Puppy Enlightenment

Recently my wife Linda and I became parents to a three-month-old puppy who we named Ipo, meaning "sweetheart" in Hawaiian. I told Linda that I wasn't ready for another puppy, but when I took one look at him, and saw those intelligent eyes staring up at me out of the kennel, I had to trust that this was all part of some bigger plan. Ipo is an Australian Shepherd, one of the smartest breeds of dog you can find. Different from most other Aussies, Ipo is a tri-color, with a mostly black coat, some tan on his face and legs, and a white tummy. He will be the fourth Aussie I've owned, so I know what I'm in for.

I often have the feeling that Australian Shepherds are all former Tibetan monks who decided to come back into a dogs' body to be teachers for us ignorant humans. At least that's the message I've received several times when I place my forehead on the forehead of my dog.

If you're fully present and willing to listen, the deepest teachings are there in every moment.

Teaching # 1 Be Flexible

Instead of sleeping until 6:30 every morning, I am now woken at 4:30 AM by Ipo's soft crying as he asks to be let out. After wiggling out from under the bed, where he sleeps, he gently licks my hand. I get up, throw on some clothes, and step out into the early morning air. As I take in a few deep breaths and hear the sounds of birds singing, I think: What the hell am I doing up at 4:30? Then the thought: This is great. I always wanted to get up earlier. Now I can spend an extra hour doing some stretching and meditation. What a gift he's bringing me!

Teaching # 2 Be Creative

The only problem is that when I get back on the mat to do some stretching, Ipo is all over me, pawing me, climbing on my back, and licking my face. I can't help but laugh. Eventually I give up and try sitting, hoping he'll calm down if I'm still enough. I sit with my eyes closed, but within minutes he's all over me. Damn it. I'm trying to meditate here. This is important. I laugh again, seeing how caught up I am in my belief of what meditation should look like. Who says you have to sit up straight with your legs crossed? It's just another concept. OK, time to be creative. Why not try a Ken Wilber-style lying down meditation? I climb back into bed and lie on my back, watching my breath flow in and out. My mind is quiet. Ipo settles down beside me and is perfectly still. Exactly one hour later he gets me up for breakfast. Our little Tibetan monk is working on me.

Teaching # 3 Be Playful

In my life prior to puppyhood I treasured having three or four focused hours in the morning to write. Now, when I sit at the computer, Ipo comes in, tips over the wastebasket, shreds anything he can find, and cries plaintively. I get the message. He wants to play. Damn it, I hate to be interrupted. What I'm doing is "important"! I get up from my desk, grab his frisbee, and go outdoors. When I step out into the bright sunshine and see the miracle of the luminous green world around me, I realize he's giving me another gift. Soon he's flying across the grass, trying to grab the frisbee out of the air. I celebrate in his wild puppy energy and begin to play too. What is truly important in life?

Teaching # 4 Being Love

The deepest truth we can live by is dwelling in the unconditional love that we all are. What better teacher than a dog (especially a former monk)? Sure, Ipo has his own needs and demands, and is very clear about them. But there are moments when he is totally in Presence, his eyes staring steadfastly into mine, radiating a love that is without agenda, without expectations, and without judgment. In those moments he is inviting me to enter this sacred space with him. There is no difference between sitting opposite this radiant being then sitting opposite the most enlightened being on the planet. He reveals to me the Self that I am.