„Goodbye,” said the fox. “Here is my secret. It is very simple. It is only with the heart that one can see clearly. What is essential is invisible to the eye.”
From the book: the little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery
In December 2023 my dog Beo set off for the happy hunting grounds. He was an integral part not only of the family but also of the pension staff. He helped our guests relax and that they easier come in the heart. Some of our regular guests first ask when checking in: where is Beo? And not: Where is Konstanza…
I was Beo's caregiver, his master, and I benefited most from his personality.
- His being/character had direct access to the soft place in my heart.
- When I was stressed, upset or in any other way in a bad mood, he would happily come fawning with his tale and in an instant, I would become a different person, a kind, loving person.
- Even if I rejected him at a moment or was strict with him - he remained persistent in his love and joy for me.
- He knew no doubt or distrust, no resentment. If someone told him something bad about Konstanza, he didn't even notice it!
His love was unshakable.
His devotion was impeccable.
Which doesn't mean that he couldn't have recognized a serious danger to his life or the lives of those close to him! And then he was a big warrior.
When he left, the thought came to me: My God, Konstanza, what are you if you haven't accomplished these qualities? All your cleverness and all your skills - what are they worth compared to your dog's unwavering kindness and love? You can’t even be like your dog Beo – what do you fantasize about enlightenment or achieving Buddha nature… Don't misunderstand me: Of course, we humans should be smart and develop many qualities - the more, the better. But:
Our cleverness doesn't make us healthy - our kindness and compassion do.
Our cleverness doesn't win people's hearts - our kindness and compassion do.
Our cleverness doesn't make the world a better place - but our kindness and compassion do.
Years ago, my guru Makaja once said: We have enough clever and intelligent people in this world – But we have not enough loving and compassionate people. And once, when I was again having a very clever discussion with him, he suddenly put his hand on my chest and said: “Konstanza, you have to think with your heart! Anything else will make you, me and your closest ones unhappy!”
Cardiologists and neuroscientists have long time ago discovered how important the heart development is for our health: a strong heart generates an extensive electromagnetic field that can be detected a few meters away from the body. The science does not yet know, what is the significance of this field, except that it has a positive effect on all organs, especially the brain. Neurologists therefore speak of a heart-brain system. Furthermore, a strong heart, full of compassion and other subtle feelings, beats coherently. And coherence means energy conservation and well-being for the body. This has a direct effect on the brain.
Erich Fromm, the famous psychologist, sociologist and philosopher, writes in his book “The Art of Love”: Love is not a passive emotion, but an attitude, an active practice and skill that must be learned just like a craft. And: only if we as humanity understand and learn love in this way will we be able to solve our pressing problems on the planet – extreme economic inequality, ecological destruction, wars.
Of course, it's not that simple - development is a complex process. We need a good system, and we need a good teacher, master, guru. And of course, we have to practice diligently... And at the same time: yes, it is as simple as the fox told to the little prince.
So, let us be kind, compassionate, joyous and open - in every situation, under all circumstances, unwavering - like a good dog towards its owner. And our cleverness and intelligence will slowly grow into wisdom.