March 22, 2013

the Camel / Human / All Beings connection


click photo for full-size image
photo by Donald Kinney

About 3 weeks ago I had an unusual and rare opportunity to visit with Camels up-close-and-personally at a The Mountain of Attention, primary Ruchira Sannyasin Sanctuary, located in Northern California.



click photo for full-size image
photo by Donald Kinney

Quoting Adi Da, referring to the Camels; "To Me, they are the same as human beings—in the ultimate sense, the same. I do not imagine them
being lowly or separate, or different in any sense whatsoever
".

On the right is my dear friend Sandra -- who I've known f-o-r-e-v-e-r,
and just happens to be a genuine and most wonderful "kick in the head".



click photo for full-size image
photo by Donald Kinney

Think of Camels and most people immediately think of a nasty attitude and disposition. But as it was explained to me by the caretaker of the Camels, Stuart, animals who receive their due amount of respect and kindness will respond reciprocally in a most gentle one-to-one manner with humans.



click photo for full-size image
photo by Donald Kinney

While I can't tell you the exact location of this Camel herd, what I can say is the sanctuary is a very different kind of place with very different reasons for being here. What is being experienced is the connection between not only Human and Camel, but Humans and Camels and indeed, All Beings.


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3 comments:

John @ Beans and I on the Loose said...

I had the good fortune to ride a camel (single hump variety) in the desert one time. The greatest experience. I'd take a camel over a horse any day.

AphotoAday said...

Yeah, SINBAD'S DAD (JOHN) -- I declined an invitation to climb on one, but did sort of lean up against one--seemed like it would be a comfortable ride with plenty of hair to hold on to. They really ARE gentle animals, if they have been raised with respect.

Anonymous said...

WONDERFUL last words on this 'camel' blog.

In general, humans feel that they have the right to CONTROL the earth. They see themselves as the ultimate being. Other creatures are of worth, only if they serve a purpose. That may be for food, or transportation (in the case of camels), or used for pleasure riding .... or amusement (as in zoos). Oh, I know I'll take a hit for that comment. While I know that zoos do some good work ... research, preservation, etc. I just would prefer not seeing them as a human playground.

You really captured the intimacy of the camels Don!!

JB

 
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