Knut – the Miracle of Berlin
Mar 31st, 2011 | By mervi | Category: Lead articles31.3.2011 by Celinne, Photos by Hartmuth, Simone R and Monika, Collage by Betsy
Knut was too gentle, too sensitive and too divine to stay in this world for too long. His mission was a bigger one than merely being a bear. There was something ethereal or other-worldly about him, a numinous quality or maybe an indefinable essence that touched the deepest and most sacred part of us.
Knut war zu sanft, zu sensibel und zu göttlich, um lange auf dieser Welt zu bleiben. Sein Auftrag war viel größer, als nur Bär zu sein. Ihn umgab etwas Himmlisches oder Jenseitiges, eine göttliche Qualität oder vielleicht eine undefinierbare Wesenheit, die den tiefsten und heiligsten Teil in uns berührte.
In his brief four years and three months here, he changed so many lives in a positive way. Given his impact on us all, we know his quest was definitely ordained at a higher level. We could never count the many ways he touched every heart but we can try to recount a few of his accomplishments:
In den kurzen vier Jahren und drei Monaten seiner Lebenszeit mit uns, hat er so viele Leben auf positive Weise verändert. Wenn man von seinen Auswirkungen auf uns alle ausgeht, dann wissen wir, dass sein Sinn des Lebens ganz gewiss von einer höheren Ebene bestimmt wurde. Wir könnten nie zählen, auf welch vielfältige Art und Weise er unsere Herzen berührt hat, doch wir können versuchen, uns ein paar der vielen Dinge zu erzählen, die er erreicht hat.
He united thousands of people around the world.
He raised world consciousness about the plight of polar bears as their habitats and lifestyles were threatened by global warming and the encroachment of human beings.
Er brachte tausende Leute auf der ganzen Welt zusammen.
Er schärfte das Bewusstsein der Welt über Notlage der Eisbären, deren natürlicher Lebensraum und deren Lebensbedingungen durch die Erderwärmung und das Eindringen der Menschen bedroht worden sind.
He continues to inspire new friendships among strangers of different lands.
He significantly enhanced the image of Berlin and Germany in the eyes of the world. He attracted the attention of a global community who went on to discover this amazing country with its courageous, resourceful and kind-hearted people. Knut single-handedly did a better job to show the virtues of Germans, than all politicians and public relations companies working together.
Er inspiriert noch immer neue Freundschaften zwischen Menschen aus aller Herren Länder.
Er wertete das Ansehen Berlins und Deutschland in den Augen der Welt erheblich auf. Er zog die Aufmerksamkeit einer weltweiten Gemeinde auf sich, die ein erstaunliches Land mit seinen mutigen, infallsreichen und liebenswürdigen Leute kennenlernten. Knut hat uns im Alleingang die Tugenden der Deutschen mehr vor Augen geführt als alle Politiker oder PR-Agenturen zusammen.
Knut brought out the kind, gentle side of people that is sometimes hidden because we are afraid to love in this harsh world; he encouraged us to love unconditionally and unselfishly. He reminded us that the expression of love is what makes us human.
Knut brachte die freundliche, liebenswürdige Seite der Leute zu Tage, die oft versteckt ist, weil wir in dieser rauen Welt davor fürchten zu lieben; er ermutigte uns, bedingungslos und selbstlos zu lieben. Er erinnerte uns daran, dass es dieser Ausdruck der Liebe ist, der uns zu Menschen macht.
He showed the world how one rare human, Thomas Dorflein, embodied the purest expression of the ultimate Creator. Through his interaction with Knut, Thomas held us spellbound and in awe with his integrity, inner beauty, strength and compassion. He helped to restore our faith in humanity. Looking at his expression when he played with Knut, we could see the purest love radiating from him. The synergy of Thomas and Knut together created a rare work of living art. In spite of offers, never once did he try to exploit his relationship with Knut or any of the other animals. He was a rare man of substance and lofty principles.
