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:

• The deeper common ground all living being share
• Everything and everyone is benefiting you
• The imagination to see the other as free and happy
• Self-reliance
• The interdependence between us and the world
• The impulse to connect
• Cultivating a spirit of generosity
• Interdependent individuals
• A greater sense of possibility
• Inner conditions of interdependence
• Interdependence always works both ways
• Our innate ability to connect with others
• Thinking about the consequences of our collective actions
• Collective actions and attitudes
• Viewing others through the lens of interdependence
• Interdependence at work
• Our intimate dependence on the natural environment
• Extend yourself and connect
• The opportunity to love
• Noticing the collective effects of our individual actions