KRF Development projects
Animal rescue: Helping to protect animals from harm
“Genuine compassion is based on a clear acceptance or recognition that others, like oneself, want happiness and have the right to overcome suffering. On that basis one develops concern about the welfare of others, irrespective of one’s attitude to oneself. That is compassion.”
~ H.H. The 14th Dalai Lama
Rescuing animals is an activity organized by Pema Wangyal Rinpoche, Jigme Khyentse Rinpoche and their family, along with a group of Songtsen volunteers and has been in practice for several decades. This endeavor involves purchasing animals and insects who are life-threatened, suffering from poor conditions, neglect and abuse, or unrightfully held in captivity and releasing them into their natural environment; or in the case of domestic animals, rescuing them from poor conditions and providing a caring environment. Inspired by the profound compassion of Kangyur Rinpoche, who among many things, was dedicated to helping those without protection and who rescued countless animals from slaughter, this extraordinary display of kindness has been inherited by his family, all of whom practice vegetarianism and who are devoted to freeing animals.
Whenever possible, our volunteers help to organize the purchase of animals locally available, such as fish, crabs, lobsters, turtles, shellfish, crickets, frogs and worms. Every caution is taken to free the animal in its natural habitat, thereby helping to ensure the survival of the animal and its return to its’ natural environment, as well as the protection of the ecosystem. For example, in the Dordogne region, local fish are purchased and released in their appropriate type of water: which may be a particular type of stream, river or lake. In coastal regions, large quantities of sea / shell fish are bought directly at the ports or from the fisherman. A boat is then rented by the volunteers and the fish are set free in the ocean.
Some friends also help to provide shelter for a variety of animals, either homeless or destined to be slaughtered, including horses, cows, pigs, birds, chickens, goats, sheep, and dogs. In Asia, animals such as yaks, goats, sheep, and chickens, are regularly purchased from farmers or butcher houses, to protect them from being slaughtered.
The foundation for this practise is that all beings are equal in their wish to be free and not to suffer. It is an active expression of non-aggression, a fundamental practice of the Buddhist teachings.
The benefits of freeing animals
The practise of freeing animals is an expression of kindness and compassion towards all beings. By engaging in the rescue of helpless beings, one directly puts the teachings into practise – not only to avoid harming others, but to actually protect them from harm. It also naturally helps to cultivate ones kindness towards and respect for all kinds of life. On many occasions, witnessing this simple act of compassion has created life-altering experiences for the fishermen, hunters, butchers and vendors capturing, slaughtering or selling them.
Such a practise, called “tséthar” (freedom to live) is very often recommended by the great masters as the best way to accumulate merit and prolong one’s life or the life span of sick or aging friends or parents. Certain prayers, mainly the refuge and bodhicitta vow, as well as Amitayu mantras, are pronounced as the animals are freed. They are also given mendrub, a sacred substance ensuring their perfect liberation at the time of death. The merit and virtue accumulated is then dedicated for the sake of all beings.
For inspirational reading, we recommend Food of Bodhisattvas, a recent publication by Padmakara. It cites many teachings of the Buddha and by Shabkar, the famous yogi, on refraining from eating meat or killing animals.
If you would like to contribute to freeing captive animals or sheltering them, please contact animalrescue@songtsen.org or you may specifiy ‘animal rescue’ with your online donation.
You can find more information about compassion towards animals and vegetarian philosophy in our collection of quotes about animals & vegetarianism.
Helpful links: