Re: Animal Skin in instuments

Dear devotees,

       Nityananda Gauranga Hare Krishna! Hadai prabhu has answered the question for me in a private talk. There is nothing wrong in using any animal skin or other materiall in mridangas or other instruments PROVIDED the animal in question died a natural death. The cow is so useful not only in life, but also in death. This does not encourage the slaughter of animals in anyway. Slaughtered animals come with grave karmic reactions and material from killed animals cannot be used in instruments for sankirtana.

       However on no account, slaughter of animals is permitted and cow killing is very highly offensive to Lord Krishna. "namo brahmanya devaya go brahmana hita ya ca...." So devotees can do well to buy only 'ahimsa 'animal products like ahimsa leather which does not come from slaughtered animals. Before buying any instrument, we have to ensure that no animal was killed for it.

       This is similar to how Tulasi wood is used for making japamalas on which we chant our japa rounds. The Tulasi plant must never be killed just because japamala demand may be high as it is the worst Vaisnava aparadha. Instead only those plants which complete their life cycles naturally can be used for japamalas. Using tulasi wood does not encourage or sanction offensive slaughter behaviour in any way. It was a big help for me and I hope it helps you out too.  Thank you Hadai prabhu!

Your servant,

Srinath

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