Er zeigte uns, wie auf der Welt ein außergewöhnlicher Mensch, Thomas Dörflein, die reinste Liebe des Einzigen Schöpfers verkörperte. Durch seine Interaktion mit Knut, zog uns Thomas in seinen Bann und wir bewunderten seine Integrität, seine innere Schönheit, seine Stärke und sein Mitgefühl. Er half uns, unseren Glauben an die Menschheit wiederzufinden. Wenn wir seinen Gesichtsausdruck beim Spiel mit Knut sahen, dann konnten wir die reinste Liebe sehen, die von ihm ausstrahlte. Die Synergie zwischen Thomas und Knut schuf ein außergewöhnliches Werk der Lebensfreude. Trotz vieler Angebote versuchte er niemals auch nur, seine Beziehung zu Knut oder zu den anderen Tieren zu vermarkten. Er war ein außergewöhnlicher Mann mit Substanz und erhabenen Grundsätzen.
Knut made us laugh and light-hearted when the woes of the world lay heavy on our shoulders. He brought out the inner child in each of us and often took us to another place and time. Many took their anguish to him and in some indefinable way, he healed them with his love and purity.
Knut brachte uns zum Lachen und machte uns das Herz leicht, wenn das Leid der Welt schwer auf unseren Schultern lastete. Er brachte das innere Kind in jedem von uns an Licht und er führte uns oft an einen anderen Ort und in eine andere Zeit. Viele kamen mit ihren Ängsten und Nöten und auf undefinierbare Art und Weise heilte er sie mit seiner Liebe und seiner Reinheit.
Knut continues to inspire an exhilarating wave of creativity in many of us that had been long repressed.
He continues to remind us that there is still hope, beauty, laughter and love in a seemingly drab and colourless world. Knut was the eternal optimist as he played happily with his few toys. Remember how he would go into rapture when he was given a piece of clothing or a croissant or a salmon? He lived the wisdom of the sages who advise us to live in the ‘now’ moment. He reminds us to look at life with new eyes every day so we might discover some hidden enchantment that we may have overlooked.
Knut inspiriert in vielen von uns noch immer eine beglückende Welle der Kreativität, die lange unterdrückt worden war.
Er erinnert uns noch immer daran, dass es noch Hoffnung, Schönheit, Lachen und Liebe in einer scheinbar tristen Welt gibt. Knut war der ewige Optimist, wenn er glücklich mit seinem wenigen Spielsachen spielte. Erinnert ihr euch noch, wie er in Verzückung geriet, wenn ihm ein Stück Stoff oder ein Croissant oder einen Lachs geschenkt wurde? Er lebte die Weisheit der Weisen, die uns raten, im „Jetzt”-Moment zu leben. Er erinnert uns daran, das Leben jeden Tag mit neuen Augen zu sehen, damit wir vielleicht den versteckten Zauber entdecken, den wir leicht übersehen haben.
He shows us the way with his own courage and endurance; even though he faced many adverse conditions himself, he persevered and never once gave up on life. He adapted and found ways to enjoy his lot in life. He lived in gratitude for everything he had been given. What a resilient spirit!
Er zeigt uns mit seinem Mut und seinem Durchhaltevermögen den Weg, obwohl er selbst mit den widrigsten Bedingungen konfrontiert war, hielt er durch und resignierte kein einziges Mal am Leben. Er passte sich an und fand Möglichkeiten, sein Schicksal zu genießen. Er lebte in Dankbarkeit für alles, das ihm gegeben worden war. Was für ein unverwüstliches Gemüt!
He whispers gently to us through an eagle, a rainbow and fluffy clouds. He tells us to seek answers about life and physical ‘death’ so we can expand our consciousness about our eternal presence in the universe.
Er flüstert uns sanft zu durch einen Adler, einen Regenbogen und fluffige Wolken. Er bittet uns, Antworten über das Leben und den physischen „Tod” zu suchen, damit wir unser Bewusstsein über unsere ewige Anwesenheit im Universum weiten können.
He is doing more than most to enlighten, inspire and encourage his human friends on their journey to understanding the dynamics of this earthly existence. He is doing it without ego, without expectation of any kind and with a sincere and loving heart.
