Animal Wisdom

Endorsed by Jane Goodall, who writes about the benefit we get from close relationship with animals and the way in which they can enrich us spiritually, this book expands the reader's understanding of the capacity of animals, including ESP and a deep sense of connectedness. Sometimes the message comes through collectively, as with a herd of buffalo appealing not to be forgotten by humans. One extraordinary story concerns an elephant in her 40s who recognised her keeper whom she had not seen for 37 years, when she was five. There is a nice quotation header from Samuel Butler saying that all the animals except for man note that the principal business of life is to enjoy it. St Francis (I have just been to Assisi and to his retreat at Le Celle) is the epitome of a human being relating compassionately to other creatures by acting trustingly. There is an instructive passage about the circle of life, giving and receiving in the food chain: 'Like life, all food is a gift. We share our bodies as food for the greater good of all; this is the natural process of life and death in the wild. We are not so afraid of death. We are much more concerned about life, living and surviving every day. We gather only what we need to survive and do not waste.' Profound wisdom from a different source of intelligence. The author also observes that fear of death is a fear of losing control. The practical guide in the last part of the book encourages readers to return to the perceptions of their childhood, which also means connecting with the divine within and having one's sensory attention in the present.