A dog as superior to man

Davinder P.S. Sandhu

When people want to curse, they call each other by animal names. The most frequent epithet flung as an abuse is to call somebody a dog. Trust an accomplished Sufi saint like Baba Bulle Shah to use a dog to hold up the mirror to humans.

Baba says that if the human rises early in the morning, and then chants His name for some time, he now wants to be called a saint. He wants the world to pay obeisance. But the dog remains awake through the night, and the bark is constant, just like chanting. So the dog’s performance of devotional duty is more steadfast than the human.

Come day time, the dog silently seeks a quiet place, and goes to sleep, without expecting any special treatment for performing his duty. On the other hand, the human wants to be treated in a special manner and revered as a spiritual person. The dog proves to be superior in this act too.

Bulle Shah will not stop here, but continues with relentless comparison. After staying up the night, and performing guard duty, the dog still loves the master, even if the human master does not treat his dog well.

The dog will not leave the master’s presence, and continues with undiminished ardor. Humans on the other hand are fickle, and if the teacher puts the devotee to a mild test, their faith waivers easily. On the touchstone of sustained faith, the dog again proves superior.

Therefore, Bulle Shah gives final advice: serve your Master with undying faith, or in this game of life, the dog will be the winner! The Guru Granth reminds us: A dog never abandons the home of his master.

O Nanak, in just the same way, worship and meditate on the Lord, single-mindedly, with faithful consciousness.