Her macht mehr als jeder andere, uns, seine Menschenfreunde, zu erleuchten, zu inspirieren und zu ermutigen auf ihrer Reise zum Verständnis der Dynamik dieser irdischen Existenz. Er macht das alles ohne Ego, ohne Erwartungen jedweder Art und mit einem reinen und liebenden Herzen.
I use the past tense along with the present tense in this tribute, because he is still at work even as his journey continues in other realms….
Ich schreibe diese Dankesworte in der Vergangenheit und in der Gegenwart, weil er immer noch für uns wirkt, obwohl seine Reise in anderen Gefilden weitergeht….
Knut is, and will always be, a timeless Being of scintillating Divine energy.
You Knuti, are always in our hearts. Sweet Prince, we love you blissfully and unconditionally across time and space.
Knut ist, und wird es immer sein, ein zeitloses Wesen der funkelnden göttlichen Energie.
Du, Knuti, bist für immer in unsren Herzen. Süßer Prince, wir lieben dich auf unsere glückselige und bedingungslose Weise über Raum und Zeit hinweg.
Collage by Betsy
…………………………………………………
My partner and I did a ceremony of acknowledgement and release for Knut yesterday evening according to ancient Native American tradition. The Natives were close to the land and the animals and knew how to incorporate spirit medicine into their traditions.
Following ancient Native traditions we went out to a forested area. We found a Black Spruce tree and tied white and yellow cloth to it (white symbolizes the end of winter and yellow is used for spring). Then we placed fresh sea salmon and tobacco at the base of the tree and did a pipe ceremony with tobacco offering prayers to the Creator for Knut and the entire Bear Clan that are facing immense challenges from the mankind. I prayed for Jerka as well and for the welfare of all the bears that are still with us including Gregor and Aleut. I told Knut how much he is loved and thanked him for everything he had done for us. This was done while we smoked a traditional Native pipe with tobacco facing all four directions from whence the Great Spirits of the different animal clans reside. My partner even asked that those who are attempting to desecrate our Knut’s remains be forgiven for their ignorance and requested that when justice from the Bear clan came to them for disrespecting our little brother Knut, that they have the strength to endure it. (All animals have their protective Clan Spirits that look out for them). I also thanked Thomas for everything he gave to the world and asked him to continue loving and looking out for Knut.
The ceremony lasted about 60 minutes and I feel as if we gave Knut the send off he deserved. Those who kept his fur and so on have nothing really because that stuff came from the elements – we released the real Knut, the soul/essence/divine spark that lived here and played and loved the earth and its people.
Knut was born to Berlin Zoo but it took all his aunties, uncles and fans around the world to send him off with the deepest heartfelt reverence and love.
Love from Celinne
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Dear Celinne,
I can’t imagine a more beautiful tribute to our Knuti than this is! You’ve chosen exactly the right words to describe the lovely bear boy who came to change the life for many of us.
If somebody asks me ‘What was so special about Knut?’ – I’m going to refer to this article. Thank you so much!
Dear Bärgit,
Thank you so much for translating these beautiful words into German!
Hugs from Mervi
Dear Celinne,
dear Mervi (you added the pics, right?)
and dear Whoever-made-that-collage (Mervi too?)
thank you so much. I’m crying but comforted at the same time. Comforted most of all due to that collage, because I see not only Knuti’s face but Velvet’s too and Dandy’s and ….
*bighugs* Velvet
Dear Celinne1
Thank you so much. Your nice words are balsam to us.
Thank you
TBM
Einfach nur danke für diesen Nachruf an Knut!
Heidi aus Erlangen
Dear Celinne,
i have only two words……thank you !!!!!!!!!
