Even though our animal friends cannot practice the Dharma,
we can benefit them by exposing them to the Dharma, to create imprints in their
minds so that they may connect with the teachings of the Buddha in the future.
In this ceremony, the FPMT “Animal Liberation” practice, which includes many
mantras and prayers, will be recited.
The animals will receive blessings from blessed water, and
prayers will be said for their good rebirths and the benefit of all beings.
The practice of blessing animals is explained by Lama Zopa
Rinpoche:
"The purpose of this is to bring peace to the animals
and to make their lives meaningful, so that sooner or later they can be fully
awakened and achieve highest happiness. By doing prayers and chanting powerful
mantras for them, they receive a higher rebirth and liberation. This practice
purifies immediately the oceans of samsaric suffering. Especially for beings
born in the animal realm, it definitely helps."
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There are enormous benefits generated from supporting animal liberations and prayers for long life. The recipients of benefit are: the creatures being saved, blessed and released during the liberations; those who support the animal liberation practice; and those to whom the animal liberations are dedicated. Lama Zopa Rinpoche explains:
“By doing prayers and chanting powerful mantras for the animals, they receive a higher rebirth and liberation. This practice purifies immediately the oceans of samsaric suffering.”
“For the person who liberates animals, or whoever wants to dedicate the merit to those with life obstacles, this practice helps them to obtain long life. Even if you don’t expect it, the karma will cause you to have a long life."
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| Lama Zopa Rinpoche reciting the Sanghata Sutra to horses at Land of Calm Abiding, California
It provides an opportunity for those who are sick and dying, or have loved ones who are sick or dying, to create the merit needed to overcome life obstacles through supporting animal liberations
The annual budget for the Animal Liberation Fund is $USD10,000. Any excess funds raised go directly to supporting more animal liberations which include extensive prayers and dedications for the
Rinpoche
on Live Animal Exports
Rinpoche on live
animal exports & being vegetarian
Recently Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Spiritual Director of the FPMT,
has called on his students to become vegetarian or eat less meat to help reduce
the suffering to animals, including cattle involved in the live export industry
(follow this link to read his full account). Every year Australia exports
around 4 million live sheep to the Middle East and over half a million cattle
to South East Asia. Not only do these sentient creatures suffer on the long
journeys on overcrowded ships with many not surviving the trip, but their
treatment at their destination is appalling.
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