Celebration Of Oneness Animal Page

It is well past time that we take a long, hard
look at what our animal friends have selflessly
provided us with and at the pain and suffering
they endure at the hands of man. The cruelty
and abuse of our animal friends must stop!
We all do have the ability to police ourselves!

The Speechless Animal
by Kahlil Gibran
from "The Treasured Writings Of Kahlil Gibran"
published by Castle

In the glance of the speechless animal there is a discourse that only the soul of the wise can really understand.

An Indian Poet

In the twilight of a beautiful day, when fancy seized upon my mind, I passed by the edge of the city and tarried before the wreck of an abandoned house of which only rubble was left.

In the rubble I saw a dog lying upon dirt and ashes. Sores covered his skin, and sickness racked his feeble body. Staring now and then at the setting sun, his sorrowful eyes expressed humiliation, despair, and misery.

I walked slowly toward him wishing that I knew animal speech so that I might console him with my sympathy. But my approach only terrified him, and he tried to rise on his palsied legs. Falling, he turned a look on me in which helpless wrath was mingled with supplication. In that glance was speech more lucid than man's and more moving than a woman's tears. This is what I understood him to say:

"Man, I have suffered through illness caused by your brutality and persecution.

"I have run from your bruising foot and taken refuge here, for dust and ashes are gentler than man's heart, these ruins less melancholy than the soul of man. Begone, you intruder from the world of misrule and injustice.

"I am a miserable creature who served the son of Adam with faith and loyalty. I was man's faithful companion, I guarded him day and night. I grieved during his absence and welcomed him with joy upon his return. I was contented with the crumbs that fell from his board, and happy with the bones that his teeth had stripped. But when I grew old and ill, he drove me from his home and left me to merciless boys of the alleys.

"Oh son of Adam, I see the similarity between me and your fellow men when age disables them. There are soldiers who fought for their country when they were in the prime of life, and who later tilled its soil. But now that the winter of their life has come and they are useful no longer, they are cast aside.

"I also see a resemblance between my lot and that of a woman who, during the days of her lovely maidenhood enlivened the heart of a young man; and who then, as a mother, devoted her life to her children. But now, grown old, she is ignored and avoided. How oppressive you are, son of Adam, and how cruel!"

Thus spoke the speechless animal whom my heart had understood.

"I think I could turn and live awhile with the animals... they bring me tokens of myself; they evince them plainly in their possession." -- Walt Whitman

It is written that in the beginning, God gave man dominion over the animals (Hebrew scholars note that what is translated as "dominion" is more rightly states as "responsibility"), though it must be admitted that the beasts have a powerful hold over us as well. We do not live our lives without them, and we are in no wise separate from them. In the very fact, if we are not confined to some sterilized and lifeless back room or hospital bed, we encounter them every day, and the birds strain to get their notes past the pane of glass which shields even the most pathologic agoraphobic from the outside world.

Emerson listed animals as one of the great mysteries of life, alongside the spiritual realm, sex, dreams, sleep and the configuration of the human body. Their presence is a continuing mystery, but perhaps one might argue that they were given to us as an illustration. Many wild animals are walking ids; they will kill one another over food or shelter if necessary, have sex with their own children if they desire it, and devour one another without remorse. On the other hand, there are also those which possess ferocious powers of fidelity and seem at times to have a moral sense to rival that of the saintly and suffering who trudge along on the hard road to heaven. Perhaps the Hindu would say it is that these latter are in the midst of development toward becoming a higher form in the next life while the others sink lower toward snakedom and licedom and wormdom. Be this as it may, not matter which extreme we look to, we see something of ourselves and our potential selves in all of them; there is forever in us the tiger and the potential for tiger, the goat and the potential for goat, the thrush and the potential for thrush. They are like pieces of our psyches, perambulatory symbols of what we are and may become, walking, swimming, flying, leaping signs of our internal nature and our spiritual tendencies.

Descartes proclaimed that animals have no souls, but I think this assertion must have had as its source the same French pride that cause Broca to imply the same of women. Tell me who can look into the eyes of a cocker spaniel or even those of the Mongolian gerbil and say that there isn't someone lurking there behind those black orbs? The philosopher also contended that what seemed to be the emotional responses of animals were merely instinctual reactions to external stimuli and could not in any wise be confused with human feelings; but everyone has seen the unmistakable grief in a pet whose lifelong companion or master has died, and my wife and I once owned a guinea pig who would fly into wild fits of jealous rage when another female approached her mate.

Biologist Lewis Thomas has also noted that, though there are myriad bird sounds that have been intricately categorized as forms of communication in birdland, there are still those songs that are emitted simply "out of joy."

