My 7-year-old son believes in reincarnation, so I asked him what he would like to come back as in his next life.
“Probably a dog,” he said nonchalantly. “Or Santa Claus.”
After a bit of contemplation, I realized how wise this response was. We often think that humans are at the top of the reincarnation ladder, but this isn’t necessarily true. Dog is God spelled backwards.
“If you can remain perfectly calm in traffic…
If you see others succeed without a tinge of jealousy,
If you can love everyone around you unconditionally,
If you can always be cheerful just where you are,
You are probably…
A Dog!”
I’m starting to think that dogs are far more enlightened than even high-vibration spiritual masters. Our two Shi Tzus are definitely the two most compassionate and equanimous members of our household.
When my sons are crying, both my dogs will start to moan and howl in unison with the cries. When I had a tumor, Skye and Jax would come lie on my belly when I was sleeping. They could sense my pain and would just be with me.
These dogs spend most of their day sitting in silence. One could argue that they meditate over 5 hours a day. They always welcome me with open paws when I return after a long day and never seem to hold any grudges, even when I forget to feed them.
I think my son was intuitively sensing into a higher consciousness. Even his answer about Santa Claus can be seen as refined.
Santa Clause spreads joy and gives generously without any expectation of getting anything in return. If he was a Buddhist, he would be what we call a Bodhisattva—a being that compassionately refrains from enlightenment in order to save others. Was my son saying that he wants to come back as a Bodhisattva?
A dog or a Bodhisattva, those are two noble intentions. Amazing how simple and wise young children can be.
What would you come back as in your next life if you had the opportunity?
everyday gurus 
Ha! I would come back as a world and Olympic champion ice dancer in a healthy long term relationship with my dance partner and coaches. 🙂
Alison
Love that Alison. I notice how your soul wants to bring beauty out in the world, whether it is through photography or body movement. I also love the intention to have long-term relationships. I really believe that any manifestation is all about relationships.
Hugs,
Kozo
Great post! For my next life I’m thinking an orchid.
Love that, Lunar Euphoria. I think trees and plants are some of the highest life forms on earth. When I think about meditation, nothing meditates better than a tree. 🙂 I’m also reading a book called Braiding Sweetgrass by a Potawatomi Native American. The Native Americans see the plants as our elders. Humans are the youngest species who mistakenly believe we are the rulers. Also, Orchids are beautiful.
Hugs, Kozo
I think my blog name gives it away 😉 ha ha
I think the training is ending soon, Annie. 🙂 Forget about next life, do it now! haha
Hugs,
Kozo
let’s call 2017 the year of setback ha ha and I’ll try again in the new year 🙂
ps Kozo, this year I went to Hawaii! soooo beautiful x
Maika’i Annie. That means great in Hawaiian. Hope you got to experience some Aloha spirit. By the way, my 7 year old keeps saying he wants to go to Australia and New Zealand for the weekend. 🙂
Hugs,
Kozo
Yes I did, it’s a magic place. Oh that’s so sweet – let him know annie said a bit far for the weekend but I look forward to meeting him when he gets here xx
All same and I would not make the same mistakes again.
Nice, Ashualec. Be great to come back as the same person knowing what we are here for. I feel like my mistakes have taught me the most. I know I wouldn’t be where I am today if I had made all the right choices. I probably would be a lot more arrogant.
Hugs,
Kozo