The herd slowed to a slow walk.  “Get some food and water,”  the elder announced.  The buffalo separated as they walked through the grasses to the river.

One adult buffalo was drinking at the river when a man dressed in a leather loin, with a bare chest and bare feet approached.  The buffalo looked up, not with fear but with understanding.

“I will need to take one of your herd, so that my herd may live.”

“I know.  I saw you hiding in the trees, so I chose to drink from this spot on the river.  A river that provides life to all creatures.  Just like the river, it is the animal that provides life to much of nature.”

“Yes, I have been sitting at this river for many hours waiting for you to approach.  My family is in need of food, and leather to protect us from the upcoming harsh winter.”

“Yes, I understand your situation. ”

“You must know that we are grateful for your sacrifice and we will honor you at every meal, and every night when we use your hide to keep us warm.”

“Thank you.  That makes my life worth living, if I know that at my death I can provide life to many more creatures of this world.”

The man then took his spear and ran it quickly through the heart of the large animal.

The buffalo gracefully died knowing that even in his death he provided life to those around him.

Ω

Life is not about one person, one creature or “one” of anything.  The world is connected.  Every person, animal, bug, and insect is connected.  The energy of the “river of the universe” provides life to all things.  The buffalo understood his role in nature, and was able to die knowing that his contribution to the world would not end with his death.

The man was grateful to the buffalo for understanding his need to feed his own family and to protect them during the upcoming winter.  There was a mutual respect that the two beings understood.  A respect that was genuine and heartfelt.

In today’s world, not much as changed.  Although the killing of wild animals for survival is limited to specific regions of the Earth, the understanding that we all need each other is still at play.  We need to respect and appreciate all living beings, whether they are a fellow human, animal, or insect.   Every “being” plays a role in the circle of life.

Just because our level of advancement has put mankind at the “top” of the so-called “food chain,” does not imply that we should unnecessarily take the life of an animal.  Life is precious no matter what form it takes.  Love all of life and see the beauty within it.  It may be a flowering rose, a weed, or a tree growing within the rocks on a mountain side.  Life is life, and we are all a part of each other.

InspiraCard

When you love life, you are loving yourself.  Let your life, provide “life” to the world even after you change state to return “home.”

Written Tue May 13, 2014 8:06 – 8:20 AM MT