1. Dog

The Dog is known for its faithfulness to its master. It can identify its master, whatever role he may act in a drama- (a clown, a beggar or a king). We must also have such faith in God, our Master. The same dog when it is the manager, will not allow the cows to reach the grass even though it is of no use to itself. We must not be like the dog. We should not prevent others from doing good and enjoying themselves. (Saiclopedia, p. 22)

1. Earth

The Earth rotates on its axis only to cause day and night. It also revolves round the Sun and we get seasons. These seasons bring heat, cold and rainfall, which are necessary for crops to grow. The earth does not benefit anything’ by the movements. So, the earth is the symbol of selfless - continuous activity. (Saiclopedia, p. 4)

1. Maosmi Fruit

If we want to enjoy the sweet juice of a Maosmi fruit we have to peel the bitter rind that covers it and remove the bitter seeds inside the fruit. Likewise, if we want to experience real joy in life we have to get rid of the rind of ego and throw away the seeds of anger, jealousy, hatred and pride. (Saiclopedia, p. 9)

1. Mountains

The mountains suffer sun, rain and storm without demur. So too we have to be patient during times of joy and sorrow. (Saiclopedia, p. 5)

1. Rivers

The Rivers flow towards the ocean their goal overcoming all obstacles. As they flow they give life and lustre to the entire creation (Plant, animal and man). So too we must use our faculties for the welfare of all, unmindful of the impediments on our way. This is the way to reach God, our goal. (Saiclopedia, p. 5)

1. Sea

The Sea keeps safe in its bosom precious pearls and casts away the worthless shells. So too we must treasure in our hearts only the pure and good thoughts, and drive away the impure and sinful one. (Saiclopedia, p. 2)

1. Sheep

The Sheep is a docile and gregarious animal. It eats only leaves and is of sattvika nature but it follows the lead blindly. So too we may cultivate love for others blindly. (Saiclopedia, p. 15)

1. Snake

The snake can never move in a straight line. It moves crookedly. Man too, when he follows the senses move crookedly (bad ways). Just as the snakes coming out of the ant hill could be controlled by music, we can control our sensual desires by singingBhajans. (Saiclopedia, p. 15)

1. Sugarcane

The Sugarcane welcomes the chopper, the crusher the boiler, and the dryer so that its sweetness may be preserved as sugar. So too, we must welcome troubles and travails in order to become good and wise. (Saiclopedia, p. 7)

1. Vulture

A vulture has its eyes only on dead bodies. It always looks down and lives near the burial ground. We should always look up and not down. (Saiclopedia, p. 34)

Indifference, bad company, disrespect, arrogance and jealousy, these five tendencies reduce man to the level of the animal. No one with these vices can be called an educated person. To get rid of these vices, it is necessary to take note of some of the good qualities in animals and birds. Man can learn any number of good qualities from animals, birds, insects and worms. One animal, which is viewed with contempt, is the donkey. But these are quite a few virtues man can learn from the donkey. The quality of patience to be found in a donkey is not to be found even in man. Whatever burdens may be heaped on its back, it bears them all with forbearance. It puts up with any amount of beatings. Even when it is starved of food and water, it presents a calm face. Man has thus to learn the quality of forbearance from the donkey.

The ant is one of the tiniest among insects. But there are many lessons to be learnt from it. The ant has a capacity for foresight. With fore knowledge of the rainy season ahead, the ant starts storing food from three months in advance.

Then, there is the spider, from which lessons can be learnt. Determination is one of its traits. How many times its web may be destroyed or broken, the spider will go on remaking it with relentless determination.

Then, there is the dog. The dog is treated with neglect and indifference. But the fidelity displayed by a dog is not found in any other creature. Getting a few morsels of food from a man, the dog shows its gratitude to him by following him and wagging its tail out of affection. But such gratitude is lacking among students who have been nourished, educated and placed comfortably in life (by their parents). Many do not have even a fraction of the gratitude displayed by dogs. Has their education or intelligence any meaning?

Take the example of the parrots. Conjugal fidelity is a supreme quality among parrots. The firm attachments to each other in a parrot couple is not to be found even among highly developed human beings.

The story of how Valmiki was deeply moved when a hunter killed one of two birds who were a loving couple is well known. When one of the birds died, its mate followed suit, unable to bear the pangs of separation. Out of the intense sorrow and compassion of Valmiki, the first shloka emerged from his lips and that was the beginning of the great epic.

When its mate dies, a bird will not seek another partner. It will starve itself to death. How many men care to follow the example of the birds in their devotion to monogamy? Many are ready to remarry after the loss of the first wife. The supreme virtue of monogamy is a quality man can learn from birds. Thus, there are many useful lessons to be learnt from animals, birds and insects. (SSS Vol.30, pp. 15-16)

The best teacher is one’s own heart. Time is the best preceptor and awakener; the world is the best scripture, God is the best friend for man. So there is no need to wander in search of a Guru. Learn lessons from every living being, everything that you find around you. Learn faithfulness and gratitude from the dog, patience and fortitude from the donkey, persereverence from the spider, foresightedness from the ant and monogamy from the owl. (SSS Vol.11, p. 117)