What are animals spiritual purpose on this earth?

[johnnathan]

I've always wondered about it.

[Moth]

Myself, I consider this to be a null question. However, I will leave you with this thought: "If you want to know what someone thinks of people, just look at the way they treat animals"

[Kalcolindo]

When you find out your place on Earth, then you will understand their purpose also.

[QofDeath]

We need animals so we have something to feel superior too, obviously!

[Rin]

Well God didn't make them so tasty for nothing

[frankky77]

Animals don't have a spiritual purpose on earth because they are not self aware, they don't have a soul like we do.

[TheSeeker]

Animals don't have a spiritual purpose on earth because they are not self aware, they don't have a soul like we do.

Question: How do you know?

[Rin]

Yeah I have to disagree on that front. I don't think they're aware on the same level as a human, but they're definitely not just meat machines.

[Vulpecula]

Buddhism has some interesting thoughts on that, which to me seem quite plausible.

Given the experiences I have shared with my dog, pre and post her passing I believe that she was both sentient and fully capable of the same amount of intelligence as us.

I believe it likely that societal conditioning over generations usually makes one believe humans are at the top of the food chain and in some way unique and "elite". I disagree with this, I believe that all spiritual beings, in this realm or other, are cut from the same cloth.
Self identification probably plays a large part in how we perceive ourselves, interact with others and overall our capabilities. (Remember the movie "The Matrix"? The residual self image Neo had of himself, defined how he appeared.)

Why would it not be the same with animals other than humans?

[SkyTemple]

To do that which they do and maintain the balance.

[Belial]

The question is fairly speculative and subjective, but let's address it a little.For starters a number of cultures and beliefs respect and in some cases look to them for wisdom.Animals have also been integral parts of facets of society and various practices, mystical and mundane alike.You can find a number of martial arts that adopt animal aspects, mystical practices that pertain to spirit animals and guides, protectors, aspects of survivalism, and companions.Who you ask will determine the answer you get, but even in some of the less appreciative cultures there are people who find strong companionship in animals, and their natures have often sparked an interest in the hearts of people.Now as much as there are the those who are respectful to animals and their nature, there are people who look down on them and treat them as unintelligent resources to be exploited.Usually people with that point of view have a personal perspective of superior significance drawn from somewhere that elevates themselves and humanity above the nature of animals by some profound right.On a more scientific perspective, human beings are just another type of animal.

Personally, I disagree with the notions that animals are not sentient and merely exist to be exploited (it's far easier to justify the mistreatment of a being when you project such a divide). Animals have displayed the capacity to learn and adapt (including adapting to humans), socialize, and have unique personalities and memories.I consider them sentient and intelligent beings, deserving of overall respect, and in terms of magic and spirituality capable of metaphysical function (to various differing extents). However all things considered, despite my perspective, I have no qualms preying on them for food or holding conflict with them over disputes, and I don't feel the need to ease my mind by removing myself from them.

Superiority and separation are common thoughts that often surface in human nature, in some of it's grossest examples people even use it against each other.

As far as spiritual purpose, or purpose at all, that would imply that such is a natural and predestined state or something you're just born into.I'm rather opposed to the idea of fate, especially in application of justification.When it comes to purpose, there really isn't any purpose or meaning other than what we give it, life or spirit can have as much or as little meaning or purpose as one wishes.People often seek a purpose without realizing they are the ones who choose it.As far as fate though, there are things that are more determined to occur than others, though the effect and significance of such is still up to everyone.So, if it is a matter of what the spiritual purpose of animals may be, then perhaps the spiritual purpose of human beings should be pondered.Make what you will of it.

[Marshal Law]

Hey! Everyone is having their own experiences (their own development through this experience) and in my opinion it is its purpose. [zomg] [pray]

[Asurendra]

To frankky77 & those who may agree:
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news ... s-science/


Animals are, like everything, an expression of Consciousness. The individual consciousness of most animals may not be exactly the same as ours, but, the morphic field or collective life force of a species does have an intelligent consciousness. These are what the totem animals are.