The Sentient World of Animals



By sister initiate Chi-ai, Taipei, Formosa

One day, a couple of geckos came to visit my house. They not only surprised me by running around, but also disturbed me by leaving their waste everywhere. Without knowing what to do, I had to clear up their mess every day. Initially, I was rather angry and impatient, but could not just send them out as I do mosquitoes by catching them in a cup and releasing them outdoors. So I let them stay.

The geckos moved very quickly, and they decided to be my lodgers without caring whether they were welcome or not. Of course, I not only had to receive them free of charge, but also treat them as honored guests. This reminded me of our Quan Yin practice, which is also free of charge. So I could not help smiling with understanding. At the same time, I realized I should treat them like my children by showing love and patience, just as Master treats us, Her children. Gradually, I found the geckos to be very lovable, beautiful and friendly! When I played Master's audio tapes, they always listened attentively and enjoyed it so much that they remained absolutely still the whole time.

When I tried to communicate with them with love and patience, they understood. For instance, I asked them to leave their bodily wastes on a piece of paper I had prepared instead of everywhere in the house. To my surprise, they fulfilled my request! From then on, I liked them even more. They could not only feel my love, but also recognize my voice, greeting me with a "dada" sound. They were so sweet! In this way, we communicate very well, without frightening each other.

Then one day, one of the little geckos became ill, and I was very worried when I saw him gasping for air. The only thing I could think of was to put him on the table in front of Master's picture while playing Her Buddha's Chanting tape. The little gecko looked intently at Master's picture as though he knew Her. After a while, he actually recovered! Running and jumping again, he disappeared in a flash.

Master is truly omnipresent and omnipotent, taking care of all beings and being one with them. Some time later, the mother gecko died. She was very clever in choosing the best spot to go - she left quietly on the floor in front of a large picture of Master. She must have known that Master would look after her. Usually, the geckos like to rest behind Master's picture or the wooden frame of Master's painting. They must be able to feel the loving and fine vibrations of a Living Master. What clever and lovely animal friends they are!

Since the first gecko couple settled down in my house, two more generations have been born. The most amazing thing is that they teach the newly born baby geckos where the "toilet" is, and this makes me laugh heartily! I thank these lovely geckos from the bottom of my heart for bringing me so much happiness and teaching me love and patience. I now have a deeper understanding that "love" not only means dissolving all barriers between human beings, but also refers to harmonious co-existence among human beings, animals, plants and all other beings in the universe. Thank You, Master, for teaching us valuable lessons through everything that exists in our environment. For me, this is the best lesson and gift of love.


The Lesson of Love
Inspiration from Raising Fish
The Gift of Love - A Story of Little Geckos
A Dog I Can Never Forget