Key words
Wellness, electroencephalogram, Animal-Human Spiritual Connection, refined skills
Dedication
This research is on behalf of King Zulu, a white tiger, who passed away in March 2017. His spirit lives.
Research Question
How can a relationship between animals, spirituality, wellness, and law be demonstrated?
Hypothesis
A relationship between animals, spirituality, wellness, and law can be demonstrated through a case study. This research relies on a case study of the renowned political activist and consultant, Dr. Claude Jacques Roy, who experienced dreams about a grizzly bear [1].
Background
Dr. Claude Jacques Roy is a French Canadian, who lives in Quebec [1]. He graduated from Harvard University and holds two doctorate degrees. Dr. Roy has worked closely with numerous government officials, such as Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food, Minister for Economy, Science, and Innovation, and Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment, and Parks. He served as a consultant to three prime ministers on environmental matters, including corruption. Dr. Roy has been responsible for serious matters, such as closing a nuclear power plant in a small town, planning 1,200 new jobs, and implementing hydroelectricity. Internationally, he works in counterterrorism (e.g., Belgrade, Serbia) and is passionate about Quebec sovereignty [2]. He behaves as a member of the intelligentsia (e.g., feminist and nonviolent) and is a professor. Throughout his life, Dr. Roy has rescued animals. At one time, he cared for 22 animals, including a horse whose leg was seriously wounded.
Literature Review
Electroencephalogram (EEG): Demonstrating Animal-Human Spiritual Connection
An electroencephalogram (EEG) may be used to measure and document changes to brain activity. Some research demonstrates that shamanic trance is an appropriate method for achieving in a scientific setting a spiritual connection with non-present animals or animal spirits [3,4]. Corine Sombrun has repeatedly focused and entered a trance while monitored by researchers using electrodes. Results, which she produces and discusses at lectures, irrefutably show increased activity. Videos of her trance depict detailed performances of animal behavior. She produces uncommon sounds requiring refined skills. Yet, her actions seem undeliberate. Sombrun likely has successfully documented using medical tools her capacity to channel animals or spirits. Although alternate explanations may be proposed, for example her performance may rely on memories of observed behavior; there is no evidence to support contrary hypotheses. Dr. Roy discovered Sombrun’s work six months after his first spiritual experience. He began to use Sombrun’s studies to prove his experiences [3]. He also used EEG.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) in Quebec
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is committed to promoting and enforcing animal welfare throughout the world and in Quebec. One of PETA’s greatest commitments has been to ensure wellbeing for domestic animals, for example monitoring dog and cat sales. PETA was received in Parliament in Quebec; and in 2015 a law lauded by animal welfare organizations around the world was passed to protect domestic animals [1].
Volonté de Puissance
Dr. Claude J. Roy described the source of his personal power as something like Fredrich Nietzsche’s will to power [1,5]. When circumstances, such as health, corrode, lack of belief in spirituality may lead to death. Spirituality is a medium for finding one’s essence and friends. Animals and bugs may be portrayed as deviants by mainstream human civilization because they behave differently and appear to be different [6]. However, a spiritual person, relying on will to power, can go beyond normal limitations to find a voice among other kinds of beings.
Violence
Dr. Roy abhors all violence, and is acutely sensitive about violence toward animals [1]. Some humans justify cruelty toward animals due to fear of violence and destruction. However, cruelty demonstrates weakness of character, not savvy, worthiness, and survival [7]. Violence correlates with perception that others are “objects” or pieces of a problem [1,8]. Human shame of being infringed by other animals demonstrates lack of insight into other animals. Insight may only be achieved through peaceful coalitions. Coalitions may be forged by certain individuals or groups in exchange for compassion; or, as a result of pity and pathos. Some animals experience a need to bond with humans, and this may motivate salvation. Likewise, grateful and open-minded humans may attempt to bond with individuals, groups, or all other creatures.
Methods
To demonstrate a correlation between animals, spirituality, and law, several conversations, including use of formal and informal techniques, were documented in December 2017 [1]. Conversations described Dr. Roy’s professional, personal, philosophical, and spiritual history, feelings, beliefs, and experiences. Qualitative and legal research methods were used to analyze the findings.
Data
Facts
On June 24, 2015, Dr. Roy became ill, and within six months he was near death [1]. He lost approximately sixty pounds and became immobilized. Once a rugged athlete, who played hockey, basketball, and other sports, he became debilitated and frail. After one year, he began to recuperate. Medical experts, for example a pediatrician, confirmed that his recovery was due to his spiritual connection to a grizzly bear. Between the time that he became ill and the time that his health began to improve, Parliament of Quebec made strides to improve animal welfare under Bill 54. Doctors detected that his iron levels were too high. He is restricted from excessively consuming animal flesh and eats organic food.
