Friday, February 19, 2016

Tiger, Tiger, Turning Light?

Thought for the day:  I expect to pass through this world but once; any good thing, therefore, that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now; let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again. [Unknown origin. This quote has been attributed to many different people.]

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KUNG HEI FAT CHOY!

Nope, that wasn't an insult. It just means Happy Chinese New Year! 

In Oriental cultures, there are twelve animal signs, similar to the Zodiac, and  in a cyclical twelve-year pattern, each year is designated for one of these animals. This new year, which began on February 8, is a Year of the Monkey. The Chinese associate certain qualities to each animal, and by extension, to people who are born within the year of a certain animal. Alas, I regret to inform you, I was born in the year of the rat. (sigh)

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But I'm not gonna write about the monkey... or the rat. No, let's pretend this is 2022, the next Year of the Tiger... the breathtakingly beautiful, exquisitely powerful, and sadly endangered tiger.

And about Wat Pha Luang, a Buddhist temple in Kanchanaburi, Thailand, more commonly referred to as the Tiger Temple. The temple was founded in 1994 as a sanctuary for wild animals, and in 1999, the first injured tiger cub, whose parents had been killed by poachers, was brought there. That first cub died, but over the years, more and more cubs were brought to the temple, where they were raised by the monks.




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As of January, 2016, there were more than 150 tigers living at the temple, where they are said to be tame, and are treated like members of the family. One monk has said that the tigers had changed... they are now Buddhists, and live lives of peace and tranquility.














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Photographs abound of the tigers and the monks who care for them.










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The tigers are apparently docile, and at peace with the humans around them. What's more? The temple is open to tourists, and for a fee, they can be photographed with the tigers.






The more pictures I saw of this amazing place, and the more I read about the peaceable tigers, the more I thought about this painting:


The Peaceable Kingdom, by Edward Hicks [wikipedia]
 And this familiar Bible verse: The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and  little child shall lead them. [Isaiah 11:6]

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And I thought, WOW! Wouldn't it be amazing to be photographed with an honest-to-goodness TIGER??? To pet it, hug it, cuddle it? I mean... WOW! How wonderful!

Or is it?

Those who wish to pet and baby wild animals "love" them, but those who respect their nature and wish to let them live normal lives love them more. [Edwin Way Teale]

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Animal activists have long claimed that the tigers at that monastery are mistreated for commercial gain. Donations from tourists for the privilege of being photographed with these docile animals bring in one hundred million baht per year. (equivalent to more than two and three quarter million dollars.)

Since 2008, six to twenty cubs have been needed every three months to keep up with the cuddle-and-photograph demand. To meet that demand, the monks employ a process known as speed breeding, in which newborn cubs are taken away from their mothers, which forces the mothers to go into heat again. To what end? Each female can have two litters per year, as opposed to one litter every two years, as in the wild.

Accusations have been made that the tigers are drugged and chained so closely to the ground, they can't even stand up... that their claws and teeth are sometimes removed, and the tendons in their wrists clipped so they can't swat or run quickly. Even worse, allegations have been made that some are raised, only to be sold for canned hunts. The tigers are all supposed to be chipped, but supposedly, some of the chips have deliberately been removed, and those un-chipped animals have mysteriously disappeared. On January 21 of this year, National Geographic filed a report, accusing the monks of tiger smuggling, and illegal wildlife trade. Despite all of the investigations and allegations made over the years, so far, the Tiger Temple continues to operate with immunity, arguably protected because it is a Buddhist monastery. But that may change.


                                                           [by William Blake]
                                                         Tiger, tiger, burning bright,
                                           In the forests of the night;
                                                         What immortal hand or eye,
                                                         Could frame thy fearful symmetry?

                                                         In what distant deeps or skies
                                                         Burnt the fire of thine eyes?
                                                         On what wings dare he aspire?
                                                         What the hand dare seize the fire?

                                                         And what shoulder, and what art
                                                         Could twist the sinews of thy heart?
                                                         And when thy heart began to beat,
                                                         What dread hand? And what dread feet?

                                                         What the hammer? What the chain,
                                                         In what furnace was thy brain?
                                                        What the anvil? What dread grasp,
                                                        Dare its deadly terrors clasp!

                                                        When the stars threw down its spears
                                                        And water'd heaven with their tears:
                                                        Did he smile his work to see?
                                                        Did he who made the lamb make thee?

                                                       Tiger, tiger, burning bright;
                                                       In the forests of the night:
                                                      What immortal hand or eye,
                                                       Dare frame thy fearful symmetry?



