“With the animal realm, we enter the so-called lower realms. They are called 'lower' to indicate that the suffering is far more intense than in the higher realms of gods, jealous gods, and humans.
“When Rinpoche says 'stupidity,' he’s referring to the way that an animal — and we ourselves when we’re in this psychological state — seeks ground and security through predictability and routine. The idea is to follow the rules, to keep the status quo. 'The animal quality of mind,' Rinpoche says, 'is a mentality which stubbornly pushes forward toward predetermined goals.' When animals are in a situation where they can do things automatically and instinctually, they’re extremely skillful and competent. But it throws them for a loop when their familiar systems break down. It’s so sad to see an animal out of its element, not knowing what to do.
“For the animal state of mind, Ken McLeod’s basic statement is 'I’m just trying to survive.' If you experience that mentality, the key thing is to be where you are, completely and fully, without struggling against it but also without acting out. Just get the taste and smell of where you are.”
