The Guru Visits Peoria

A spiritual teacher of high attainment was walking with a group of disciples through a suburb of Peoria, Ill., when suddenly a large and vicious dog bounded out from between two houses. Bared teeth and vicious barking clearly communicated the dogs hostile intentions. As the dog rapidly closed the distance between itself and the group of seekers, the teacher took off his belt, and just as the dog came within range, he deftly dealt it a sharp blow to its side. The dog yelped with pain and surprise, and withdrew to a respectful distance.

When they had walked on for another two blocks one of the disciples mustered up the courage to speak. "Master," he said, "you have always taught us the God dwells in all creatures and that whatever we do to the lowliest we do to Him. Knowing this, how could you strike that dog?"

"Indeed," said the master. "What you say is true. We are all God. Knowing this, and being so well attuned to the Absolute Mind, I was able to perceive immediately that God would much prefer to be struck with a belt than to be bitten on his leg."