9 Comments
User's avatar
Lisa Shulman's avatar

Such an intriguing title, and I love the last stanza!

Expand full comment
Amrita Skye Blaine's avatar

Yes, I thought the title was fun!

Expand full comment
Daniel Skach-Mills's avatar

Aaaaah... "Does a dog possess Buddha-nature?" a Ch'an monk asked master Zhanzhou. "Mu"

(meaning "no" in Chinese) the master replied. This answer challenges us to go beyond conventional understanding. The dog doesn't "possess" or "have" Buddha-nature...it "is" Buddha-nature, and can, therefore, be an enlightened Being.

Expand full comment
Amrita Skye Blaine's avatar

they are so present!

Expand full comment
Nan Tepper's avatar

Beatuiful. The ashes. I have my dog Hazel's ashes. One pup, Buddy is buried in my back yard. My pups, all of them throughout the years have been essential members of my clan. I can't imagine life without my canine pals. I'm sitting in my recliner right now, one pup tucked in at my right side, between me and the arm of the chair. The other one is lying between my legs. We are a cozy bunch. I seem to need this closeness as much or more than they. So much love and connection. xo

Expand full comment
Greg Carman's avatar

Very existential poem. I think?

Expand full comment
Greg Carman's avatar

Are dogs part of the essence of your existence? That’s how I interpreted your meaning.

Expand full comment
Amrita Skye Blaine's avatar

Yes, they are. When I graduated from high school, my motto was "love me, love my dog."

Expand full comment
Amrita Skye Blaine's avatar

is it? interesting. Please say more. What does existential mean to you?

Expand full comment