Conny
Dear Celinne and all my friends
Some will find it hard to describe exactly how we think about our Love-Knut, how deep we love Knut and your tribute help us alot. As Mervi said, “If somebody asks me ‘What was so special about Knut?’ – I’m going to refer to this article” and I’m going to do like Mervi. Thank you so much
I have been writing my tribute to Knut for 3 days, and it’s quite long.After finishing my tribute, I’m going to burn this. Do you know in my country there’s a tradition that when somebody dies, you will write something to them and it’s believed that it will be sent to them on heaven, even you can burn anything made by paper ( clothes,shoes, cars, computers…) and it will be sent to the death. So I’m going to do some paper-croissants, fishes,ball..to send to Knut’s need on heaven
Milkbread_coffee,
Welcome to KWM! I think making paper croissants, fish, balls etc is a lovely way to deal with you sorrow.
Hugs from Mervi
Dear Celinne!
Thank you for the nice words.
Mervi
Thank you for the nice pictures.
Bärgit
Thank you for translation.
Hugs
lLdmila
Amazing tribute, really very beautiful!
Pictures of Knut are so lovely, and the last one is the reality.
Love you Knut forever!
This is beautiful… It has brought the first real smile to my face after nearly 2 weeks of real sadness and sorrow. I’m now reassured that Knut “is with me wherever I go, as he always has been and always will be”
Thank you so much to all involved in putting this together – I know a lot of works goes into it and has really helped me cope.
Big Bear Hugs
Andrew
London
Dear Celinne,
thanks so lot for this wonderful obituary on our Knuti.
Yes, we will carry the memories always with us – like a precious treasure – because that was Knut for all of us !
Many many war hugs to you
from
ConnyHH
Celinne,
When I think that I don´t have more tear…. your words are so true and beautiful,
Knut was, is and will be forever a great miracle.
Thank you for help us to explain why Knut is so special.
Hartmuth, R Simone e Monika – Thank you for have made these photos, we can remember nice moments…
Betsy – your collage… no words… beautiful
Mervi – 1000 x thank you
Liebe Mervi,
sie haben alles genau so beschrieben, wie Knut unser Aller leben veränderte,
herzlichen Dank für diesen wunderbaren Beitrag und auch den Fotografen dieser herrlichen Bilder von einem einzigartigen Knut, der immer in unseren Herzen sein wird.
viele Grüße, Ute
Dear Celinne,
thank you for the heartwarming tribute to our Knuti.
Dear Mervi,
thank you for the wonderful pictures – one of my favourites is Knut with the chicken on his head.
Dear Bärgit,
thank you for translation.
Dear Betsy,
your collage is very beautiful.
Celinne,
berührend, ergreifend, erschütternd,und eine ganz große Liebe zu Knut, der Lichtgestalt,
danke
anne
Dear Celinne
Simply beautiful !
LG, Christine
Thank you everyone for this tribute, Celinne for putting the truth into words, and Betsy for such an ethereal collage. Such a comfort. Thank you all.
Danke für diese wunderschönen Worte über unseren Knut. Obwohl ich ihn nur einmal besuchen konnte werde ich diese Momente im Zoo mit Knut und Thomas Dörflein nie vergessen und ich bin froh, daß ich über Simones Blog und Eure Beiträge immer ein bißchen Knut bei mir zuhause hatte. Ich bin immer noch so traurig, aber es tut gut zu sehen, daß ich damit nicht alleine bin. Liebe Grüße an alle Freunde von Knut
aus Innsbruck!
Dear Celinne,
Love is not an easy feeling to put into words, but you came as close to doing that as I have ever seen. One thing that always strikes me about Knut is that he always seems to have that little smile in many of his photos and so he never fails to put one on my face. I use the present tense because he continues to have that effect.
Thank you Celinne, Mervi, Bargit, Betsy and all photographers.
DAVE
Celinne not many people have the gift to write such a tribute I know it comes from your heart, the last days often I was in tears but this is a silent dear comfort merci Celinne
Betsy what a wonderful collage thank you
Beautiful tribute to a once in a life time Special popular Bear, his life was short but he touched the hearts of many. Rest in Peace Beautiful Knut with Thomas?
Dear Celinne,
thanks for the nice tribute to Knuti
Dear Mervi,
thanks for the nice picture from the Special bear.
Dear Bärgit,
thanks for the tranbslation
Dear Betsy,
thnaks for the nice collage.
