The Sentient World of Animals


 


By sister initiate Hannah Vu, Indiana, U. S. A. (Originally in English)

It was early evening, and I had just arrived at the Florida Center to attend the special celebration of Mother's Day and Master's birthday on May 12. The sun was out, and the sky was clear and beautiful. Pulling a small suitcase, I walked into the camping area for female initiates to pitch my tent.

Then, from a shed, a white dog approached to greet me and another sister. The dog sent forth something special that suddenly touched my heart. Perhaps it was his unusually graceful demeanor and the loving look in his eyes. We were all strangers to him, and yet he was ever so gentle and kind, following us and stretching out his nose as if to give us a kiss to say "welcome." An extra long leash around his neck allowed him to walk along with us. I could feel the peacefulness in his heart that elevated me spiritually when I looked at him.

After pitching my tent, I returned to the doghouse to return his kindness, wondering if he was lonely and needed some company. But he looked very quiet and contented. I talked sweetly to him and lovingly rubbed his head and chin. I noticed that his doghouse was similar in size to a small, one-person room (8 x 10 feet). It was clean and well ventilated and had a full size front door and two square windows on each side. I looked inside, and there on the floor to the left lay a bunk bed mattress, fully covered by a fitted sheet. On top lay a soft pillow, several colorful stuffed toys, and a large plastic bone. A dim light at one corner had been left on for the night.

I was very amazed, delighted and touched to discover how much loving treatment the dog received. On the floor, at other side of the room, was a big bowl of water and another filled with vegetarian food. As I looked around, I also noticed a small picture of Master in a simple frame on a tiny table by the back wall, at eye level with the dog! My heart was filled with joy upon seeing it, and. I then understood why the dog always seemed to be at peace. More importantly, he radiated a loving aura that I had hardly ever witnessed before. He was probably a very high-level, spiritual dog!

Early the next morning, in the Meditation Hall, Master told us stories about Her ex-neighbors and a veterinarian, all of whom She had treated with love. She always "went the extra mile" to take care of the neighbors and sometimes their pet whenever they needed or asked for help. She bought them gifts and clothes, baby-sat their dog and even paid bills for their dog's emergency treatment. Besides, She asked Her attendants to tend the veterinarian in the hospital when he was sick. But these individuals all misinterpreted Her actions and turned unfriendly at Her "unusual" tender, loving care. They became doubtful, questioning Her intentions. Instead of paying respect to Her because of Her unconditional kindness toward them, many took advantage of Her good heart and generosity. Worse yet, some got envious and upset at Her for taking care of their family members. From then on, Master only greeted them, no more, no less.

One night She picked up a wounded opossum that had been hit by a car on the road. Master wanted to have it treated, but had problems finding a veterinarian who was willing to treat wild animals. She also had difficulty finding a veterinary hospital that was open at that hour of the night. After much effort, one vet reluctantly answered Her plea. However, not too long after that, the poor animal came to Master in Her meditation to say, "Goodbye, mom." Master then went to check with the doctor and found that the animal had just died.

From these stories, one can see that animals are sometimes spiritually higher than we are. They learn to give and receive love much more quickly than many humans do as did the dog who greeted us at the Forida Center. Each is one of us, only in a different form, and can teach us the lesson of love in a great many ways.

Note: One night, the Florida Center's resident disciples found a stray dog at the Center. Because he looked thin and gaunt, and was covered with fleas and very sick, they arranged for him to rest temporarily at a cabin on the Center grounds and took him to see a vet the next day. Since that time, through the residents' attentive nursing, the dog has regained his health and been named "Smiley."

Actually, dogs and cats come to and leave the Center all the time. There is just something about the place that attracts them. Most of the time, they come when they are injured or malnourished. The resident disciples first nurse them back to health, then do their best to find the animals' original owners by posting flyers, asking local vets, neighbors, etc. If the animals' owners cannot be found, then the residents try to find them a good home, again, by posting flyers in the area, placing ads in newspapers, etc.