I tried to take the Mother’s name but the fear could not be removed. I know this is impurity in me and perhaps a lack of faith as well because I started taking routes where I could avoid the dogs.
How do I remove this fear? The gangs of dogs outside even The Retreat kept barking at me every time I passed through there. It was very terrifying.
Dogs, in fact animals in general tend to mirror our emotions. Especially they react strongly to fear. Practice calling Peace and cultivate calm within you. It may take a little time but keep calling Peace, peace, peace until peace becomes a friend. Also practice the Mother’s Naam Jap until your being begins to respond immediately to Her Name. Once an atmosphere of peace is established in you or the Mother’s Presence is felt in you, then all fears automatically leave one by one or all together.
With dogs, it is never a good idea to run. Other animals too respond aggressively if one is moving fast than if one stays still and looks into their eyes with calm and compassion. All animals recognise this something special in human beings and respond to that light of intelligence they sense in the human eye. Animals are basically afraid of human beings and if they don’t feel threatened they would soon become quiet after the initial barking. Taking a compassionate stance is way better than an aggressive stance.
Affectionately,
Alok Da
