Kukkuripa

Kukkuripa, not to be confused with Kukumalu, is an indian mahasiddha, an indian saint. Kukkuripa means dog lover. That was because he loves dogs. He even had a dog with him while he did his meditations.

He meditated so well that at one point, he achieved many high attainments and got to go to Kechara Paradise (Not the one in the shopping center lah!)



He received many teachings and ate many feasts. In Kechara heaven, everything is a Dharma teaching, even a feast. But Kukkuripa could not stop thinking about his little doggie pal back in his cave.



So, he left Kechara and went to his dog. He took care of the dog. And when he scratched the dog's back, the dog turned into a dakini.

She said, "Well done, you gave up Kechara Paradise to be with just a dog, it shows you have given up attachments, now your dakini will give you the final paradise (enlightenment)."

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This story is retold by me after learning of this story through His Eminence Tsem Rinpoche.  The story is here http://blog.tsemtulku.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/heavenly-feast-or-a-dog.html

I think that the story is about how we should be detached from our "happinessess". Kukkuripa had so much compassion for his dog, he returned from a paradise to spend time to care for the dog.  It was not that he was "attached" to the dog, although it outwardly looks like it, but in fact, he returned to the dog to take care of it as he saw that the dog was lacking care. He was overwhelmed by compassion. It is a very moving story. What do you think? Do share it with your friends :)

Love
Sean