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Pets and religion

Jindo dog worships at temple alongside monks

By Judi McLeod
Monday, October 10, 2005

You know that things are getting bad when even the dogs are turning to prayer.

although most dogs and critters attend church only when it' s St. Francis of assisi Day for their annual blessings, one dog on Jindo Island is attracting publicity because of his devotion to Buddha.

Tail wagging, barking and bone chewing are left aside, when one-year-old Hama goes to temple.

The dog, which attends services at a small Buddhist temple on Jindo Island, South Jeolla Province, in South Korea has won the hearts and respect of Buddhists over a month performing the "Yebul", a ceremony paying respect to a Buddha image, alongside the monks.

Says the Ven, Buksan of Buljang Temple: "We keep about 30 Jindo dogs, but we were able to train Hama, who is especially smart, to do simple things, and now, he can perform the Yebul…I wonder if he had some connection with the Buddha in a previous life." (www.alien-earth.org).

Hama has a healthy respect for other worshippers.

The monk says that when worshipers bow, the otherwise active canine, stops barking.

"It's amazing to see it prostrate itself with its four legs outstretched," he said. Endearing too, to all pet-loving people the world over.

Hama is as good as any fire-and-brimstone preacher, in bringing other worshipers to temple. Since word of mouth of the praying dog got out, locals and outsiders alike visit the temple to see the spectacle for themselves.

But Hama seems to care more about Buddha than he does about publicity.

Kim Yeong-seok, 65, a resident of the country, said he was surprised to see that when a monk places his hands together and bows to the Buddha, the animal bows in just the same manner. "The dog's posture really looked sincere," he said.

From all reports, to know Jindo dogs is to love them.

Given their almost legendary traits, it's not surprising that Jindo dogs are even capable of devotion to Buddha.

Faithful and loyal to one master, stories abound in Korea about Jindo dogs returning home. Even when sold to new owners miles away, Jindo dogs have been known to return to their old homes. Experts advise that owners must start to raise their dogs while they are puppies.

Jindo dogs, which will eat whatever they are given, don't expect gourmet meals,

and best of all, the Jindo is fastidious about cleanliness. It never relieves itself indoors and when it answers calls of nature outside, it uses its paws to cover the mess with dirt.

Is it any wonder why Korean masters love their Jindos?


Canada Free Press founding editor Most recent by Judi McLeod is an award-winning journalist with 30 years experience in the print media. Her work has appeared on Newsmax.com, Drudge Report, Foxnews.com, Glenn Beck. Judi can be reached at: judi@canadafreepress.com


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