Did I Feed the Birds?

jasnoor · #1 (**permalink**) 20-Jan-2011, 23:33 PM

This morning I was feeding the birds some old bread. I started wondering if I were also giving this bread to the Divine. Since there is The Divine in all that exists, am I feeding/serving the Divine when I feed the birds?
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/questions-and-answers/34206-did-i-feed-the-birds.html

Please share your responses with me.

Blessed be,
Jasnoor
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Soul_jyot · #2 (**permalink**) 21-Jan-2011, 01:09 AM

"MY PERSONAL LIFE LESSONS" - FOR YOUR KIND INFORMATION:

"As a wildlife biologist, the recommendation I always give on this question is NO - REGARDLESS of what species of bird you are feeding. Bread that is made today is generally way too rich for bird digestive systems to handle. Also, most bread manufactured today has chemical preservatives used in it (in some cases derivatives of formalin believe it or not) that may be "safe" for our systems but is not safe for small animals including birds." - Mark Bastrop, TX
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=34206
In light of the above it is your decision what purpose did your action serve!

When ever one does good deed / seva by advertising it ( ego ), one loses the spiritual benefit / value of it! In fact desireless ( seeking no reward ) and humble seva is the key!
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=34206

The importance of selfless seva is highlighted by the Guru in this verse: "ਸੇਵਾ ਕਰਤ ਹੋਇ ਨਿਹਕਾਮੀ ॥ ਤਿਸ ਕਉ ਹੋਤ ਪਰਾਪਤਿ ਸੁਆਮੀ ॥ One who performs selfless service, without thought of reward, shall attain his Lord and Master." (Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji p 286)

jasnoor · #3 (**permalink**) 21-Jan-2011, 01:49 AM

I didn't know that about bread.

I will look into it. Its the crows who love it and I think they are scavengers and omniverous anyway. They come by each day when I'm out with the dog and caw at me for their munchies.

No, I wasn't trying to broadcast a "good deed". You totally misunderstood my intention.

I was merely trying to go deeper into the experience by sharing and seeking feedback on this new perspective about birdfeeding.

SatNam
Jasnoor

Quote:

Originally Posted by Soul_jyot

"MY PERSONAL LIFE LESSONS" - FOR YOUR KIND INFORMATION:

"As a wildlife biologist, the recommendation I always give on this question is NO - REGARDLESS of what species of bird you are feeding. Bread that is made today is generally way too rich for bird digestive systems to handle. Also, most bread manufactured today has chemical preservatives used in it (in some cases derivatives of formalin believe it or not) that may be "safe" for our systems but is not safe for small animals including birds." - Mark Bastrop, TX
In light of the above it is your decision what purpose did your action serve!

When ever one does good deed / seva by advertising it ( ego ), one loses the spiritual benefit / value of it! In fact desireless ( seeking no reward ) and humble seva is the key!

The importance of selfless seva is highlighted by the Guru in this verse: "ਸੇਵਾ ਕਰਤ ਹੋਇ ਨਿਹਕਾਮੀ ॥ ਤਿਸ ਕਉ ਹੋਤ ਪਰਾਪਤਿ ਸੁਆਮੀ ॥ One who performs selfless service, without thought of reward, shall attain his Lord and Master." (Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji p 286)

Ambarsaria · #4 (**permalink**) 21-Jan-2011, 02:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jasnoor

I didn't know that about bread.

I will look into it. Its the crows who love it and I think they are scavengers and omniverous anyway. They come by each day when I'm out with the dog and caw at me for their munchies.

No, I wasn't trying to broadcast a "good deed". You totally misunderstood my intention.

I was merely trying to go deeper into the experience by sharing and seeking feedback on this new perspective about birdfeeding.

SatNam
Jasnoor

Jasnoor ji we are in oneness with God's creations all around us. Aside from the fact whether the bread is good for the birds and specifically the crows as our family does the same. I will definitely let them know too about souljoyt ji's comment about preservatives and contents in bread.