Dream
One night, as Dr. Roy was dying of unknown causes, a grizzly bear appeared in his dream [1]. The bear’s shadow adhered to him and gave him life and strength. He recalled having visited a zoo where he had held a peanut above his head. On the other side of a fence, a towering grizzly bear followed the peanut, and gently played with Dr. Roy. He dreamt of the grizzly bear once more as he miraculously, albeit slowly, began to recuperate. Dr. Roy experienced another spiritual fortification. He had an encounter with the spirit of his deceased mother. She told him that a space had been set aside for him in the afterlife, but that if he were to fight hard, then he may choose to continue living. His recovery continues; and he is certain that a grizzly bear or the spirit of a grizzly bear gave him a will to survive. Dr. Roy is an inspirational character, whose story has shown-up in films, including The Revenant [9].
Bill 54
Bill 54 is “an act to improve the legal situation of animals” [8]. It was discussed by parliament between June 5, 2015 and December 4, 2015. “[T]he fact that it passed unanimously shows that meaningful change is possible in Quebec” [10]. The Animal Welfare and Safety Act protect “domestic animals and certain wild animals” [8]. “Care” must be “consistent with” animals’ “biological needs” [8]. Bill 54 is consistent with Animal Health Protection Act and Environment Quality Act. Animal Welfare and Safety Act (2015), Chapter Two, Section Five uses the word “custodian” to demonstrate that animals, although protected by property laws, are not “objects” [1,8]. The law requires an “owner or custodian of an animal” to “ensure that the animal’s welfare and safety” is “not compromised. An animal’s welfare or safety is presumed to be compromised if the animal does not receive care that is consistent with its biological needs” [8]. Section Six requires that “a person may not, by an act or omission, cause an animal to be in distress” [8]. “Distress” means “subjected to conditions that, unless immediately alleviated, will cause the animal death [,]…serious harm”or“acute pain” [8]. It also includes “exposure to conditions that cause the animal extreme anxiety or suffering” [8]. This appears to apply to animals individually as well as to what is known about species’ needs. Section Eight requires that an “owner or custodian of a cat, a dog, an equine or any other animal determined by regulation must provide the animal with the stimulation, socialization and environmental enrichment that are consistent with its biological needs” [8]. Section Nine bars all animal fighting, including possession of equipment and training. No person may “tolerate” animal fighting [8]. Under Chapter Two, animal welfare organizations (e.g., PETA) cannot be prosecuted for reporting in good faith “that an animal’s welfare or safety is or has been compromised” [8]. Under Division Three of Chapter Four, immunity is granted to veterinary surgeons, inspectors, and investigators acting in good faith. In opposition to local, national, and intracontinental operations cruelly transporting weak and sick animals, the law prohibits any sale or transportation of animals, which cannot stand, unless transportation is to receive veterinary care.
Bill 54 and Animal Welfare and Safety Act require animal slaughter “circumstances and the method” not to be “cruel” [8]. They may “cause the animal” more than then “minimum of pain and anxiety. The method used must result in rapid loss of sensibility, followed by a quick death. The method must ensure that the animal does not regain sensibility” prior to “death” [8]. “Absence of vital signs” must be confirmed “immediately” after slaughter” [8]. In addition to numerous other regulations and protections for domestic and some wild animals, the law protects service animals from unwelcomed contact. Section Thirteen states that “No person may directly or indirectly touch a personal service animal with a view to hindering it or obstructing its passage or view. The same holds for a service animal while” the animal “is assisting a peace officer in the performance of the officer’s duties” [8]. Chapter Eight specifies serious penalties (e.g., between $250 and $250,000). Section Sixty Nine delineates that “the minimum and maximum fines prescribed by this Act are doubled for a second offence and tripled for a subsequent offence” [8].
Analyses
A correlation exists between animals, spirituality, and law. Cause and effects are not unidirectional or restricted by linearity. Dr. Roy personally and professionally participated in improving animals’ lives [1]. Dr. Roy is a seasoned political consultant, environmental champion, and world-renowned freedom fighter. A grizzly bear’s spirit or presence intentionally saved him from death by granting him the strength to live. That bear likely recognized his compassion at the zoo, and likely notified others in the area, of his kindness. Other bears may have sent him la volonté de puissance when he was at his sickest point.
Conclusion
Animals and spirituality correlate with lawmaking. This case study provides evidence of this connection [1]. Furthermore, animals have the power to enliven humans, who face grave circumstances. Humans then will others to act on animals’ behalves.
References
- Roy CJ (2017) Conversations in French and English with Dr. Claude Jacque Roy in Gulf Breeze, FL, Pensacola, FL.
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- Sombrun C (2017) Mongolian shamanic trance through neurosciences Corine Sombrun. Science and nonduality.
- Tuncel Y (2016) Nietzsche, sport, and contemporary culture. Sports, Ethics & Philosophy 10: 349-363.
- Reginster B (2003) What is a free spirit? Nietzsche on fanaticism. Archiv Fuer Geschichte Der Philosophie 85: 51-85.
- Becker J, Kovaleski SF, Johnson K (2011) Portrait of an anarchist, quick with a gun. Int Herald Tribune.
- Paradis P (2015) Bill n°54: An act to improve the legal situation of animals. Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food.
- DiCaprio L (2015) The revenant. Los Angeles, CA: RatPac-Dune Entertainment.
- Cartwright B (2015) Quebec’s bill 54 falls short of protecting all animals. Huffington Post.
