We can also experience a sense of closeness and connectedness to animals or to nature. I think the feelings of closeness we have towards the earth or to animals can be qualitatively the same as what we feel towards other human beings. In fact, it might actually be easier for us to feel close to animals or nature, precisely because we have made human relationships so complicated. Like human babies, animals are genuinely straightforward and authentic. Animals do not play the manipulative games that adult human beings have become so adept at playing with one another. They do not engage in that sort of pretense. We can train ourselves to shake the habits of deception and manipulation that creep into our human relationships, but this will take a conscious and concerted effort. With animals, we can experience that naturally, right now. For many people, their relationship to a pet can serve as an important source of closeness and love.

17th Karmapa

from the book Interconnected: Embracing Life in Our Global Society

Read a random quote or see all quotes by the 17th Karmapa.

Further quotes from the book Interconnected:

• Our intimate dependence on the natural environment
• Extend yourself and connect
• The opportunity to love
• Noticing the collective effects of our individual actions
• The full vividness of direct contact
• Time to act
• Recollecting kindness
• Outer and inner world
• Interdependent individual
• Freedom
• Knowing more is not a substitute for feeling more
• The best way to love oneself
• Gratitude
• Focusing on our inner interdependence
• A main condition for our selfishness
• Inner freedom is key
• His Loneliness
• Enthusiastically benefiting whomever we come in contact with
• Extending gratitude in all directions
• Limitless aspirations