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why do Dharmic Hindus consider All living beings holy, deep research
## Why Dharmic Hindus Consider All Living Beings Holy
**Oneness of Existence and Divine Immanence**
- Hinduism teaches that the Divine (Brahman) is present in all of existence, both animate and inanimate. This means every living beingâ"human, animal, or plantâ"contains the same spiritual essence or Self (Atman), which is ultimately non-different from the Supreme Self (Paramatman)[5][6].
- The Upanishadic teaching "Sarvam Khalvidam Brahma" ("All this is Brahman") expresses that everything in the universe is a manifestation of the Divine, making all life inherently sacred[5][6].
**Dharma and Universal Welfare**
- The concept of dharma (righteous duty) in Hinduism is not just about personal morality but extends to universal welfare (sarva bhuta hita), emphasizing compassion, non-violence (ahimsa), and mutual respect among all beings[3][7].
- Living in harmony with nature and minimizing harm to any form of life is seen as a core Dharmic responsibility[3][7].
**Spiritual Ecology and Reverence for Nature**
- Hindu scriptures and traditions view the natural world as sacred, with rivers, mountains, trees, and animals often personified as divine beings or manifestations of God[2][5].
- This reverence is not mere superstition but a recognition of the Divine reality within all forms, encouraging Hindus to see themselves as part of a larger, interconnected web of life[2][5].
**Practical Expressions**
- Rituals, festivals, and daily practices often involve honoring animals, plants, and natural forces, reflecting the belief that harming any being is ultimately harming the Divine present within oneself[5][7].
- The principle of ahimsa, or non-violence, is centralâ"urging restraint in thought, word, and deed towards all creatures[3].