I do think that things can be taken a bit too far, however. I have read theoretical texts that postulate a variety of notions concerning psychic phenomenon among cats, dolphins, horses and such like, but I suppose I remain somewhat skeptical in this area, perhaps only because I am always one to give less credit than what is due rather than too much. I was, however, most impressed of late with a television program that told of a Labrador Retriever that, when his master fell to the floor with a heart attack in a mountain cabin, brought the latter the phone from the desk so that emergency personnel could be reached, and this without being prompted by the dazed man. How ever did this canine know the uses of a telephone? One only wonders if it might have successfully dialed the operator had the owner lost consciousness.

Perhaps even those of us who will say that the beasts have souls crinkle our brows a bit at the idea that they have rational minds, but I must admit that I am perpetually fascinated with what animals seem to understand sometimes. One day, our albino gerbils, Nadio and Olga, got their wheel caught on a long strip of cardboard. Nadio, macho man that he is, was trying to fix the thing, crawling all over it, trying to make it go again. I saw his predicament and decided to help him out. I opened the little hinged door and reached into the cage, and when I did, he herded Olga over into a far corner and stood, not afraid, but rather intent on what I was doing, ever holding Olga aside as though to say, "just wait a minute and everything will be all right-he knows what he's doing." Then, when I was finished with the repair, Nadio leapt at once onto the wheel, knowing it would work, beginning his exercise with the confidence of one who has just seen a god descend and attend to earthly affairs.

I suppose that if there is one thing that the animals truly have on us it is that they seem utterly lacking in existential angst and trouble concerning the meaning of their lives; they seem to know what they have to do, and they go about doing it without any deep thought or consideration of what "should be done" (despite the rumor of periodic rumination in the bovine). Perhaps this is what led Descartes to believe that animals have no souls-a bit of "I fret, therefore, I am"-but I don't think this holds up. The tranquillity possessed by animals might even indicate that they are somewhat closer to God than we, and Christ himself mentions God's preoccupation with ornithology.

A Writing 101 student of mine had what she called the "Theory of De-Evolution." She stated that we humans are indeed evolving and becoming more complex as we go, but that in doing so, we are ostensibly heading in the wrong direction; she contended that we would have fewer worries, less stress, less sadness, and eventually none, if we merely started moving backward. Sometimes when I consider humankind and its traffic, rent, legal entanglements, and ridiculous fashions and then look upon my quadruped friends and their apparent contentment with life and their surroundings, I cannot help but agree. Indeed, they seem ever content with their homes, their status, and with what they have to wear, coping with winter's howling chill and summer's fiery blast without complaint, most often merely pulling on a new coat for the former and then shedding it for the latter.

When we domesticate animals, if, that is, they are not domesticating us, are we bringing them away from their bestial attitudes and instincts and closer to our supposed better qualities? Would a wild wolf save a man from drowning, drag him down the block to the hospital when he was having an asthma attack, or pull a child from the path of an onrushing car? Domesticated animals seem to develop the ability to love outside their species and many even appear to have something very much like a conscience. Perhaps this is a part of the process of spiritual evolution. God raises up angelic beings; angelic beings help to raise up humans; humans help to raise up animals. And why not? This seems like an equitable and practical way for the world to work.

It must be noted again, however, that some wild species have higher morals than most humans. The Reese's monkey will starve to death when it is put in a position in which a relative receives an electrical shock when the first takes something from the food trough. Once the correlation is made in the first monkey's mind between the getting of food and the shocking of the second, it will at once cease to eat. We realize we do not compare very well with this "lower primate" when we consider that in the late 1960's, psychologist Stanley Milgrim proved that about sixty percent of "normal" human beings would deliver lethal doses of electrical shock to other humans for the price of $4.25 and the approval of an authority figure, a sum which makes the infamous thirty pieces of silver seem a veritable king's ransom.

Thus it often becomes confusing as to whether we are charming the animals and making them better, or if they are doing so for us; I suppose in the final analysis we find that it is something in the way of a trade off, a symbiotic dance. However it works, like many, I am forever fascinated with the taming down of animals. Is it not wonderful that one can begin with even something as cold and predatory and dispassionate as a tarantula, and, with persistent care and affection, transform it into a responsive and-dare one believe it of this hairy arachnid?--a faithful and loving pet? It becomes remarkably trusting at the very least.

The example of trained animals is also instructive. It is curious, as has been noted by handlers, that a carefully-trained canine will begin to forsake much of his "dogness" in favor of the likeness of his human friends and that, in a gathering, the animal, short of spoken language, will act as another member of the human group. It is demonstrable as well that this is not simply a question of desire for eatable treats; perhaps this is the way the relationship between trainer and canine begins (all relationships have rudimentary beginnings, and some are based solely on reward at the outset), but eventually the desire for chocolate-flavored drops is replaced by the expectation of love and faithfulness-and so the further transcendence of the wild.

