Annie’ s Run…that is what I call this little creek that runs next to my house and where this odd mix of a terrier played among the dragon flies and imaginary playmates at the water’s edge. I had this wonderful friend for almost 20 years. In the winter of 1999, while vacationing in a warmer climate to escape the mountain cold, I received a call from my house mate telling me that Annie had wandered off a few days earlier and that she and the neighbors had been unable to locate her. She probably had walked along the forest path that lead into the National Forest and being almost blind and deaf, she had lost her way. Annie was never found and for weeks, I had reoccurring dreams where she would be coming toward me but would disappear into a dense fog. Then one night, I dreamed of her. However, this time she was in a park somewhere in Brooklyn, NY (I have never even been to Brooklyn) playing in a green grassy area with a small boy. They ran, tumbled and ran some more. Annie was so happy ! And,I was at peace. I am blessed that I did not have to wait long for her to return to bring again so much love.
This I do know. Dogs are the physical presence of the bodhisattva. Through their teaching of the bodhicitta they remind each of us to touch our tender heart and to give to all beings the same unconditional love and compassion these beloved canines so willingly do. I have had many teachers of the dharma but the most compassionate and most learned teachers are these dogs who remind me daily of the Four Noble Truths. Today, I have Morgan my bodhisattva German Shepherd who is now 13 years and is beginning to fail in body but is as perfect as a ‘nobody dog’ can be. Below are just a few of the lessons my dharma dogs have taught me.
GINNY’S DOG DHARMA
- From Annie I learned of old age, sickness, death and rebirth
- From Morgan I am reminded again of old age and sickness
- From Annie I learned happiness, giving, joyful living
- From Morgan I have learned devotion, mindfulness, clear thinking
- From Annie I learned to be open to all things
- From Morgan I have learned wisdom and patience
- From Annie I learned that I am unique just like everyone else
- From Morgan I learned that if you eat bad food or too much food you will puke
- From Morgan I learned that nobody is perfect and that it is okay to be nobody … even if you are a dog
- From Annie I learned yoga
- And from both Annie and Morgan I have learned to love and be loved
A very good website for the person who may be interested in Buddhism without all the mystery.