                                Are those tigers burning bright? Or are they... turning light?
                                                 And more importantly, is it... right?

                                   Until next time, take care of yourselves. And each other.

70 comments:

  1. Those pictures are so beautiful...and then I watched the video. Heartbreaking.

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  2. Yet another sad example of greedy mankind...
    But thanks for circulating the story.

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    1. Indeed. You should see the grandiose plans for the palatial new temple the monks are planning to build.

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  3. Yes I would LOVE to pat a tiger. But. I would much, much rather the tiger lived free. And over the years I have heard some distressing things about the Tiger Temple. Sometimes I am ashamed of our species' greed and shortsightedness.

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    1. I agree with you, all the way around. Only difference is, I hadn't heard the distressing things about the temple until I started doing some research into it. Kicked my "Awww, isn't that wonderful" thoughts right in the chops.

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  4. I've heard about the tiger Temple and seen photos and always thought it was a wonderful thing, but I didn't know about the paying tourists and the speed breeding. That is horrifying and not at all natural.
    I'm a Dragon in the Chinese horoscope and a Leo in our western horoscope.

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    1. It all looks peaceful and wonderful in the photos, doesn't it? Sucked me in, too.

      A dragon sounds much cooler than a rat. :)

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  5. I'm at a loss to say anything, human cruelty to animals is a behavior I don't understand. Then again, we human don't really need a devil to help us practice evil. We're quite good at it all by ourselves.

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    1. I think the monks started out with their hearts in the right places, but greed ended up subjugating their concern for the welfare of the animals to a desire for more money. They're currently planning to build a new temple that is so ostentatious, it boggles the mind.

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  6. I found this so interesting. Firstly I have always loved the poem by William Blake. We first did at school way back in 1944.
    Secondly, like EC, I feel tigers running free and wild is the way they should be allowed to be as long as they are protected from hunters and others who would do them harm.
    With the speed breeding I recall buying a Siamese kitten back in the 1960s. We'd not had it long before we had a chance to take a holiday so boarded it with a lady who had a wonderful set up on her land. When we returned to collect the kitten it was not where it should be and we feared the worst. We went to the door of the house and the lady said she had the kitten in the house with her. Poor little thing had rickets and this was caused by unscrupulous people breeding from the females too quickly. If this can happen with domestic cats I am sure it could also happen with tigers and other large cats. Hopefully, one day, any cruelty being caused to these magnificent creatures will be stopped.
    Thank you so much for sharing this post with us.

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    1. I love that poem, too. When I came across that last picture of the tiger behind bars, it immediately made me think about the poem. The sad look on his face is such a heart-breaking contrast to Blake's words.

      Speed breeding of any animal is unnatural and cruel. It spits on nature and the welfare of the animal for the sake of unscrupulous monetary gain. Greed over kindness. I hope the tigers fare better in the future, too.

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  7. Ugg, what looks good on the outside sure doesn't any longer when you dig deeper. Greedy sobs.

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    1. Yep. Even some outhouses have a bright shiny exterior.

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  8. What is the truth? I'd rather believe that the monks are doing right by the tigers, but in this world where we are suspicious of everything, (and in many cases we should be), what seems like a good thing in the beginning often gets corrupted.

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    1. I believe the monks truly started out doing right by the tigers, and with all intentions of continuing to do so. Then the almighty buck (or I should say... baht) entered the picture, and the situation got out of hand. Even if we remove money from the equation, I do NOT for one moment believe these tigers have "become Buddhists", and are now "naturally" tranquil and at peace with being handled by tourists.

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  9. It is hard for me to believe that all the natural instinct has been bred out of the tigers. Even tigers in a zoo have been known to turn on their handlers. I'm afraid I believe the allegations that something is done to those tigers to control them.

    BTW, just wanted to reply to your comment on my blog. YES! It is the Tesla manuscript I'm thinking of massively revising and giving another go at it!

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    1. I agree. I don't care how many monks try to say the tigers have become peaceful Buddhists, it simply isn't in the nature of the beasts. Something unnatural must be controlling their behavior.

      BTW... YAY!!! I'm really glad to hear it. :)

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  10. KUNG HEI FAT CHOY you Buddhist monks!
    You would think that monks, if anyone, would realize that animals are not here for our financial benefit or for our entertainment. Wouldn't it be nicer to see the monks in their temple surrounded by hundreds of those cute, plush tiger dolls?

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    1. Yeah, you WOULD think monks would know better, wouldn't you? Yes, far better to see them surrounded by toy tigers than to see them trying to turn real tigers into little more than toys.

