Lessons from Yuki

Lessons from Yuki, the Ashram Dog by Jaein Kwak

I believe that dogs are spiritual beings. Their free-spirited energy is pure and divine. They love and accept us unconditionally. They live in the only moment of now. Because of this, they hold a direct connection to spirit.

In Native American traditions, dogs are seen as spiritual guides and protectors for souls in the afterlife. In Buddhism, dogs are viewed as sentient beings that embody compassion and loyalty, reflecting Buddhist principles. In Hindu mythology, dogs are sacred animals, often linked with deities like Bhairava, who is depicted with a dog as his mount.

After getting to know Yuki the last two years, for me she embodies these inherent depictions of human’s best friend.

What can I say… except, it was love at first sight.

Yuki and I became fast friends in my first week at Shoshoni during my 200 hour yoga teacher training many moons ago now. She had me the moment she placed her big, furry white paw on my sneaker as I sat outside of the Mandir studying yoga Sanskrit.

From the very first moment I knew that she held a deep wisdom and a capacity for love beyond her dog years and she will always be a lifelong friend and teacher.

When I practice bodhicitta, Yuki always springs to mind. She is a true embodiment of boundless love, compassion, joy and equanimity. 

Dogs are known for their unconditional love, which can inspire humans to cultivate a more compassionate and loving approach to life. 

And in their compassion they bring us healing. There is no greater healing power in the Universe than that of unconditional love. Yet, beyond unconditional love, pets heal by transmuting energies. They possess an uncanny ability to transform dense energy like anger and sadness into happiness and gratitude instantly. 

Yuki exudes a pure and boundless joy. In every moment she literally dances down the roads of Shoshoni with her pom pom tail , lighting up faces with laughs and smiles. Dogs live in the present moment, focusing on simple joys like eating, drinking, and playing. By adopting a slower, more mindful pace, we too can find contentment in stillness and reflection, taking more time to rest and appreciate the present. 

And when it comes to equanimity, referring to a state of calm and composure that allows us to respond to life’s challenges with greater wisdom and grace – this is Yuki’s resting state. 

Overall dogs embody timeless spiritual truths, reflecting the best aspects of the human spirit. By observing their behavior and communication, we can learn valuable lessons that help us understand our own motives, feelings, and thoughts. As we work on our personal growth, we become more attuned to purity and higher vibrational sources, which allows us to connect more deeply with these lessons.

Every day Yuki inspires me in my spiritual practice and for that I am very grateful.