Krishna said to his mother that cows are better than most human beings who were behaving like animals. The animals are full of love. They have no selfishness in them and they always lead a life full of sacrifice: The milk which was intended really for the young calves is being given for providing them with energy and nourishment. Human beings use grass and hay to feed the cattle and in return the cattle are giving sacred milk for their use. The cattle are accepting some thing which is useless and returning valuable milk. In contrast, human beings accept and consume good things and in return do bad things. We should examine carefully who really is the animal here. (SSB 1978, p. 126)

The cow transforms grass and gruel into sweet strength-giving milk and gives it away in plenty to its master. Develop that quality, that power to transform the food you consume into sweet thoughts, words and deeds for all. (SSS Vol. 6, p. 113)

Cow: symbol of selfless service

Do not place your needs first, your joy first. Consider the needs of others, the ananda of others, as even more important. Respect elders and cultivate cordiality between brothers and sisters, teachers and students, employers and employees, etc.

Tend the cow, for, the cow is the symbol of selfless service of Dharma. That is why when a newly built house is ceremonially entered, the owner first takes into the house a cow. Once a rishi was taking a ritual bath at the Triveni Sangam at the confluence of the Yamuna, Ganga and Saraswati. While he was submerged in the holy water some fishermen threw the net and he was dragged ashore by them as a rare catch. He was claimed by the fishermen and the rishi told the king, who was in a fix, that they should be paid the price of the catch before he could order them to release him. Now, what was the price of the "rishi-fish?" A thousand varahas? The rishi protested that he was not so cheap. Five thousand? it was too small, the rishi remarked. Then a yogi who was at the palace suggested a fair solution. He said "Give a cow, that is enough" and the cow was considered fair compensation for the rishi. That is the measure of the value of a cow.

Observe the rules laid down in the Shastras, respect the culture of your land and bring honour to the land of your birth. Belief in providence is native to an Indian and fear of sin is inherent in him. Nourish your aged parents; revere them. If you honour your mother, the mother of the Universe will guard you against harm. If you honour your father, the Father of all beings will guard you. This is as true as the fact that if you honour your parents, your children will honour you.(SSS Vol.4)