I became conscious of Sentient Beings when I cultivated lotuses in my garden. That all first happened with the insect world. I was initially only aware of them. Then, I began to communicate with them.

On my morning walk today, a mynah hopped towards the grass verge. I decided to talk to it. It stopped hopping and responded. It’s eye ball moved in my direction and as it did the mynah uttered a tweet. Later, at my lotus pond, I spoke to a toad - as it got out of the pond. It too responded. It stayed still and as I finished speaking it shut its eyelids and then immediately opened them. It continued to stay still as I carried on talking.

When talking to sentient beings, have a low, quiet voice. Keep still as far as possible. If you do wish to move, do so slowly and quietly.

Thayanithi Kulenthran

Steering Compassion for the Earth Being and All Sentient Beings