In the Vedic view, a peaceful society depends on dharma: people caring for one another and for the world. Sri Haridas Shastri Maharaj ji explained that this becomes possible when two simple qualities grow in us.
Nirāparādhī: harming no one
The cow offends no one. She does not hunt, compete or take what belongs to others. When she feels safe, she is among the gentlest and most affectionate of all creatures.
Para-upakārī: helping everyone
She gives with her whole being. In return for grass and straw that people cannot use, she gives milk; her dung and urine give fuel and medicine; the bull for centuries ploughed India’s fields.
The cow is the complete embodiment of nirāparādhī and para-upakārī.
Sri Haridas Shastri Maharaj ji
Learning from her
This is why the sages called the cow not only our mother but also a guru walking in our midst. Serving her, wanting nothing in return, slowly plants these same qualities in our own heart. Maharaj ji would say that every good quality appears in the heart of one who serves the cow selflessly.
Read more in Why serve cows?