Quote:An ox can be of service by pulling a plow, in the same way that a human can be of service by doing physical labor.
However, the ox probably isn't aware of it as service, because it is still in 2D. The action is the same - physical labor - but the ox isn't given a choice, so is it service?
Furthermore, the task of 2D is to become self-aware. Service becomes relevant in 3D.
If the fates of animals are "automatic", I think that really alludes to the fact that WE are the Guardians, just as the shepherd is. This means we are also responsible for the caretaking of the planet, being composed of the first density. In this light, it would seem the consumation of our charge would indeed be poor guardianship, especially since as mentioned there are forms of food which do not require a violation or intentional harming of life.
If a working animal was gifted 2D/3D by a 3D entity, could then the animal perform service?
My analogy would be an old Ox worked and raised from birth. The example is that it is harvest with much to do and the animal gets very tired. A "pure 2D" Ox would probably stop to rest, in order to preserve it's life and livelihood, regardless of the farmer's pleas (think goats/cows on the highway here). However, a 2D/3D Ox could be goaded by its owner to work harder until it is nearing physical exhaustion, based on the bond of self-awareness between the animal and human. I am not saying this is a massive effect, but I would guess that animals that are bonded to a person would push harder/faster/stronger if they were directed compared to wild, purely 2D animals... Then it comes into whether or not animals can provide service by being foodstuffs i guess....
Where I'm from, the native (first nations) culture is somewhat celebrated. There is much taught about the rituals the native american people would go through when they took an animal's life for food. There is immense respect shown, and the animal's spirit is asked to give its life before it is killed by the hunter. Every part of the animal is used, and is considered sacred.
Would the above situation be considered with the same frame of reference as what else has been discussed?