Bear hugs
Gudrun
Dear Celinne, Mervi, Betsy, Photographers, and Bargit,
This is such an exquisite tribute to Knut. Everything is perfect–the words, the collage, and the choice of photos. And then the translation magic of Bargit makes it available to everyone.
Thank you very much.
Hugs, Sarsam
Simply perfect!
Thank you xxx
Dear Celinne,
Healing words and deep insight into the core of being.
Dear Mervi,
The headline and the illustrations couldn’t have been any better.
Thank you so much for all your Herzblut (compassion and dedication) for Knut, KWM and Knut fans shattered all over the world!
Bärgit
Dear Friends, Mervi, Celinne, Hartmuth, Simone R and Monika, Betsy,
This is a poignant tribute to our one and only!
All true sentiments about our beloved, interactive furry friend — maybe another reason why we were so tuned in — in his own way, he responded, he was there for us, and that is just what some of us needed and kept coming back to receive.
Knut, my dear beloved polar bear, Rest in Peace. We will always miss you.
In Honor and Awe,
Tish
Dear Bärgit,
If not for our translators, where would some of us be?!! [ In the dark ... ]
Hugs especially to you for your efforts,
Tish
Dear Celinne,
you found the right words for describing the miracle.
I have no more words than THANK YOU SO MUCH
Hugs from caren
Dear Celinne
Very well written!
Bärgit
Danke für deine Übersetzung!
Mervi
Danke fürs Einstellen!
Crissi
Thank you Celinne, Mervi, Betsy, Bärgit and the photographers…
What a beautiful blend of words, photos and artwork in honor of our Knut. I say “our” because I truly feel that he was a part of all of us- and that he had ties to both the animal and the human inhabitants of this world. How fortunate we all have been to inhabit his world (albeit for far too short a time)- a place in which geography, language, politics and/or religion did not matter… the only requirement for admission was a love of the bear.
Again, my thanks for an incredibly moving tribute… I am smiling at it through my tears.
Susan
Dear Celinne,
I thank you for these touching words: they made me cry from the deep of my heart.
Patrizia
Mervi, Bargit, Hartmuth, Simone R and Monika and Betsy: Thank you so much for bringing alive the words with your appreciation, translation, photos and creativity.
Knut: Thank you so much for being a part of my life; I am honoured to have experienced you my sweet bear child. Every moment I knew you is precious to me and will always be cherished.
To All who left such beautiful comments of appreciation: Thank you…thank you…thank you.
Knut joined our hearts in a circle of love for him and in this way we are one in spirit.
Thank you, Celinne…each and every word is perfect…
just beautiful….
xo k-j
I can’t bear the ruthless of people in my country. Most of them don’t know who is Knut and don’t want to find out why Knut is so important to this harsh world and when I tell them how I feel after his death, my heart is broken, I cant stop my tear, they think I’m different, event they think I’m strange. Do you know in my country, people even kill bears ( often black bears) to take bear gall because their gall is good for people’s health, they also kill tigers just to take their bond glue…Most of my friends are not interested in protecting wild animal, fighting for animal welfare. I don’t know how to make they understand How wonderful Knut is and the best things he had done for people, make me realize I have to do something to help animal. I’m just hopeless
Thank you so much, dear CELINNE for this tribute to KNUT, which I discovered only this morning, and certainly don’t need further words.
Thank you for the dream-beautiful collage, dear Betsy.
Thank you for the beautiful, heartwarming photos, dear Harthuth,
dear Fruehlingssternchen, and dear Monika.
Thank you for the translation, dear Bärgit
Thank you ever so much, dear Mervi, for giving the platform for all the beatiful remembrance and wisdom.
. . . Look at those eyes and the lovely snout with the geliebte Stöckchen! . . .