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  11. tigers are such beautiful creatures and your post is very worthy of attention to their place on this earth. burning bright or light indeed..........well done. Have a good weekend, you rat (!) you...

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    1. Thanks. I know you're not a big "animal person," but no one can look at those creatures and deny their beauty. Such a shame to turn them into playthings.

      HA! You have a great weekend, too. (Even rats have their purpose... I'm sure... somewhere...)

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  12. The tiger, along with the shark (water) and the eagle (air), is my favourite animal. I know, I know, they are all predators, but I have always been fascinated by their prowess. Great post. Loved it. Thanks.

    Greetings from London.

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    1. Isn't it interesting how we are fascinated by and drawn to some of the biggest predators within the animal kingdom, and yet are thoroughly disgusted and repulsed when we observe the same attributes in our fellow humans?

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  13. I've always enjoyed Hick's "Peaceable Kingdom" but preferred the probability of Woody Allen's quip:“And the lion will lie down with the lamb but the lamb won't get much sleep.”

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    1. HA! I never heard that one before, but I love it! Thanks, dude.

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  14. What a disturbing video--I am at a loss for words seeing this being done to one of the most beautiful creatures on Earth!!

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    1. Yeah, it is sad. Especially since it's all supposedly being done on behalf of those creatures, and to help preserve the species.

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  15. I've never heard of the Tiger Temple before reading this. Seems very sad to me. They are wild animals that should be living in the wild, in my opinion.

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    1. I don't have a problem with the necessity of some tigers being raised in captivity as a means to prevent the extinction of their species, but I think it should be done in a manner that respects their majesty and innate wildness.

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  16. I love the idea of a tiger sanctuary where people and tigers could live together in peace. If the other allegations are true it is so sad. Maybe here on earth there is nowhere people and animals can live like that. I hold out hopes for the next life.

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    1. It's a beautiful idea and ideal for wild animals and people to live together in peace, but it isn't a kindness to manipulate and exploit the animals to make it happen artificially. Yes, maybe in the next life...

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  17. This is just so sad. The last photo made me cry.

    cheers, parsnip

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  18. Susan, I've never heard about this before - thanks so much for sharing the story. It is beyond appalling that these so-called "men of God" could indulge in such abominations. The video is extremely upsetting.

    It's encouraging to know that investigations are now occurring, and that justice may one day prevail - even though it's too little, too late. What a tragedy!

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    1. I don't think the folks at National Geographic are going to rest until this issue is addressed by the authorities. It is appalling that the monks have gotten to the point of thinking of the tigers as little more than a source of income.

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  19. It's one thing to create a sanctuary for wounded or orphaned animals; it's another to breed them and keep them captive. Wild animals belong in the wild.

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  20. I started out reading your post thinking, "Aaaawwww...how nice" and ended with shaking my head.

    LOL at the Woody Allen quote that Geo mentioned!

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    1. That pretty much describes how my opinion of Tiger Temple changed, too.

      Yes, I LOVE that quote. :)

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  21. A late Uncle was an officer in the Indian army, and was called upon to shoot a Tiger. It had eaten a child, and needed to be eliminated. He kept the skin which was in his house for years. Not a pleasant tale, but there are always two sides to a coin.

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    1. Once an animal has started killing humans, it's a whole different story. Although it's a sad situation, I fully understand why those animals must be killed.

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  22. Dear Susan
    What a story. I've never heard of this before but I usualy say, "I don't know
    nuttin about nuttin. (and I don't) But I do know that it is a kind deed to take in and nurse an injured animal and a pathitic money-grasping act to breed wild animals for mometary gain. My family ...... and maybe because they were uncommonly poor ..... used to have many quotes as to money being the root of all evil. The older I become, I finally do agree with my family.
    I have never been a fan of animal sanctuaries or zoos. I say delight the kiddies with videos of wild animals running free in place of watching the live pacing animals with a longing sadness in their eyes. We have a court system because no one wants to be confined behind bars. Where's the court system for animals?
    Excuse me, is this a tiny rant? lol I didn't mean it to be. I just kinda get going. Ha

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    1. You're not fooling me; you know a LOT about a LOT! And I always appreciate hearing your perspective on things. You're right. There's a big fundamental difference between taking care of injured wild animals and breeding them as a money-making venture.

      Isn't it funny how the older we get, the smarter our parents get...?

      Yes, a longing sadness. That's the perfect description. That's exactly what I see in the eyes of the tiger in that last picture.

