Hello Friends,
On some evenings in Kathmandu, when the power goes out, I light a candle, grab a pen, and reflect on the day. These quiet moments often lead to simple, yet profound observations.
In today’s newsletter, I’m excited to share three such stories, each featuring an animal as an unexpected teacher.
This edition is perfect for listening, so why not light a candle yourself and click the audio file below? Many thanks again to Greg Marston for his masterful narration.
(You'll need a Substack account to listen – it’s easy! Just enter your email, create a password, and you’re all set.)
Nature’s Wisdom:
Lessons From Three Unlikely Teachers.
Hello Friends and Fellow Animal Lovers!
Spiritual lessons often come quietly, hidden in the ordinary moments of life, noticeable only to those who are paying attention.
In a single day, I was taught by three unlikely guides – a moth, a myna bird, and a water buffalo. Each encounter offered unique insights into the path of self-discovery.
Here’s how the day unfolded …
My Buffalo Guru.
The day is young, overflowing with promise and endless possibilities, and I am on my way to my favourite chai stand for an early morning cup of inspiration. Upon arriving at the bustling marketplace, I find a spot on a low wall and settle in, sipping contentedly on the delicious nectar of awakening.
As I savor my sweet, spicy chai, a water buffalo slowly ambles into the courtyard, its gaze fixed intently on an unattended vegetable cart. It appears to have spotted a particularly tempting turnip, and it begins licking its lips with glee as it slowly approaches.
But between the buffalo and its breakfast stands a small flight of four uneven stone steps. The lumbering beast cautiously places a hoof on the first step, but it soon hesitates, unsure of how to proceed. It shifts from foot to foot, its ears twitching with agitation, as it contemplates the challenge.
Despite its immense size and strength, the buffalo’s slender legs and cloven hooves offer little in the way of traction on the uneven steps. Its one advantage is its low center of gravity. I find myself captivated by the creature’s determination as it wrestles with this new and challenging obstacle.
With bated breath, I silently will the buffalo to confront its fears, triumph over the steps, and claim its turnip prize.
Unable to resist the turnip’s lure any longer, the buffalo finally commits to a bold step forward. There is no going back now, gravity takes over, sending the beast on a one-way trip down the rugged steps. Its hooves clatter noisily on the uneven stones, and suspense fills the air – this could go either way – will it survive and stand firm, or will it falter and fall?
In a surprising display of determination, the buffalo stumbles down the uneven steps, keeping its balance, though not its dignity.
As I watch the buffalo casually help itself to the scrumptious turnips, I feel a surge of pride swell within me. Facing what seemed like an insurmountable challenge, the buffalo summoned its inner strength, overcame its fears, and claimed its prize.
And so, on this momentous day, a water buffalo becomes my guru, imparting a simple but valuable life lesson: Sometimes, all it takes is that first bold step. Once we commit, momentum can carry us forward, helping us overcome even the most daunting obstacles.
As I savor the warmth of my chai, the vegetable cart owner returns to find the buffalo happily devouring his produce. He explodes into a flurry of angry shouts, prompting the buffalo to swiftly flee the scene.
It seems that not everyone appreciates the wisdom of my buffalo guru.
Reflections on Reflections.
As the day progresses and the sun climbs higher, I find myself strolling through the busy main street of this bustling market town. Amidst the eclectic storefronts, a series of framed mirrors catch my attention.
And that is when I notice it – a myna bird, captivated by its own reflection.
With its sleek brown body, bright yellow eye patches, and sharp, hooked beak, the bird is instantly recognizable. Its glossy black head contrasts sharply with the yellow ring around its eyes, giving it an alert, almost mischievous look. The myna, ever bold and curious, is fixated on the doppelganger it believes to be its rival.
After a tense stare down, the determined little bird launches itself at its imaginary foe, pecking fervently at the mirror's surface. With each unsuccessful attack, the feisty little fellow flutters off, only to return with renewed resolve.
At first, I am amused by the myna's antics, but my fascination soon turns to sorrow as I witness the bird's growing distress. I gently brush it away, hoping to break the spell of its illusion and free it from this self-imposed conflict. Yet, the moment I move on, the myna returns to the mirror, attacking with renewed vigor.
