Tobias’ Quotes
Tobias and his quotes have been a popular feature of our website. We’ll keep his handsome picture posted, and continue to offer quotes in his space.
"What we do, we do not only for ourselves...we do it for the whole world."
The words are those of Ochwiay Biano, a Taos Pueblo chief whose name means “Mountain Lake,” who spoke to Jung in 1925 of how the Pueblo religious practices are undertaken on behalf of all humankind. Jung reflects, wistfully, that these spiritual practices made his host-peoples’ lives “cosmologically meaningful.” C.G.Jung, Memories, Dreams, Reflections, 1961, Chapter IX.
“Society is not changed unless the individual is changed.”
C.G. Jung, 1950, in “The Archetypes and the Collective Unconscious” (Collected Works, Vol.9i, ¶618).
Tobias’ Story
Viewers have asked for details about Tobias, our handsome ginger tabby who was with us for only three short years. In that time, he was a working cat—guests to the Center were greeted by him, and he often sat with us during sessions. Toby’s very loud ‘motor’ was a frequent accompaniment to prayer. (His vet said that yellow cats are the feline equivalents of golden retrievers.) Cat as co-spiritual director/therapist!
Tobias came to us in 2008, after having roamed the streets of west Los Angeles for several years. Outdoors, he fared none-too-well, contracting FIV (the feline equivalent of HIV), until the good folks at Kitten Rescue found him and took care of him.
He was about nine years old when we adopted and named him for the biblical Tobias—who, guided by the archangel Raphael, patron of happy meetings—wandered far and finally returned home.
This special kitty had what’s known as “a happy death;” he was seemingly his affectionate, contented self, enjoying t.v. with us one evening until a sudden heart attack took him in seconds. Still, his gentle spirit permeates and blesses our spaces.
Rest In Peace, gentle and much-loved friend—February, 2011