Spiritual Pet Talk (9): Keeping snakes and turtles: an adventure of dialogue with nature

In that quiet country house, a warm and vibrant family lives with their pets. They have a dog, known as man's most loyal friend, and several snakes and turtles with their own unique characteristics. These animals have created a special bond with humans, sharing the joys, sorrows and responsibilities of guardianship.

In this family, having snakes is not seen as an auspicious thing, as it is widely believed that snakes have an inauspicious connotation with "fold". However, one exception is when you have saved a snake's life, or when the snake comes to your door to show its recognition and trust in you. With these special opportunities, having a snake may bring a spiritual experience like no other.

Among the many snakes, there are two types of snakes that are considered to possess a higher level of spirituality. One is the python, which is endowed with a certain sacred meaning because it has the form of a dragon, and although not truly dragonlike, they are still associated with dragons. The other is the cobra, a fierce and brave snake that does not fear humans, but also possesses a higher spirituality. Legend has it that the cobra once blocked the rain for the Buddha, who himself lit the two cobra lines on that large flat neck.

However, I personally do not recommend that people keep snakes. The yin and fury emanating from the snake is incompatible with human yang, plus they have a strong killing intent and bloodthirsty nature, which can easily turn against the owner. If a turtle suddenly dies for no reason, this is actually a sign of too much Yin in the house. Even the most tolerant tortoise turtle can not survive, let alone human habitation?

However, not every misfortune can be interpreted as a bad omen, in most cases it just happens by accident. Maybe it's because you don't really have the skills to keep a snake or a tortoise, or maybe the animals themselves are already doomed. The quality of the turtles sold in the market today is usually worrying, and vendors often use hormones to quickly grow two-month-old turtles and sell them as one- or two-year-old turtles in pursuit of huge profits. However, such turtles are not destined to live long. For people who keep turtles, it's common for anyone to have one or two die. In my own case, I was once so ignorant that I gave them a fire while they were hibernating for fear that they would get cold, and I ended up baking them into dried turtles.

Having said that, about your dog, I believe it is very good at protecting the home and has psychic qualities, otherwise it would not know jealousy. When the real thief comes to the house, it's not barking is actually silently preparing for the upcoming attack.

When you witness a small creature that is normally timid, shrinking, or even ugly, give itself up in a moment of danger and protect you with all its might, you will understand what is the most powerful force. It is able to transcend evil and even give up precious life. In the face of any powerful force, it is fearless and courageous.

This family and their pets together form a moving story, a concept of harmony with the natural world. They depend on each other, protect and care for each other, and spend countless happy hours together. Every time you read this story, you will feel warm inside and can't help but savor the emotions in it again.

Perhaps, in this noisy world, we can draw some inspiration from this story. Establishing a deep emotional bond with the animals, listening to their voices and feeling their spirituality may bring us closer to nature and return to our inner peace and kindness.

When we coexist with animals, we are not only guardians but also learners. Their loyalty, bravery and selflessness are qualities we should learn from. Perhaps it is this display of strength that makes us believe that in every corner of the world, there is endless goodness and beauty.

Perhaps you too have a pet that has grown up with you and given you endless love and companionship. Whether it's a dog, cat, bird or other animal companion, they are that special presence that makes us feel the true meaning of life.

When you recall the moments you spent with your pet, do those heartwarming moments come flooding back to you? They connect with us in their unique way, without words, we can understand each other. They teach us how to care, to forgive, and to sense deeper emotions.