Question: Similarly in the case of animal sacrifices/hunting in Vedic times, why allow a license for such things (regardless of the benefit to the sacrificed animal, etc) – if wise people KNEW that in future common men will just misinterpret this and imitate blindly?
Answer by Romapada Swami:
Vedas gave provisions for animal sacrifice and other such acts primarily to give some concession to those who might otherwise be unable to refrain from them anyway. This is stated in Bhagavatam (SB 11.5.11) When performed **under the able guidance of a qualified brahmana** they would gradually bring detachment to the performer on account of their submission to the Vedic authority. For want of qualified brahmanas to administer such prescriptions, scriptures declare them to be prohibited in Kali yuga.
Again, what is important is proper application under proper guidance. In the drug store, there are many drugs available and there is a danger that they may be misused. But those who are conscientious would abide by the warnings on the label and consult qualified physicians. Similarly the Vedas are a vast body of knowledge containing prescriptions for the entire range of human civilization and for all times; they are not to be applied whimsically.