Descartes said that animals could not use language to communicate complex ideas and that this was the greatest indication that they had no discernible spirits. (I only wish that he could come back from wherever he is-no doubt perched upon some celestial high-horse-to view the remarkable modern-day skills of the parrot and the dolphin and the orangutan). Perhaps eventually it will be shown, however, that it was in fact man who was for long periods unable to communicate with the beasts because of his deficiency.

If one could talk liberally with the animals, would they eventually be able to comprehend abstract topics, moral dilemmas, questions of ethics and right and wrong? Or would we contaminate their minds as we do their habitats, polluting internal as well as external? Would they begin to worry and make elaborate plans for the future? Would they scrimp and save for old age and fear the encroachment of inevitable death? Perhaps in the long run it would be a grave disservice, especially in light of the Theory of De-Evolution. Animals seem to comprehend a good many of our feelings and attitudes at present anyway, which can be attested to by those who have witnessed a dog who has been on the new couch slinking around like a five-year-old human cookie thief or a cat which can somehow sense a human's deepest grief and so seeks to comfort.

Finally, animals show us our own lives in microcosm. We watch their births, their deaths, their getting up and their lying down, their pleasures and pains, their interests and adventurous nature, their conflicts and resolutions, their sickness and recovery, everything in the matter of a few years. They instruct us in this manner as well in that we cannot help but see our own existence played out in them in miniature. Perhaps this is why we are so fascinated with them and why we love them so.

The mystery of animals also teaches us that life has infinite mysteries, some as painful as incomprehensible.

As I write this, a guinea pig of ours lies dying but two feet away. She has just given birth, and though the babies have been taken from her, the lasting strain of the delivery on her aging body and the relentless heat of July are wearing her steadily down. She has taken to a fetal position, a sure sign of serious trouble.

Watching an animal during its last days is a harrowing experience. It knows not of any end or why life has so radically turned its back. It fancies no benevolent God or reason for its suffering. It has no quadruped Christ to atone for all and make sense of illness and mishap. It has only itself and its sickness and what little comforts a near helpless human can supply: a little cool water in the midst of the sudden summer blaze, a little food which its rebel stomach will no longer tolerate except in small doses, and some strokings and pattings born of love, the only thing that still seems to be received without some compromise or condition. (Dominion...responsibility...what's the difference?) One watches and calculates, holding back the euthanasia needle until it is the only merciful thing left in the world, until the eyes of the poor beast finally beg for it. Then the animal, and another small piece of the helpless human's heart, are put to sleep forever.

Douglas S. Johnson is a writing instructor at Green River College in Auburn, Washington. He has taught a wide variety of composition and literature courses, Creative Writing, English As A Second Language, Medical and Legal Terminology, among others. He is also a therapist/tutor for autistic and learning disabled children. He is the author of three books of poetry, TRANSFORMATIONS, BETWEEN EARTH AND ANGELS, and OUT OF THE ATTIC. He is a regularly contributing newspaper columnist and book reviewer for THE NEW TIMES in Seattle, Washington, and he also places articles in a wide variety of literary magazines and educational journals. He has also worked as a textbook reviewer for McGraw-Hill Publishing. Douglas has appeared twice in WHO'S WHO AMONG AMERICAN TEACHERS and is a two-time winner of Sparrowgrass Publishing's National Grand Prize For Poetry.

Dear Beings of Light: Many small pets seem to be leaving our plane in this time space, and their grieving owners really need to know what happens to their spirits; do they also have separate souls, is there such a thing as reincarnation for animal spirits, are they progressing in knowledge as we are?

It is true that many animals are passing from their life times on earth, for very good reason, in addition to those whose lifetimes have run out. The animal kingdom is undergoing vast changes now; as your vibrations are making like changes to frequencies that allow them to advance further, faster.

