| Among all the animals in the world, it is the faithful dog | | | | the dogs mere breeding would be to downplay the |
| that evokes the most positive emotions in people. | | | | great effectiveness that they perform with their tasks. |
| Being pack animals, dogs are known for their loyalty | | | | The process is more than just breeding the dogs and |
| and allegiance to their masters. These animals can also | | | | finding them a home. It is also about raising the dogs |
| prove to be faithful companions when times are tough. | | | | and being more in tune to the needs of the animals. |
| As such, there is a bond that grows between humans | | | | Dogs, obviously, will communicate differently than |
| and dogs that expand into multitudes of cultures. This is | | | | humans will. As such, it becomes necessary for the |
| what gives way to the symbolism of dogs in Tibetan | | | | Tibetan monks to pay close attention to the dog's |
| Buddhism. In this mode of Buddhism, dogs rise far | | | | body language, behavior, and actions. This enhances |
| above being mere pets. Instead, they take on many | | | | the ability to effectively train the dog can prove |
| components of religious symbolism. This is why the | | | | possible. It also enhances the potential to understand |
| imagery of dogs in Tibetan Buddhism deserves a | | | | human behavior during this process. |
| closer examination. Such an exploration will reveal | | | | By having to pay close attention to the dog's behavior |
| much of the somewhat hidden symbolism these four | | | | and communications, the monks develop a sense of |
| legged creatures represent. | | | | being in tune with the reactions of living beings. This |
| One of the common questions people will ponder is | | | | makes them more aware of others and such skills can |
| the notion of what does it mean to be a human being. | | | | certainly enhance the potential to work, live, and |
| The response commonly given in some circles of | | | | co-exist with others. This can lead to a more |
| Tibetan Buddhism will be "What is the meaning of | | | | harmonious life which can enhance the quality of |
| being a dog?" Such a riddle can definitely take people | | | | human life to a great degree. |
| aback because it does raise a number of interesting | | | | This is the end result of a lifetime of developing intuitive |
| philosophical and humanist points. In particular, it shows | | | | skills deriving from caring for their beloved dogs. Such |
| that the answer to what it is to be any type of living | | | | skills are integrated into many other areas and aspects |
| creature is not easy to arrive at. In an expansion of | | | | of life and this is certainly a good thing. So, you could |
| this symbolic koan, many Tibetan monks have taken to | | | | consider the dog breeding of the Tibetan monks to be |
| become breeders and caretakers of dogs. They will | | | | a gateway into their soul. In many ways, there is an |
| then integrate the care of the dogs into their daily | | | | integration of all living beings since they must be |
| spiritual practice. This allows them to look at the | | | | harmonious and co-exist. If not then it would be next to |
| animals. From this, they can make comparisons | | | | impossible for anyone to live a life that was worth |
| between the animals and the humans who care for | | | | living. Rather, they would be living in conflict with others |
| them. This opens the door to a deeper understanding | | | | which are certainly not a means that is helpful. The |
| of the human condition and human nature. Or at least | | | | concept of breeding dogs in Tibetan monasteries plays |
| that is the common plan.... | | | | a large role in this regard. |
| However, to call the process in which monks will raise | | | | |