Baba and the Animal World…
“We, to whom the animal world is different and dumb, have to learn, just this one lesson, by observing Baba’s affection for them: never to harm any living thing, for our sustenance or pleasure; never to lose an opportunity for lessening the suffering or pain of an animal brother of ours” writes Prof Kasturi in the November 1958 issue of Sanathana Sarathi, narrating the illustrious bond of Love between the Creator and His four-legged creations. The picture of Baba holding two huge Alsatians, which appears in this Special Birthday Number will be of great interest to those who have read the commentary of Vishnu Suri on the fourth Anuvaka of Sri Rudradhyaya, especially the 17th Mantra “Namah svabhyah svapathibhyascha vo namah.” Vishnu Suri explains that svabhyah refers to dogs, i.e., forms of Avidya, the four legs and tail of the dog being the symbols of the activities of the five senses, the illusion of I and Mine being symbolised by the two ears, and the entire animal, representing the tendency to engage Oneself in actions, with a perpetual desire to enjoy the fruits thereof. And, svapathibhyah, according to him, refers to the masters of dogs, the mighty personages, the avatar purushas who hold the Avidya in check and help to lessen and destroy its evil and who facilitate the manifestation of Vidya. In fact, for those who have eyes to see and the wisdom to understand, there is always a deeper meaning in whatever Baba does! For the generality of Bhaktas, however, Baba’s animal pets and the Prema that He bestows on them is just an object-lesson, in the kinship of all creation and the spirit of loving service of all living things. A long chapter can be written on the Prema that Baba bestows on the cows in His Goshala, how He daily visits the cows and tenderly feeds them with His own Hand, and how they too react, most devotedly to His affection and solicitude. Baba has had as pets under His care deer, peacocks, stags, rabbits etc., but in this article, it is proposed to give an account only of the dogs, who had the good fortune to be fondled by His loving Hands. Jack and Jill were the earliest recipients of Baba’s grace. They were two lovely little Pomeranians from Ootacamund and perhaps, they were in some past birth, attached to some Divine Personage; for, it was noted that they actually fasted on every Thursday and desisted from eating flesh on all days! The Thursday fast of these canine devotees put many a human Bhaktas to shame. They were inseparable companions of Baba and used to sleep, Jack at the head of the bed and Jill at His Feet. Who can say what dreams they had inside their half-shut eyes, while Baba stroked their silken fur with His motherly affection? After some years of Samipya, Jack breathed his last in the lap of Baba. The previous night Jack had gone across the river to Karnatanagapalli, following the foot-steps of a chauffeur and lay under the car, all unknown to the occupants. Jack had a way of volunteering to keep watch over the cars, which in those days, had to be kept on the other bank. Next morning, when the driver started the car, Jack was run over, but he could drag himself along the sand to Puttaparthi and the Mandir, where Baba was engaged in writing letters. Jack knew that his end was near and so, he heroically gathered strength and pulled himself forward until he fell on Baba’s lap and with eyes glistening in joy and fixed on Baba’s face, he bade farewell to this final interlude in his career. Jill followed him, soon after. Baba had them buried with some ceremony and got a Brindavan erected over their mortal remains. This can now be seen behind the Old Mandir, in the Quadrangle. Chitty and Bitty succeeded them; they too were Pomeranians, from Kodaikanal and, within a few years, they finished their round of birth and death and a Samadhi at Ootacamund marks the spot where they are laid to eternal rest. Baba has lead other Pomeranians with Him, like Lilly and Billy. He blessed with His care and love, a pair of Cocker Spaniels, Minnie and Mickie and another pair, Honey and Goldie. The very names He gave to these animal devotees reveal the sweetness of His Grace and, the Prema that He bestowed on them. Latterly, Baba has had a few Alsatians in the Mandir like Rover and Rita and, the two proud dogs which have the good fortune to be illustrated in this month’s “Sanathana Sarathi” with their Master, Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. They are named Tommy and Henry. Maurice Maeterlinck the poet, has said that dogs teach us, by their single-minded devotion and unquestioning obedience, how we have to behave towards the Lord. If their behaviour to us, ordinary folk, is itself so elevated and exemplary, how much more sincere and unselfish they must be, when Bhagawan Himself condescends to handle and fondle them! These animal Bhaktas of the Lord are as important for Him, as the human; He can speak to them in the language they can understand; He helps in their promotion, to the hither stages of spiritual evolution; He knows, which among them deserve His attention and His care. We, to whom the animal world is different and dumb, have to learn, just this one lesson, by observing Baba’s affection for them: never to harm any living thing, for our sustenance or pleasure; never to lose an opportunity for lessening the suffering or pain of an animal brother of ours. II Samasta Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II --
