In memory of Roxie

 In memory of Roxie

At the borderlands of Dewachen, the pure land of Buddha Amitabha, there is a peculiar stretch of land. It is reserved mainly for the dogs of people who practice the Dharma. There are predominantly dogs on that land, but exceptions occur. Occasionally, one could see the glimpse of some well-behaved cats, who keep themselves to themselves, and even a snake or two could be found, after the story of the White Snake came to be known.

The dogs have some memories of their humans reciting sadhanas and prayers, they remember the mantras whispered in their fluffy ears; the memories of the smell of burning incense lingers on the tips of their noses; the taste of the tormas they somehow managed to snatch from the shrine still coats their tongs. All those conditions accumulated together produce the little dog paradise in which everything is as it should be in the world of dogs:

The tennis balls are there for a chase whenever needed, and when they fly, they murmur softly the mantra of Amitabha. The food and drinks are a nectar that produces bliss when even just looked at. The smells of their humans is in the air and every time when the dog thinks of them, there is a hug available or at least a pat on the head.  

The rivers have the smoothest and most refreshing water, flowing gently with no interruption. Now, there are no vacuum cleaners or hosepipes, which is a bit of a setback, but neither there are hunters, which somehow balances the scales. Garlands of mantra syllables hanging from the trees sparkle softly with beautiful coloured lights, purifying all fears and worries. The dogs know that their humans are safe and protected because… ‘We are always here for you, humans! Doing our job. Nothing to worry about!’

And the best part is that whenever their people sit down to do any kind of meditation, the dogs instantaneously sense it and are drawn to them. They feel obliged to do their kind of practice the one they have been doing for all those years, or we’d better say ‘they feel the time is right for a little snooze’.

And slowly, slowly as a result of the sitting at the feet of their people, listening to the mantras in the little pure land, and being friendly to the occasional cat there, the dogs become more and more human… But that is a different story.

If you ask me if I am quoting from an ancient sutra or from a treasure text that was found in more recent times in Tibet, I would have to disappoint you: this is not the case. I have not a proof that such a land exists as it has never been mentioned in the Buddhist scriptures, but with all my heart I wish it to be so. I so much wish it to be so!