All animals on your planet were created as companions, helpers, workers, and food, for the human race that was developing. Their intelligence was limited to the natural God-given instincts that allowed each species to live and act in proscribed manners, according to their functions in life. As Homo sapiens evolved physically and mentally, animals evolved with them, as they had to develop the knowledge of how to either evade the human hunters or to learn to live with them. All life forms on every planet evolve together, otherwise there would be a great imbalance of vibrations that would end up destroying each other. Some religionists believe that all souls were created with a big bang, just as the earth. Not so. Creation always was, and always is, creating and recreating. The spiritual essence of animals at first was quite misty, without recognizable goals or knowledge. These misty essences tended to flow together and form a "pool" of animal consciousness that was drawn from whenever a new animal baby was born. This is still true today in many animals in your world, especially those in the wild. Animals whose entire lives consist of mating, raising young, hunting for food, defending themselves and their families, are still drawn from the misty animal essences. The essences are grouped according to species, of course. Animals who had the advantage of being adopted by humans and trained to be companions or hunting assistants developed a new direction and became separated from the animal essences of the mists when they left the earth, finding themselves in a new company of higher-intelligence and purpose. They started to pick up a new direction from the Creator of helping and serving the human beings they came to be with. This close companionship gave animals a connection with the spiritual energy emitted from the humans, bringing them higher thought forms and purpose of will. This has been so for many centuries. A loving master brings his or her pet to a higher evolvement simply by sharing love. Cats and dogs are the animals generally thought of in this context, but many other animals are similarly blessed.

Animals who are, or have been, mistreated, shrink back into the misty essences to recover, sharing being and love with the pool of animal beings. It may be a long time before they are brave enough to accept the call to be born again on earth. There is a responsibility that humankind carries toward their animal friends, and when cruelty prevails over love, there is a price to pay written in the karmic book of life.

Human beings who have put themselves on the Path to Light have special vibrations that animals know and instinctively understand. Strays will be drawn to such persons and the more highly-evolved puppies/kittens, etc. in a litter will go to such a person when they come near. This is the correct way to find a pet who will be a mental, as well as physical, companion for life. Let them come to you. Cats and dogs, especially, have evolved to a point where they can sense spiritual being (Light or Dark), human beings nearby that are strangers, and animals of the wild who may be dangerous to themselves or their masters. They become a wonderful warning system to their owners.

As the years pass and the pet and owner grow together, the line of difference seems to thin and the pet becomes very much a sentient life form that is a friend and even a part of the loving owner. Communication opens in ways that only the two of them can really understand, for it is mostly spiritual. When the pet's life is over, the separation is hard for both of them, and grief is just as real as for a human being. What happens to such an animal then? The advanced essence of the treasured pet rises from the body and generally stays around the grieving owner for some time. It finally feels a strong pull that brings it to a place full of beautiful Light and Love, just as a human soul. If it is an animal who has been taught to love and serve, the essence develops into the beginnings of a soul being, having knowledge of what it is and what its purpose is to be. It does not have the full permission from God of determining its next master, but does feel the pull from a human that is searching for such a pet and follows that pull to be born again. Such a child-soul does not remain in spirit very long, for it is needed on earth. Even as a puppy, it is longing for that special person and will generally, with God's help, find that loving master.

Advanced animal souls have their own Angels, yes they do! They are comforted and guided by them until a new home is found with a new owner. Then it will continue its upward evolution towards becoming a real soul. Yes, animals eventually do become spiritual souls in the real meaning of the word, but it takes them many, many centuries of your time to progress so far. A very small percentage of them ever make it. Those who do not continue to serve humankind in the manner of their creation. If you are fortunate enough to find such a pet, it will become a real source of love and loyalty that is scarcely found in human beings. Those of you who have established such bonds will never find the words to explain the closeness that develops. Many Light Workers today who have never had animals before are finding themselves pulled towards certain animals and finding ways to acquire them. In the changing of attitudes, acquisition of knowledge, etc., many people have had to leave behind loved ones and associates who do not understand their evolving personalities. Owning an understanding little animal being whose unrestricted love knows no such boundaries is a great help in keeping one's own priorities in balance. If you feel such an urge, do not pass it by, for your higher Self is trying to bring you together with a great universal source of love.

It is the nature of animals to reproduce, sometimes in great amounts, for their original instincts were to fill the earth with their progeny. Today, however, that instinct is filling cities with unloved and badly treated animals for no real reason, except the natural need for the act of procreation. Many people feel it is cruel indeed to restrict an animal's ability to mate with another, but it is only common sense at this point in time to do so. We would urge each Light Worker who acquires a highly-evolved animal for a pet to have them "fixed," as you call it. Each time an animal releases the hormones related to producing baby animals, some of its innate power is lost. Human beings who use sex for purposes of unwise enjoyment also loose some of their inner power, for it takes time to recharge that power when it is lost. An animal does not have the ability to recharge. Sports trainers know this enough to restrict their players from having sex while in training or in the games. By restricting your pet's roving ways, you help it retain the spiritual progress it has already made.

When your much-loved pets have to leave you, keep in your hearts and minds their essential essence and personality and, usually, they will come back to you if they can. Your memories and love will surround them, wherever they are.

Reprinted in the May 1996 issue of "Celebration Of Oneness" with permission from "Children Of Light Newsletter, July 1995, by Ruth Ryden.

Celebration Of Oneness

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