Nothing in the world can be, or should be , achieved by, or through the use of Force.
Only Love, Kindness, Gentleness, Compassion, Forgiveness and Mercy.
There's no other way.
THIS, is the only Way.
Just as the Buddha once taught :
"Anger begets anger;
Hate begets hate;
Anger can Never dispel anger;
Hate can Never dispel hate.
Only LOVE.
Only LOVE Can dispel anger;
Only LOVE Can dispel hate."
So, Let's all love ... universally, unconditionally.
Universal Love : Love regardless of class, caste, colour or creed.
Unconditional Love : Love with no terms, no conditions, no strings attached -
And, you know what?
That best teachers to show and teach us universal and unconditional love are ... the Animals!
Consider the following :
1) They'll kiss you even though you look and smell horrible in the mornings.
2) They'll hug you despite all the 'loose tyres' hanging out from all parts of your body.
3) They'll nudge you, lie next to you, stay close to you, even if you've just scolded them, or hurt them.
If the above aren't good enough, read on ...
Animals Love Universally :
They don't mind if you're rich or poor, elite or not (class)
They don't mind if you're a CEO, a manager, a road sweeper, a cleaner or a trishaw rider (caste)
They don't mind if you're black, white, yellow or blue (colour)
They don't mind whether you believe in the sun, the stars, or the moon (creed)
They'll love you all the same.
Animals also love unconditionally :
They're not demanding :
You don't have to be home by 5pm everyday (No Terms)
They won't get suspicious or insecure :
You don't have to hug them, and tell them " I Love You" all the time, or call them every hour / every night to report. (No Conditions)
They have no expectations :
You don't have to take them to restaurants, buy them expensive gifts, or chocolates, or roses, or diamond rings etc. (No Strings)
They're not jealous :
You can ogle and drool at all the sexy hot babes or handsome hunks you want, and you'll not get your ears pulled. You'll still get to sleep on the bed at night, with a goodnight hug and kiss thrown in. (All Forgiving)
There'll be no cold war or silent treatment :
You can argue with them in the morning, and they'll still greet you with a smile on their face, sparkle and excitement in their eyes when you come home at night. (Forgive and Forget)
They 'see' beyond the physical :
You can have a full head of greys and whites, or a whole face full of acne, or wrinkles and dry saggy skin, and they'll still hug and kiss you and not complain of your looks or complexion. (Total Acceptance)
And, They'll appreciate you as You :
You can be Ah Beng, Ah Seng, John, Mary with all your teeth missing, and they'll still love and accept you all the same. (Total Acceptance)
Yet, why are so many animals being abused and abandoned every day?
And, by the very people - the humans, whom they (the animals) thought they could trust, they could love and be loved in return.
I believe Gandhi once said something like this : You can see the Greatness (and I feel graciousness as well cos owners need to be responsible) of a society (and country) by how they treat their animals (not just the pets, but also the strays).
I think animals know how to love more than we humans do.
I had a dog many years ago, and all he wants and asks for is a hug from me before I go to sleep at night.
Then, and only then will he go to bed.
And my cat, who will always run and greet me in the mornings, regardless of where he is, or what he's doing.
We can ignore them the whole day and yet they don't fault us.
They're always giving and forgiving - that's how huge and pure their hearts are.
You know, I don't think any being likes to suffer, animals included.
Yet, there're so many cases of animals being abused and left to die a slow and painful death.
Why?
Have we forgotten what love is?
Have we become a Human race that's so devoid of feelings, that's so devoid of the very qualities that make us 'Human"?
That all we know about is making money and (economic) excellence?
Wouldn't it be good if we can be excellent at being Human as well?
Consider also the animals who sacrifice their lives so that we can eat and live.
I'm not a vegetarian and I'm not suggesting that everyone should be one.
I do eat meat, and I would always silently, in my heart say a word / prayer of thanks to the animals to show my gratitude and appreciation for the sacrifice they make.
I know vegetarians and some Buddhists refrain from eating meat out of compassion for animals, so as not to harm any living being.
It's about non-indulgence.
Some people have to eat meat all the time - every meal.
And every dish has to be 'Big fish big meat'.
I know a few who are like that.
I'm sure you know quite a few too.
Why?
Is it necessary?
Please don't misunderstand - I'm not suggesting that everyone has to go total vegan / vegetarian.
What I'm suggesting is cutting down on meat consumption, and not indulging in it if you can.
It's about non-abuse (of animals, as well as of your own stomach, digestive system, body and health).
It's about moderation.
The next time you eat chicken rice etc, please spare a thought for the chicken that's sacrificing its life so that you can eat chicken rice.
And, if you can, maybe say a word of thanks, or a prayer or two for them, to thank them ...
If we can start appreciating the sacrifice of animals, we'll start to appreciate life, we'll start to appreciate our loved ones and not take them for granted.
To Vicky, Kuching and all my other 'babies', and to all Animals - This is Dedicated to You :
"Maitre-Light Thanks You -
For showing and teaching me how to love Universally, Unconditionally ......... ".
.
.
'Jivaka, I have declared that one should not make use of meat if it is seen, heard or suspected to have been killed on purpose for a monk.
I allow the monks meat that is quite pure in three respects:
If it is not seen, heard or suspected to have been killed on purpose for a monk.'
- The Buddha, Majjhima Nikaya 55, Jivaka Sutta
