Spiritual Lesson

There’s a lot we can learn from animals.

Animals have been spiritual companions of humans since the beginning of time. In most cultures, animals have been linked with supernatural forces, spiritual guardians, and they are even worshipped as agents of God. In Buddhism, animals are regarded as sentient beings, they feel as much suffering as humans and therefore have an equal potential to become enlightened. 

Another great thing, I have noticed about animals is that are not hoarders. They take only as much as is needed by them for survival and leave the rest for others. Sharing and coming together in crisis shows they are more evolved than humans.

Look, and you’ll find the silent spiritual wisdom of animals all around. It’s simple to follow, devoid of any rigid tenets or esoteric concepts, and yet deeply profound in impact. There are some of the most powerful spiritual lessons to be learnt from animals. Such as;

1. Compassion: There are innumerable examples of dogs endangering their own     lives to save people, chimpanzees taking care of their ailing and elephants using their tusks to pick up a fellow elephant that’s injured or dying.

2. Enjoy The Moment: They have an immediate sense of joy and wonder of creation. Watch a bird sing, an animal play, or just laze around, and you will notice that animals have mastered the art of living in the moment. They enjoy each instant, without regretting the past or worrying about the future.

3. Love And Loyalty: Animals have a natural gift for sharing unconditional love between themselves and with other species. Their love is pure and limitless. Animals are also intensely loyal. Everyone else may desert you, but your pet never will. No matter what happens, it will stick it out with you. They accept you for who you are and their commitment is forever.

4. Trust Your Instincts: I have a rule. If my dog doesn’t like someone, I keep the person at bay. It’s worked brilliantly for me because animals sense what’s beneath the surface. While we often get misled by words and appearances, these don’t matter to them. They pick on nonverbal clues and follow their instincts that give them a better assessment of people and situations that could be potentially harmful.

5. Never Hold Grudges: Think of all the times we scold, ignore, or are insensitive to our pets. Can you recall one instance where they held it against you? Unlikely, because animals hold no grudges. They just move on and we should do the same, because grudges breed negativity, and that prevents emotional and spiritual growth.

6. Value Alone Time: Animals enjoy company, but they also delight in their own personal time and cherish it. We should try this too, as it’s the key to spiritual growth. The time we spend alone, makes us more comfortable with ourselves, quietens our mind and promotes self-reflection.

7. Show Gratitude: Have you ever slogged to prepare a meal and got no appreciation from your family, whatsoever? Well, this never happens with dogs. They appreciate every unimaginative meal you give them or every cheap toy you bring them, and wag their tails happily each time you indulge them. They are not hesitant to show their gratitude, whether you reciprocate or not!

8. Be Kind to Kids & Old People: My mother serious illness that would make her unaware of her own actions. She would often step on our otherwise fierce Lebra “Jerry”, and it would really hurt him. Sometimes, she would stroll out of the house alone, and he would go behind her and ensure she returned home safe. He was also amazingly gentle and forgiving with small kids who would do annoying things to him. When my Mother died, “Jerry” Remained Quiet for two days and was sitting at the corner of the house, not once he barked at anyone. Nobody taught him how to be kind. He just was!

9. Be Good Parents: The natural nurturing instincts of animals make them wonderful parents, not only to their own children but also to other abandoned species. One of the most incredible stories I heard is of a wild crow that looked after a kitten, beak-feeding and protecting her from danger till she was old enough to go solo. Another remarkable parenting trait that animals have is the ability to let go of their offspring once they are grown enough. They don’t cling to them or make them feel guilty for taking their own paths and have absolutely no expectation from them.

10. Be Who You Are: Animals are not self-conscious at all. They express themselves spontaneously. They are simply comfortable in their skin and authentic in their behaviour. And this ability to live with abandon is one of the most critical lessons in our life and spiritual journey. It’s the only way to find true contentment and happiness.

We can not only learn from animals and plants, but can meditate on them for spiritual evolution - so says Patanjali in YOGA DARSHANA. Zen Buddhism, also preaches this. Kung Fu, teaches this -that one can learn the art of self defence from animals.

The animals along with the rest of the elements of nature have a great teaching potential for humans in shaping their behavioural responses to the different ecological situations.

Animal behaviour is instinctive with Nature. Man prides himself on being a thinking person and that has moved him away from nature. The above all, clearly enunciates the simplicity of living by following your natural instincts and evolving with Nature, you need to revisit your present attitudes and behaviour style to make amends and become a better citizen of this planet.

Like The ten commandments. First we shouldn’t think they are different from humans at all. If we remember our basic lessons of Vedanta they are also jeevas, & are here to go through their karma, so inside it is jeeva. The difference is, like humans, they can’t have the facility of will to improve their status. After their karma is over, move on to another body. They don’t have mind (negligible) to manipulate & for scheming.  

Wonderful lessons which we can learn from the animal kingdom. Reminds us how we should unburden ourselves with the thoughts and ways which we have collected in this walk of our life which are originally not ours and should be more natural just like these animals.

Learn from animals because we cannot learn from scriptures and Gurus and blogs. We have become too cynical.