In terms of divine, I find that whenever something like "eyes are windows to the soul", I like to look into the eyes of birds, animals and people. I done this with peigeons, squirrels, doves, dogs, etc., and I experience the divine when you forget in an instance rest of the physicals. It is like a handshake, a hug or such for me.

I find it a wonderful experience. You may want to try it.

Sat Sri Akal.

jasnoor · #5 (**permalink**) 21-Jan-2011, 02:14 AM

Ambarsaria ji

I do feel bad I've been feeding them something that ultimately is so bad for them. I will look into it more.

Looking in the eyes of creatures and people is an awesome idea. I will try it. What about experiencing the Divine more intimately in trees and lakes and beings who do not have eyes. What would be help one be more aware of the Divinity in them?

Sat Sri Akal

Jasnoor

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ambarsaria

Jasnoor ji we are in oneness with God's creations all around us. Aside from the fact whether the bread is good for the birds and specifically the crows as our family does the same. I will definitely let them know too about souljoyt ji's comment about preservatives and contents in bread.

In terms of divine, I find that whenever something like "eyes are windows to the soul", I like to look into the eyes of birds, animals and people. I done this with peigeons, squirrels, doves, dogs, etc., and I experience the divine when you forget in an instance rest of the physicals. It is like a handshake, a hug or such for me.

I find it a wonderful experience. You may want to try it.

Sat Sri Akal.

Ambarsaria · #6 (**permalink**) 21-Jan-2011, 02:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jasnoor

Ambarsaria ji

I do feel bad I've been feeding them something that ultimately is so bad for them. I will look into it more.

Looking in the eyes of creatures and people is an awesome idea. I will try it. What about experiencing the Divine more intimately in trees and lakes and beings who do not have eyes. What would be help one be more aware of the Divinity in them?

Sat Sri Akal

Jasnoor

Jasnoor ji then I see and start contemplating the new growth, the dead leaves, the flowers and the wind and the natural sounds. It becomes an experience to behold how the cycles of life and transformation of variety of things from one into the other takes place.

I just go in wonderment. No I am not intoxicated or anything when I experience all this creation.

Take care.

Sat Sri Akal.

BhagatSingh · #7 (**permalink**) 21-Jan-2011, 05:47 AM

Ambarsaria Ji,
You are experiencing and practicing Taoist meditation! I knew your experience sounded familiar but I couldn't put my finger on it. Anyways, it's a wonderful form of meditation. I used to refer to it as "city reading" before I found out something similar already exists and is practiced in a different corner of the world.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=34206
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=34206

Let me try and find a good source of it online.

Cheers

Ambarsaria · #8 (**permalink**) 21-Jan-2011, 07:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BhagatSingh

Ambarsaria Ji,
You are experiencing and practicing Taoist meditation! I knew your experience sounded familiar but I couldn't put my finger on it. Anyways, it's a wonderful form of meditation. I used to refer to it as "city reading" before I found out something similar already exists and is practiced in a different corner of the world.

Let me try and find a good source of it online.

Cheers

Bhagat Singh ji thank you.

At the moment as I indicated earlier, I have initiated my reading of Professor Sahib Singh ji's Guru Granth Darpan. It is very large piece of work and very enriching. I do believe it will take me many years if not my remaining life time to understand. With this and other worldly activities my plate is more than full.

As for as meditation, I do what comes naturally to me and perhaps God blessed me in that way. I do not plan to follow any methodologies or regimes in this area. However, now that you put the "Taoist" word in my mind

I believe it will stay with me and perhaps hook me some day to get further insights.

Regards,

Sat Sri Akal.

Ishna · #9 (**permalink**) 21-Jan-2011, 08:36 AM

Oh! Oh! How about looking in the space between you and an object and seeing if you can see God there, too?
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=34206

We feed our magpies raw mince meat. They come right up to the door for it sometimes.

And as for doing good deeds with no thought of reward... I'd like to meet the person who does seva with the thought that they don't expect their eternal reward (merger with Waheguru) after their life is sone...
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=34206

Ishna