Book Reviewed: Let the Cow Wander: Modeling the Metaphors in Veda and Vedanta by Michael W. Myers

Perspectives from Hindu thought

This book is written for readers of philosophy which requires familiarity with Vedanta philosophy, and the ancient Hindu scriptures of Rigveda and Upanishads. The author uses the term “modelling the metaphors of Vedas and Vedanta” to describe the emergence Vedanta philosophy as a leading metaphysical system that sought to reform the Hindu faith away from the ritual and sacrificial practices of Rigveda in ancient India. Brahma sutra, one of the foundational texts of the Vedanta school of Hindu philosophy is primarily about the nature of human existence, the cosmos, and metaphysical concept of Ultimate Reality called Brahman. It distinguishes the physical reality we observe and experience from the Absolute Reality. Brahman has no attributes but an entity that encompasses omniscience (infinite knowledge), omnipotence (unlimited power), omnipresence (present everywhere), Omni benevolence (perfect goodness), immutable, divine simplicity, and eternal existence. Brahman’s qualities are personal and impersonal which exists in space-less and timeless dimensions in an unchanging reality amidst and beyond the realm of a universe. The Pure Consciousness and the Supreme Being transcend all possible laws of physics, all dimensions, and all physical realities in the multiverse.

The author of this book distinguishes the sacrificial aspects of Rigveda and the teachings of Brahma Sutra (Vedanta, Principal Upanishads, and Bhagavad-Gita) respectably as scientific realism and Idealism (Absolute Truth). Sacrifices of Rigveda expound scientific reality in terms of observational astronomy in relation to altar-construction, and geometry. Vedic Hymns were chanted during the sacrifice to invoke gods and goddesses to seek heaven, freedom from sins and long healthy life. In contrast, Idealism of Brahma Sutra asserts that Upanishads describe the knowledge and meditation of Brahman, the ultimate reality. Brahman is the source from which the universe came into existence, and eventually to which it returns.

Sacrifice was also practiced and commanded in the Torah of Judaism. The animal sacrifice for zevah shelamim (the peace offering) and olah (the "holocaust" or burnt offering) included a bull, sheep, goat, or a dove that underwent shechita (Jewish ritual slaughter). The Hebrew Bible says that Yahweh commanded the Israelites to give offerings and sacrifices on various altars. Jesus Christ, referred to as "the Lamb of God" was a sacrifice as an atonement for human sin, this idea is derived from the Hebrew Bible, Tanakh.

The discussions in this book are sometimes vague and incoherent and the title of the book is little to do with the material presented in this book.