Compassion wells up within me for this little feathered soul, so consumed by an adversary that exists solely in its own mind. As I watch the bird battle its mirrored nemesis, I can't help but reflect on how I, too, have found myself ensnared in similar struggles – wrestling with mere reflections, distortions created by my own imagination.
Unable to discern reality from illusion, the little bird continues its attacks.
And so, I am left pondering the lesson hidden within the myna's relentless display. It makes me question the power of our perceptions and the deceptive nature of our inner struggles.
Could this be what the yogis mean when they say that all things are illusory?
As if on cue, a flash of orange-red appears beside me – a yogi rattling his donation can. I fish out a few rupees and accept his blessing. Offering silent gratitude for the myna's lesson, I allow its wisdom to guide my steps as I continue on my path.
Like A Moth To A Flame.
That evening, as darkness falls, the usual suspects gather in the shadows of my guesthouse garden, their voices filling the air with a chorus of chirps and clicks.
Without warning, the power cuts out, leaving me bathed in the moon’s silvery glow.
I light a candle and place it near the slightly open window, watching as its flame sways seductively in the gentle breeze. I settle at my writing desk and open my journal, ready to capture the thoughts of the evening.
Suddenly, I am startled by a knock at the window. I look up, but there is no one there. The window, left slightly ajar, hints at a mysterious presence just beyond.
Then, as if emerging from the shadows, it appears – a moth, fluttering through the narrow opening, irresistibly drawn to the dancing candle flame. It flits and buzzes frantically around my desk, and I find myself captivated by the delicate creature that has so unexpectedly graced me with its presence.
These fragile beings use the light of the moon and distant stars to navigate, but my little candle flame has thrown it off its natural course, confusing its senses.
Enchanted by the hypnotic flame, the moth swirls in a perilous dance of life and death. I know all too well what will happen if it gets too close – a cliché waiting to unfold. The flame sways enticingly, holding the spellbound moth in its fiery grip. It seems there can only be one tragic outcome.
But then, something changes. The moth senses that something is amiss. This fleeting flame does not guide true like its beloved moon. Though it yearns to unlock the mystery of the flame that bewitches its senses, it instinctively knows it must find its way back to the moon's guiding light.
Summoning its courage, the moth breaks free from the flame’s spell and regains its celestial bearings. I open the window wide, and it eagerly embraces the night breeze, seeking solace once more in the gentle glow of the stars.
Leaning back in my chair, I reflect on the fleeting encounter. It had lasted no more than ten seconds, yet in that brief moment, a life had teetered on the edge of death, and I had been drawn to ponder the nature of perception and the divinity of my own guiding lights.
This chance encounter had revealed a deeper lesson: at times, we too can lose touch with our celestial guides, seduced by the allure of fleeting desires. We may find ourselves flying too close to the flames, risking singed wings – or worse.
Yet, in its delicate flutter, the moth graciously reminds us that the spell can indeed be broken, urging us to awaken from dangerous illusions and return to the sacred compass of our true divine guiding light.
A Day of Lessons.
From the bustle of morning to the quiet of night, these three encounters with the moth, the myna bird, and the buffalo unfolded like chapters in a book. Each offering a lesson that, when combined, paints a vivid picture of life’s challenges and the wisdom we can draw from them.
As I reflect on these experiences, I realize that life is a series of moments, each presenting an opportunity to learn, grow, and move forward with greater clarity and wisdom.
May the stories of my three animal guides inspire you as they have inspired me.
Thanks for reading. If you enjoyed this story, please click the like button, share with friends, and leave a comment below, I'd love to hear your thoughts!
Wishing you a week filled with curiosity, enlightening conversations, and unexpected insights!
✌️❤️
Grant.
Thanks Grant. How good is it to have time and space to notice these lessons right in front of us! I sometimes think that in the west we have crammed so much into our lives that we rush past the moments. Thank you for the reminder.🙏🏼
Great writing mate. Enjoyed listening to your friend, cheers