The sacred path

What are your favorite animals?

Yesterday, as I walked to the temple, I encountered a group  of dogs along my pathway, just as I stepped out of my car. These were not ordinary dogs—they were the guardians of the temple grounds, sacred beings with an innate connection to the divine energies of the temple.

As I approached, they parted to allow me safe passage, their sensitivity attuned to my spirit, knowing I held no fear of them.

This interaction with the temple dogs felt like a reflection of my own journey—a journey of reconciling broken relationships, both in this life and from past incarnations. Animals, too, have a profound ability to sense the emotional and spiritual states of humans, offering unconditional acceptance.

They remind me of the harmony that exists in nature, a harmony I have repeatedly disrupted through ignorance and mistakes.

The Role of Animals in My Awakening

My realization deepened as I walked into the temple, a place of consecrated energies where people like me seek refuge and guidance. The temple itself is not just a building but a sacred space for introspection and healing.

The dogs, as divine messengers and protectors, acted as vehicles—or vahanas—of the deity, guiding me to confront my inner turmoil and reconcile my relationships.

This realization isn’t limited to the temple dogs. Throughout my life, animals have served as profound connections to my past lives and lessons. Each encounter has been a moment of awakening:

The Elephant in Thailand: Riding on the back of an elephant during a family trip felt like a reconnection to a past life. The gentle strength of the elephant reminded me of the stability and endurance needed to navigate life’s complexities.

The Eagle in Dubai: Holding an eagle in my arms brought a sense of freedom and clarity. The eagle, a symbol of vision and power, seemed to represent my need to rise above petty distractions and focus on the bigger picture of reconciliation.

The Dolphin in Australia: Petting a dolphin in its pool created a moment of joy and connection. Dolphins, known for their intelligence and playfulness, reminded me of the importance of fostering trust and emotional connection in my relationships.

The Wild Monkey in Thailand: A monkey that collected coconuts sat on my shoulder for nearly 15 minutes—a rare and intimate encounter. Its presence felt like a bridge to my past, a playful reminder to nurture curiosity and adaptability in the relationships I seek to heal.


The Message of Animals

These interactions are not mere coincidences; they are profound messages from the universe, urging me to reconnect not only with animals but also with the relationships and bonds I have neglected. Animals possess a purity and a depth of understanding that often surpass human perception. They do not judge or hold grudges; they simply exist in harmony with their environment.

In contrast, mankind has largely lost this connection. Driven by profit and ignorance, humanity has destroyed forests, exploited animals, and pawned others for personal gain. This disconnect mirrors the spiral downfall of relationships—relationships I am now striving to mend.

Reconciliation and Reflection

Each animal I encounter serves as a mirror, reflecting my own shortcomings and showing me the path to healing. The temple dogs taught me about devotion and guardianship. The elephant showed me strength and resilience. The eagle inspired vision and clarity, while the dolphin brought trust and joy. The monkey reminded me of curiosity and adaptability.

These interactions are not just about the animals themselves but about what they represent—the relationships, emotions, and connections I need to rebuild. My ignorance in the past, whether toward people, animals, or the environment, has caused fractures in the harmony of my life. But these encounters remind me that healing is possible.

A Deeper Connection

Ultimately, animals teach us that relationships are not about domination or possession but about coexistence, respect, and understanding. They are reminders of the divine harmony that exists in all creation. Whether it’s the temple dogs parting the way for prayers or the dolphin offering a moment of joy, these connections illuminate the path to reconciliation—not just with others, but also with myself.

Through these experiences, I am learning to move beyond ignorance and embrace the wisdom of animals, using their guidance to mend the broken threads of my relationships, past and present. It is a journey of healing, awakening, and transformation—a journey toward a life of harmony and purpose.