DOG MENTALITY: A PHENOMENOLOGY

This morning when I woke up, saw a neighbouring dog making its usual trip around the compound and lifting its one leg performing ‘sue sue’ ritual at certain places. This is not the first time I saw the dogs doing so. I just remembered a documentary on tigers which I watched in the National Geography channel who also have the similar practice. Not that these animals have the problem of frequent urination, but in reality, these animals are marking their boundaries. And within this boundary, they are ‘the Kings.’

Tiger Marking its boundary

A dog marking its compound

A dog marking its territory

The ‘King Dog’ gets wild when a foreign dog or animal comes within its marked territory. Its individuality, supremacy and territory is now at stake. Even though the foreigner is much stronger than the owner of the place, still it gets enough courage and strength to chase the enemy away. The moment it goes out of its own boundary, it feels weak and at times trembles. But inside the boundary, it will bark, yell and is really the King.

Often times our fate is the same. We have our own marked territory, marked area of power, marked area to exercise our influence and strength. Outside this boundary we are weak and mumble. Though we feel King in our place when we get out, we are almost beggars and at the mercy of others (just like the dog puts its tail under its legs when it feels weak in front of a stronger one). What a paradox! What a pity!

King Alexander who conquered a greater portion of East, tells his fellow men regarding his funeral. He asks them to keep the hands dangle out of the coffin, because he wanted to tell the world that the person who conquered the world did not bring anything when he came and will be going empty handed when he dies. We build castles, kingdoms, territory in the form of money, power, influence etc., as if it is the Kingdom which we will be taking along with us when we die. When someone outsider questions to our territorial establishment our individuality shakes. We realize our own ‘self,’ we feel that we are ‘barking’ within our territory.

At times we compromise with ‘others’ for the territorial reason. It is wise thing to do when a stronger enemy is attacking, the king knowing its weakness,  goes for a compromise if not, one will lose even that subjectivity which one owes. However, is this compromise at the cost of other’s life and relation? Difficult to answer, but it is true. Directly or indirectly, one is affected by this relationship of compromise. It may also be possible, a few may again gain power and territory and a few may become victims of it.

However, everything is just a play. Just play and enjoy the game. If not watch the game, and enjoy. 

Raju Felix Crasta