为什么寺庙养猫？

寺庙作为宗教场所，总是与宁静、平和和祥和的氛围联系在一起。然而，对于一些寺庙来说，它们还有另外一个特别的居民——猫咪。为什么寺庙要养猫？这个问题引发了人们的好奇心。下面将给出一些可能的原因。

首先，寺庙养猫可以带来福报。在佛教中，动物被视为生命的一部分，应受到尊重和保护。据信，养猫可以积攒福德，因为它们被认为是善良、慈悲和无私的代表。寺庙养猫的目的之一就是为了让信徒和游客在接触这些可爱的小动物时感受到快乐和平静，从而获得福报。

Secondly, cats are excellent for pest control. Many temples have gardens or areas with food offerings, which can attract pests such as rats and mice. By keeping cats in the temple, they serve as natural pest exterminators, ensuring that these unwanted visitors are kept at bay. Cats are known for their agility and hunting skills, making them efficient hunters. Therefore, by having cats around, temples can maintain cleanliness and hygiene.

第二，猫咪对于防治害虫非常有效。许多寺庙有花园或供奉区，会吸引一些害虫，如老鼠等。通过养猫，它们可以作为天然的害虫控制者，确保这些不受欢迎的访客被赶走。猫咪以其敏捷和狩猎技巧而闻名，使它们成为高效的猎手。因此，寺庙养猫可以保持清洁和卫生。

Furthermore, cats can provide companionship and comfort. Temples often attract people seeking solace and spiritual guidance. The presence of cats can offer a sense of comfort and emotional support to those who visit. Cats are known to be calming and have a soothing effect on people. They can help create a serene and peaceful atmosphere within the temple, allowing individuals to find tranquility in their surroundings.

此外，猫咪可以提供陪伴和安慰。寺庙通常吸引寻求安慰和灵性指导的人们。猫咪的存在可以给那些来访者带来安慰和情感上的支持。众所周知，猫咪具有安抚人心和舒缓压力的功效。它们可以在寺庙内创造出宁静和平和的氛围，让人们在周围环境中找到内心的宁静。

In addition, cats have a symbolic meaning in Buddhist culture. They are often associated with good luck, protection, and spiritual enlightenment. In some Buddhist legends, cats are believed to possess mystical powers and are considered sacred animals. By keeping cats in the temple, it is seen as a way to invite positive energy and blessings into the sacred space.

此外，猫咪在佛教文化中具有象征意义。它们常常被与好运、保护和灵性启迪联系在一起。在一些佛教传说中，猫被认为拥有神秘的力量，被视为神圣的动物。通过在寺庙养猫，这被视为一种邀请正能量和祝福进入神圣空间的方式。

In conclusion, there are several reasons why temples keep cats. From the accumulation of merit to pest control, and from providing companionship to symbolizing good fortune, these feline residents play a unique role in the holistic experience of visiting a temple. Whether seen as guardians, friends, or symbols of spirituality, cats bring a sense of tranquility and joy to both visitors and monks alike.

总之，寺庙养猫有几个原因。从福报的积累到害虫防治，从提供陪伴到象征着好运，这些猫咪居民在参观寺庙的整体体验中扮演着独特的角色。无论是被视为守护者、朋友，还是灵性的象征，猫咪给游客和僧侣们带来了宁静和快乐的感觉。

English Translation:

Why do temples keep cats?

As religious sanctuaries, temples are often associated with tranquility, peace, and harmony. However, some temples have an additional special resident – cats. The question of why temples keep cats has sparked curiosity. Below, we will explore some possible reasons.

Firstly, keeping cats in temples can bring blessings. In Buddhism, animals are regarded as a part of life that should be respected and protected. Cats, believed to be representations of kindness, compassion, and selflessness, are thought to accumulate merit. One of the purposes of keeping cats in temples is to bring happiness and serenity to devotees and visitors through their interaction with these adorable creatures.

Secondly, cats are excellent for pest control. Many temples have gardens or areas where food offerings are made, attracting pests such as rats and mice. By keeping cats, temples utilize their natural hunting skills to control pests and keep unwanted guests away. With their agility and hunting prowess, cats contribute to maintaining cleanliness and hygiene within the temple.

Furthermore, cats provide companionship and comfort. Temples often attract people seeking solace and spiritual guidance. The presence of cats can offer a sense of comfort and emotional support for those who visit. Cats are known for their calming effect on people and can help create a serene and peaceful atmosphere, enabling individuals to find tranquility in their surroundings.

Additionally, cats have symbolic meaning in Buddhist culture. They are often associated with good luck, protection, and spiritual enlightenment. In some Buddhist legends, cats possess mystical powers and are considered sacred animals. Keeping cats in temples is seen as a way of inviting positive energy and blessings into the sacred space.

In conclusion, temples keep cats for various reasons. From accumulating merit to pest control, providing companionship, and symbolizing good fortune, these feline residents play a unique role in the holistic experience of visiting a temple. Whether regarded as guardians, friends, or symbols of spirituality, cats bring a sense of tranquility and joy to both visitors and monks alike.