A Tibetan Buddhist Monk's Conversation with Tashi the Golden Doodle on Reincarnation

Prompt to ChatGPT: write a conversation between Tashi the Golden Doodle and a Tibetan buddhist monk about who gets reincarnated into a dog in Tibetan buddhism and why, how does a dog get reincarnated into a human, and what does the name Tashi mean.?

Tashi the Golden Doodle: Excuse me, Monk, I have some questions about reincarnation in Tibetan Buddhism.

Tibetan Buddhist Monk: Of course, Tashi. I would be happy to answer your questions.

Tashi: Who gets reincarnated into a dog in Tibetan Buddhism?

Monk: In Tibetan Buddhism, it is believed that all sentient beings, including animals, can be reincarnated into different forms based on their actions and karma in their previous lives.

Tashi: How does a dog get reincarnated into a human?

Monk: In Tibetan Buddhism, it is believed that a sentient being can be reincarnated into a higher or lower form based on their actions and karma in their previous lives. If a dog has accumulated positive karma, they may be reincarnated into a human form in their next life.

Tashi: What does the name Tashi mean?

Monk: Tashi བཀྲ་ཤིས་ means "good fortune" or "auspiciousness" in Tibetan.

Tashi: That's a great name. Thank you for your time, Monk.

Monk: You're welcome, Tashi. May you continue to accumulate positive karma and good fortune in all of your lives.

Tashi: So did I do something bad in previous life to come back as a dog?

Monk: Not necessarily, Tashi. The process of reincarnation and the form one is reincarnated into is determined by the accumulation of both positive and negative actions and karma. It could be a combination of both positive and negative actions that led to your current form as a dog. But, it is also an opportunity for growth and to accumulate more positive karma in this life.

Tashi: Should my human be nice to me and give me lots of walks and treats to ensure he builds good karma?

Monk: Yes, Tashi, it is considered a virtuous action in Tibetan Buddhism to show kindness and compassion to all sentient beings, including animals. By providing you with love, care, and proper attention, your human can accumulate positive karma and work towards a better reincarnation in their future lives.

Tashi: Is there any chance my human and I knew each other in a previous life?

Monk: Yes, Tashi, it is believed in Tibetan Buddhism that we have a close connection with the beings we have encountered in previous lives. This includes close relationships like family, friends, and pets. So, it is possible that you and your human knew each other in a previous life. But, it is also possible that you are in each other's lives for the first time in this life. The truth is unknown and can only be revealed through spiritual practices and realization.

Tashi: Can I as a dog meditate?

Monk: Absolutely, Tashi. Meditation is a practice that can be done by all sentient beings, regardless of their form. The purpose of meditation is to calm the mind, cultivate compassion and wisdom, and work towards enlightenment. While it may look different for a dog than it does for a human, the benefits and results can still be achieved. By being still, focused, and aware of your surroundings, you can engage in a form of meditation. Additionally, practicing mindfulness during walks or playtime can also bring about a meditative state.

Wags and licks, Tashi the Golden Doodle.

And here I am in my favorite meditation pose. I do it a lot every day: