I used to be a person without any affection for animals, and at the mere sight of bugs of any kind in my home, I always rudely scooped them into a small bucket and dumped them onto the lawn outside, all the while flattering myself that I was being very merciful to these creatures.

In December 2001, I went to the Florida Center and took part in the four day Christmas retreat, during which I saw Master show enormous patience, care and gentleness toward Her pets. By contrast, I did not find in my own body a single cell that bore any feeling of oneness with other sentient beings. Faced with these birds and dogs, I had only the feeling of visiting a zoo.

On one of the days after the retreat, Master summoned almost all of Her birds to the stage. The only things that attracted my attention about them were their colorful feathers. Later, Master asked, "Who wants to hold the parrot?" and it immediately came to me that whatever Master offers must be full of blessing. Then I quickly went to the front and let a snow-white parrot sit on my arm. Though I did not really like it, when I felt the agitation of the bird, I spontaneously said to her, "We all love you!" On hearing this, the parrot turned her head slowly backward, with the appearance of being moved by my caring remark.

Since returning from the Florida retreat, I have noticed a distinct difference in myself when observing little creatures in my environment. While moving them out of my house, my movements have become much gentler, as if I am sending a friend home. In light of my experience at the retreat, I have come to realize that Master in fact adopts little creatures not only to save sentient beings, but also to elevate us spiritually and lead us back to an awareness of the oneness of all beings.

Spiritual Interludes: To Please the Eyes of the PeopleBack to Contents