It is curious how we approach the religion of others by reacting to what for us appears to be the lowest or most objectionable side of what they do. Predominant Western religions have conditioned people not to respect the so-called lower forms of life and to think that those who do are somehow primitive or superstitious.

The cow is a symbol of Divine love and grace. With no thought of itself, but out of love, like the Divine Mother, it produces milk which nourishes other creatures. Respect for the cow is meant to instill virtues of gentleness and receptivity into the human mind. Hindus do not worship cows. The cow to them is a great symbol of cosmic beneficence.

We can judge how a culture values the spiritual life by how it treats its cows. By this standard modern culture, which not only eats cows but raises them under artificial and cruel circumstances, is quite deficient in any deeper sensitivity. We should not only revere cows but respect all life, particularly those beings who function selflessly.

Quoted from "Hinduism: The Eternal Tradition (Sanatana Dharma)" by David Frawley