In Book 3 of Jalaluddin Rumi's Masnavi, the parable of the dogs of winter serves as a powerful allegory for human procrastination regarding spiritual repentance (tawbah) and the laziness of the lower self (nafs).

During the harsh cold of winter, the dogs experience immense suffering and vow that once summer arrives, they will build a stone shelter to protect themselves from the next winter. However, when summer comes, the warmth and ease cause their bodies to expand and relax. Feeling comfortable and self-satisfied, they dismiss the need for a house, foolishly questioning how their large bodies would even fit into a small shelter.

Rumi contrasts this behavior with the human tendency to seek repentance and vow spiritual reform during times of distress, illness, or hardship (metaphorical winter). When the pain passes and comfort returns (metaphorical summer), the lower self becomes lazy, prideful, and complacent, neglecting the spiritual preparation required for the ultimate w...