The Spiritual Life of Dogs: A Discussion Between Gene Rosov & Walter Liveda, LLD
Wait a minute. First of all, do you mean, Mr. Rosov, that dogs actually HAVE a spiritual life – a life apart from the ordinary, hum-drum practical daily elements of life on earth? And second, Mr. Rosov, how do you show us – in the context of demonstrating a spiritual life for dogs – that they pursue, actively, an ever-growing sense of spiritualism, a spiritual path, which is surely a concomitant of any type of spiritual life, both here on earth and…elsewhere, in the other places?
My dear Walter, I’ll be delighted to address your questions, both explicit and underlying. I hope you’ll forgive me for pointing out that your predilections, quite apart from any far-reaching wholly rational argument, demonstrate a series of intellectual errors which, in and of themselves, preclude any possibility of a spiritual life or cogent exegesis.
Well, Mr. Rosov, I’m looking forward to your argument. It wasn’t my intention to forestall the discussion right off the bat…but perhaps you’d be kind enough to tell me wherein lies truth, and the error of my thinking ways.
I must say, Walter, I’m pleased to find you so willingly receptive to hearing me out on this subject. Given your background, history and your father’s uniquely earthy role, I appreciate your open ears and mind. May I proceed?
Of course! Yes, by all means, Mr. Rosov. I’m 100% yours, and I seat myself at your feet in the posture of an abject proselyte.
If I remember correctly, Walter, you said that the spiritual life is “a life apart from the ordinary hum-drum practical daily elements of life on earth.” I think you phrased it as a question. Is that correct?
Yes, yes, Herre Rosov, I believe you have accurately quoted me. And yes, I posed it as a question.
Let me ask you, Walter – it is ok to call you Walter, is it, Herre Liveda?
Yes, it’s fine. Do proceed. Just be sure to speak my name forwards, not backwards.
Of course. Dank sei dir, unser Gott. Well, Walter, your question, really a statement, of sorts, indicates that there are at least two functional features or types of life: first, the spiritual life – however we may ultimately define such a life – and the “ordinary practice life” built of quotidian elements. In a profound and simultaneously simplistic fashion, I would state that everyday life, with its “humdrum practical daily elements” as you call them, can, should, and indeed must be lived within the long shadow of spiritualism. A “hum-drum practical life” is of little, or indeed of no earthly (or heavenly) value, unless it is continuously imbued with the awareness of spiritual living, moment by moment.
Therefore, to imply that there are two separate lives….boundaried by ethical, intellectual, moral, behavioral walls… is a falsehood. And a dangerous falsehood, in that it denies the vital importance of imbuing everyday quotidian life, minute by minute, with the stuff of soul and heaven.
Herre Rosov, do you know anyone who actually lives in such a way as you describe?
You know, Walter, I cannot say that I know many who live in this way, but I surely knowest some. They are continuously striving, and some struggling, to maintain a heavenly perspective whilst consorting with the unavoidable living and inanimate elements of a daily earthly walk. And of course, these tend to drag one Bis in die Tiefe. I know that in your line of work this is de rigueur, and preferable. Tragedy and depression are two key facets of your trade, as they not?
Hmmm…I cannot say that they are not, but perhaps you overstate the case. We impose and initiate nothing, but move into view to support a more realistic interpretation of the meaning of daily honest life, only when the novice or novitiate requests our help.
I’m sure of that, Walter. But let’s not abjure the higher discussion. I wanted to go back to the second point you elucidated.
Please proceed, my dear friend. Please proceed.
And second, Mr. Rosov, how do you show us – in the context of demonstrating a spiritual life for dogs – that they pursue, actively, an ever-growing sense of spiritualism, a spiritual path, which is surely a concomitant of any type of spiritual life, both here on earth and…elsewhere, in the other places?
