The Bear Essentials

In their writings, Lao Tzu and Chuang Tzu remind us that each being has its own nature. Too often, however, humankind tries in vainly to force the nature of our species upon others. When other beings act in a way that is natural for them, but not the way we desire, we become angry and self-righteous. How dare they!!!

So, it was refreshing to read a news report about a geologist in Alaska who was attacked by a grizzly bear and yet had no hard feelings nor animus towards the bear.

Propped up in his hospital bed Wednesday, Miller gingerly touched what he thought were bite marks just above his buttocks on his left side. His right arm was heavily bandaged from bicep to wrist; another bulky bandage encased his right thigh, which the bear had chewed from the back of his leg to the front.

Miller's face was unscathed except for a few scratches, but the bear nearly ripped off his left ear. Using his finger, he traced where it had been reattached with two rows of stitches.

Still, the geologist, who until five years ago worked as a roofer, said he holds no grudge against the bear.

"The bear was just doing what bears do," Miller said.

No Taoist sage could say or write it any better!