In the Bible, the donkey is a multifaceted symbol, most notably representing humility, service, and peace. The story of Balaam's donkey (Numbers 22:21-33) highlights the animal's spiritual sensitivity, as it perceives the angelic presence invisible to humans, underscoring the importance of spiritual awareness and receptivity to divine messages. Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on a donkey (Matthew 21:1-9) fulfills the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9 and signifies a peaceful, humble kingship in contrast to worldly power. Thus, dreaming of a donkey may call the dreamer to humility, attentiveness to subtle spiritual guidance, and openness to wisdom from unexpected sources, reminding them that God's messages often come through the humble and overlooked.

While donkeys are not prominent in Buddhist canonical texts, their qualities align with Buddhist virtues such as patience (kshanti) and right effort (virya). Dreaming of a donkey may point to the importance of steady, humble progress on the path to enlightenment, and the value of enduring life’s difficulties with equanimity. The donkey’s ability to bear burdens without complaint mirrors the Buddhist ideal of accepting one’s karma and continuing the path with perseverance and humility.

Across cultures, donkeys are emblematic of hard work, resilience, and humility. In folklore and literature, they often represent the common person who endures hardship with patience and sometimes wit, as seen in Aesop’s fables and the character of Sancho Panza in 'Don Quixote.' Dreaming of a donkey may reflect societal values of persistence, humility, and the quiet strength needed to endure everyday challenges, as well as a reminder to value the contributions of the humble and steadfast.

In Hinduism, the donkey is associated with the goddess Shitala, who rides a donkey and is invoked for protection and healing from disease. The donkey can also symbolize tamas (ignorance or inertia), but its role as a bearer of burdens highlights the virtues of perseverance and service. Dreaming of a donkey may indicate the need to overcome ignorance through humble service, resilience, and the willingness to carry out one’s duties, suggesting that spiritual progress is achieved through persistent, humble effort.

In Islamic tradition, donkeys are recognized for their patience and endurance, but also serve as cautionary symbols. The Qur’an, in Surah Luqman (31:19), likens harsh, ignorant speech to the braying of a donkey, warning against arrogance and foolishness. Dreaming of a donkey may therefore signal the need for humility, patience, and self-restraint, as well as a reminder not to burden oneself or others excessively. The donkey’s role as a bearer of burdens also reflects the virtue of enduring life’s challenges with dignity and perseverance, while avoiding the pitfalls of ignorance and pride.

From a psychological perspective, the donkey embodies perseverance, resilience, and sometimes stubbornness. Dreaming of a donkey may reflect feelings of being overburdened, underappreciated, or resistant to change. It can also suggest the emergence of overlooked inner wisdom or the need to recognize and integrate neglected aspects of the self. A talking donkey or an unusual donkey behavior in a dream may symbolize the unconscious mind’s attempt to communicate important insights, urging the dreamer to listen to their inner voice and address unresolved issues.

Spiritually, the donkey is a symbol of humility, groundedness, and selfless service. Its willingness to carry burdens for others is seen as a metaphor for spiritual endurance and the path of service without expectation of reward. Dreaming of a donkey may suggest a call to embrace humility, persist in spiritual practice despite obstacles, and serve others quietly and faithfully, embodying the virtues of patience and self-sacrifice.