Milkbread_Coffee
Sadly many people of this world are disconnected from Nature and from their higher selves. They function at a very base level pertaining to basic survival only for themselves. Their hearts are not yet big enough to accommodate love for others like Knut. They will not understand your sensitive nature or why you feel such grief for Knut and the other animals that have died. They scoff because they don’t know any better. We are feeling such pain for Knut right now. Many humans are ‘wired’ to be insensitive but thankfully there are others who have much love, empathy and compassion in them. Here you are welcome to be one of us, with all Knut’s uncles, aunts and friends who share this bond of love for him and other animal companions. We love having you here and hope you will stay. A part of Knut still lives in the clouds, trees, flowers, sun and rain and a part of him still lives in all our hearts so he will always be here in a special way, although his soul or essence has taken the beautiful rainbow bridge to return Home to Thomas and the Source of all creation.
Come on in and rest a while with us.
CELINNE: You have put into words what feelings we all feel since the loss of Knuti! Yes, he taught me much about life and love. When you reach a certain age, as I have, sometimes we loose the inner child and seeing the beauty in many things. Knuti helped me to find all that I have lost and much more. He helped me to reach out to people all over the world and realize that they feel just as I do. Knuti banded the entire world together as it should be. I have truly learned that “no man is an island unto himself.” Thank you for the beautiful words to express what I am feeling. Knuti helped me to realize what I have lost and he helped me to find it again. Thank you, Knuti!!!
I thank God for the priviledge to have known Knuti and all of the 4 years and three months I was allowed to share his life!
Dear Celinne
Thank you for the wonderful words,
Dear Bärgit – thank you for translation
Dear Betsy – a wonderful collage
Thank you dear Mervi for this magazine and thank you
dear photografers (Simone R, Monika and Hartmuth) for the wonderful pictures
And thank you dear Knuti for being you.
Lots of greetings from Inge
To Celinne and everyone who created this most beautiful tribute, I echo what all have said here and I thank you.
I am overcome with emotion by your words and photos, and can say no more other than that I shall print this out and keep it forever.
Vicki
Dear Celinne
Thank you for the tribute
Many hugs
Bea
Celinne, this is absolutely PERFECT. Beyond PERFECT. You hit the nail on the head with every beautiful line . WOW! I am floored with your exquisite tribute to this amazing gift we were allowed and privileged to witness. I am floored to say the least.
” His mission was a bigger one than merely being a bear. There was something ethereal or other-worldly about him, a numinous quality or maybe an indefinable essence that touched the deepest and most sacred part of us.” YES YES YES!!
Thomas and Knut…were they beings sent here to heal our deepest fears and awaken our hearts? If so, I believe their mission was a success!!!
thank you Celinne
love
Betsy
Dear Celinne,
Thank you so much for this wonderful tribute to Knut. He is always in my heart.
Kind greetings,
Annemarie
Thank you for this absolutely wonderful homage to Knut. The right words, the exact feelings, all the expressions are what I feel. Thank you for finding the words and make such a lovely tribute. I miss Knut every hour but I feel comfort when I read beautiful texts like this one. I’ll keep in my heart for ever as I’ll keep Knut & Thomas present in my soul for the rest of my existance.
Kisses from Argentina,
Cecilia
Dear Celinne,
Thanks for the wonderful tribute to Knut, he is always in the heart of his fans.
Bear Hugs
Gudrun
Dear Celinne,
You captured the essence of Knut’s meaning to many. I am very grateful to you for that.
Kind regards,
Frans
Such a beautiful story. I’m overwhelmed.
Thank you Celinne, thank all the people who feel what I feel. He changed us because he was Something Else. Whole lot of Something Else, he had a power which could not have appertained to any human being. Left ununderstood by majority – but still well understood and loved by us.
Sweet Being, most beautiful creature, innocent thing, scared, lovig heart! We shall see each other, I know that for sure. Your energy remained after you. Your death hurts far more than that of someone else, I don’t know why but it is so. After you died I started drawing your portraits, a lot of them. Ever since you were a baby.
The world would be a much better place, if we had the ability to listen to, see, feel animals and to consider what they have to send us, their message. Not just keep them around for fun or to marvel. they are there to be loved, to be understood.
Keep in touch, Knuti, we LUV YOU!
Danke, das habt Ihr sehr schön geschrieben.
Sonja