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  23. Hi Susan - I rather wish you hadn't told me this .. though I suppose I should have realised and soon did.

    Love the Blake poem ... and always think of a healthy sparkly-eyed tiger ... now your post will be added in ...

    Thought provoking - thank you for telling us ... Hilary

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    1. Hi-ya, Hilary.

      Yeah, the image of a tiger as described so beautifully in Blake's poem doesn't quite match the tigers in that so-called sanctuary. Sad.

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  24. Honestly, I don't know what to say. It sounded so sweet and unreal, and then it sounded horrific and so unfair. Oh man, what have we done?
    I'll cuddle the stuffed animal Tiger and pretend all is right with the world. :(

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  25. Susan, the rat is a very, very good sign in the Chinese horoscope! So no need to sigh.
    The misused tigers - they are a reason to sigh deeply about mankind.

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    1. HA! Yeah, I know, but the rat isn't exactly a well-loved critter. :)

      Unlike the tiger. A big sigh.

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  26. I think the tigers should be free and the poachers should be locked up... I feel it's so unfair to the tigers and animals that don't have their freedom.

    At first the story sounds good for the Tigers but then hearing what more likely the truth is, it makes it so much sadder ... :-(

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  27. What a shame that something so wonderful turned so dark and horrible. Tigers are beautiful creatures, but I think they are far more beautiful in the wild.

    I was born in the year of the Tiger - I'm very proud. (It's a source of amusement to my sister and I that our mum is a Dragon!)

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    1. Agreed. Wild animals are most beautiful and glorious when living in the wild, as nature intended.

      Being born in the year of the tiger sounds MUCH more cool than being born a rat. :)

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  28. I've never seen one of those tigers up close, but I will say this - when I visited Thailand I went to many of those monasteries that have elephants and monkeys, and while I'd heard nothing but rumors about how badly they were treated, all I saw was kindness and love. None of them were chained up, all of them were well cared for, and when I interacted with them they were more than happy to sit next to me or poke at me with their trunks (elephants) or play around with me (monkeys). So I'm not really sure what to believe.

    Animal signs - we're both the year of the pig. How terrible is that? Oh, and regardless of how the tigers are treated, I do agree that those kinds of animals are best left in the wild. When it comes to tigers, I'm more than fine with the mini version, who on her worst day hunts and kill a door stopper.

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    1. How very cool that you've been to Thailand!

      The thing is, it isn't unusual for elephants and monkeys to interact with people, and even to establish somewhat loving friendships, so it isn't surprising that they would thrive at a monastery, and interact comfortably with tourists. But that sort of behavior isn't at all common for tigers. I mean, more than a hundred peaceful tranquil tigers sitting still while being poked and petted by people? Pardon me if I raise my eyebrows in disbelief. Especially after watching a number of videos about the ongoing investigations.

      Pigs, huh? As long as your wives don't mind...

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  29. Well, that stinks out loud. I'm currently truly pissed off at a Buddhist, which is something I never expected. There are hypocrites in every walk of human and every faith.

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  30. blessings........
    I don't know why "man" insist on domesticating wild animals, there is a reason they were born in the wild. Now when the animal acts true to its nature and someone gets hurt, they will call it dangerous and kill it.

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    1. It's bizarre for people to be "surprised" when a wild animal acts... wild. 'Tis in the nature of the beast.

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  31. I'd heard about this place before and the ugliness under the pretty wrapping. It's so sad. Greed is responsible for so much pain in this world.

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    1. Yeah, it's a shame. Greed can sully the best of intentions.

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  32. I have a picture of myself with a tiger cub at a zoo. It seemed healthy and content.

    Personally, I'm a big fan of rats. My son brought home his lab rat from school and Wilbur is the friendliest, most wonderful creature. They're the most underrated pet.

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    1. Awwwww. Being with that cub must have been an amazing experience.

      HA! You aren't gonna believe this, but I actually had a pet rat. I worked in a hospital lab back in the Dark Ages, and I kidnapped one of the baby rats that were delivered to us. Called him Murphy. He would eat out of my hand and drink from the tip of my finger. Very gentle and friendly, too.

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  33. I loathe animal abuse and animals being used for monetary gain, so I'd rather they be left alone.

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  34. I was all excited about the domesticated tigers, and now I'm all sad. Gosh. Why would you do that, Susan?

    Kidding, kidding. Kind of. It's good to be aware. I'd never heard of the monastery before!

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    1. Sorry! I understand how you feel. It was soooo nice to think the tigers were actually living in peace and happiness with people, and that they were doing well.

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