to Ramya about animal understanding

[Guest guest]

Dear ramya ~ from early times, animals have been regarded as completely different and separate from human beings. This belief, also extended to Mother Earth, also extended to all of nature. These beliefs led to the ability and desire to exploit the Earth, which, sadly, generations have done quite well.

 

First the big difference between animals and humans was regarded as the use of tools. Humans could use tools; animals didn't know how to come up with the idea. In more recent times this has been proven to be false, as have many myths separating animals and humans.

 

To speak of animal understanding, one might be tempted to say that this is automatic, part of their innate "programming." Yet how can I explain that, whenever I pass out from my pain or other symptoms, the next thing I know is that my wonderful, Dog, Pepper, is at my side, with his paw on my leg and an urgent and questioning look on his face. He also does this when I am in great physical pain, but awake. How does he know? What subtleties is he picking up on?

 

Pepper was taught (by me) all the basic doggie commands like come, sit, (lie) down, and off. Off is a wonderful teaching for a dog because they will begin to globalize it so it can mean (get) off (that person) or (get) off (that couch). But how can I explain his subtle understanding of things I have not deliberately taught him. If he is laying on the floor and is in my way, I only have to say, "Pepper please move," and he jumps up and gets out of the way. How can he understand this kind of more complex communication. He has also understood the verbalizations of "go see David" (my husband) or "go for a walk with David," after which he races down the hall for his walk. His understanding is so subtle that he will respond to hand signals.

 

We humans are only beginning to comprehend the degree and ways in which animals understand. I think the Rishis had it right, and that animals do understand. This is being shown in many ways, such a the work that has been done with dolphins. Perhaps if we had been like the Rishis in their understanding, humankind would have developed without bringing our planet to the brink of disaster. Please understand, this is not a soap box, just an extention of wrong thinking, that nature and animals are completely different from us and have no understanding. Yet the Rishis' wisdom is with us still, and I believe that many people are beginning to listen and understand. Jai Maa Jai Swamiji

~ Linda

 

 

Ramya wrote:

In verse 51, the Rishi says that "Just as humans, the capacity of understanding exists in all animals...." -- later He talks of birds feeding their little ones.