Hindus advocate the practice of ahiṃsā (non-violence) and respect for all life because the God is believed to permeate all (including plants and non-human animals).There is no sharp distinction between humans and other forms of life. The term ahiṃsā first appears in the upanishads and is the first of the five Yamas (eternal vows/restraints) in raja yoga .

In accordance with ahiṃsā, many Hindus embrace vegetereniasm to respect higher forms of life. While vegetarianism is not a requirement of Hinduism, it is recommended for asatvic (purifying) lifestyle. Estimates of the number of lactovegeterian  in India (includes inhabitants of all religions) vary between 20% and 42%.^[107] The food habits usually vary with the community and region, with some castes having fewer vegetarians and coastal populations relying on seafood Some Hindus avoid onion and garlic, which are regarded as rajsaic foods. Some avoid meat on specific holy days.

Observant hindus who do eat meat almost always abstain from beef.. The largely pastoral Vedic people and subsequent generations relied heavily on the cow forprotein rich milk and dairy products, tilling of fields and as a provider of fuel and fertilizer. Thus, it was identified as a caretaker and a maternal figure. While most contemporary Hindus do not worship the cow, it holds an honored place in Hindu society as a symbol of unselfish giving among all animals. Cow-slaughter is legally banned in almost all states of India