cherished classic of peace literature. Whether you're a student of history, a seeker of truth, or simply someone looking for guidance on how to live a more meaningful and purposeful life, "My Non-violence" offers invaluable insights and inspiration. Prepare to be moved, challenged, and transformed by the words of Mahatma Gandhi, whose legacy of non-violence continues to light the way for generations to come. Experience the power of "My Non-violence" today. Order your copy now and embark on a journey of personal and social transformation that will leave a lasting impact on your life and the world around you.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) produced a 2011 report on women in agriculture with a clear and urgent message: agriculture underperforms because half of all farmers—women—lack equal access to the resources and opportunities they need to be more productive. This book builds on the report’s conclusions by providing, for a non-specialist audience, a compendium of what we know now about gender gaps in agriculture.