Compassion in Action: A New Lease of Life
Life release is a humanistic ritual that is commonly associated with the practice of Buddhism in Asia. It is motivated mainly by the compassion one feels toward all living beings especially for animals, which are hunted and consumed for the nourishment of mankind. We must take note that Buddhism is also a path of wisdom whereby this so-called motivation of kindness is not merely supported by blind faith but by deep knowledge and understanding of the Dharma.
Yayasan Pema Norbu Vihara recently spoke with the gracious H.E. Gyang Khang Khentrul Rinpoche, the most learned and respected Head Abbot of Namdroling Monastery on the purpose of participating in a life release event and also the benefits for doing so.
All lives matter and deserve our protection.
Rinpoche explains that very often we view certain types of animals as being part of the food chain only and afforded them no compassion and care. Most importantly we cialis pas cher view these creatures as insignificant or some consider them to be a nuisance such as a flock of birds that terrorize a neighbourhood with their droppings. When performing a practice like fish-release or bird-release we are doing so with the motivation of caring for and protecting sentient beings that do not have a voice.
By engaging in such activities, we are disrupting our assumptions and habits of perceiving these beings merely as our sustenance or it is just an animal for our entertainment and pleasure. We step away from these mundane views and begin to see these animals as a sentient being that also wants happiness, freedom from pain and also to be given the right to live. This paradigm shift is important for it teaches us humility and encourages us to recognize that all living things are worthy of our care.
Further to this, Rinpoche expresses that we can also wish to meet with these animals in the next life but as humans and continue our journey for enlightenment together. We are forming a connection with these beings and reminding ourselves that in a symbiotic relationship with each other and the environment, every life form has a role to play that affects the well-being of all living things. Hence, as we cultivate the practice of generosity and kindness, we will be less self-cherishing and more giving; thus doing less harm to the world that we live in.
When we release these animals, we are building a link with them through the blessings and prayers by the sangha members. The usage of certain ritual implements also helps to create the conditions for them to have a better rebirth. Even if they were to be caught again, at the very least the rituals and blessings that were performed have produced an opportunity for them to leap out of the animal realm in the next round of rebirth.
At the same time, Rinpoche also reminds us that the venue and location at which the animals are set free must be suitable, as in they bring no injury to the animals themselves and the surroundings; especially to the native flora and fauna. Therefore, we must carry out this activity responsibly and conscientiously.
Some people are puzzled by this practice because the release of animals offers no assurance that they won’t be slaughtered in the very next hour. To this, Rinpoche says that if we look at this situation objectively, whether they are being captured again or not, death is unavoidable as we are all in samsara. The Buddha spoke of the suffering of suffering. This means all that is born shall grow old, fall sick and perish. For example, we might have given a new lease of life to a school of fish and have interrupted with their landing on to someone’s dinner table. There is no guarantee, however, they won’t end up in someone else’s kitchen because karma is still at work. Therefore, our motivation in a life release ceremony is really to form a link with these fishes; that we will work together for our enlightenment and in the best way possible we will prevent further harm to fall upon all other sentient beings.
We should also check with ourselves:
if given a chance, would we prolong the lifespan of a helpless animal or insect
even for just one more minute?
When asked about the accumulation of merits, Rinpoche describes that a life release event done with the right motivation and in accordance to the teachings of the Buddha will definitely generate merits simply because we are participating in an act that recognizes the value of life and its impermanent nature. These merits will surely help launch and support further dharmic and perhaps even worldly activities that are beneficial for everyone. As a result, the positivity spawned from these practices will also give rise to one’s good health, prosperity and happiness and help to remove obstacles such us sickness and misfortunes.
