His Eminence Zimog Rinpoche initiated and oversaw the event. We were also very fortunate to have in attendance the Venerable Phuoc Tan, Abbot of Quang Minh Temple as well as the Venerable Chi Kwang, Abbess of the Seon Centre. Approximately fourty sentient beings attended the event, mainly humans and dogs. The humans were given a booklet containing various prayers and mantras and we all chose our places in the sun or the shade to participate in the ceremony. People participated in a way that felt comfortable to them. Some simply listened as others recited the prayers, whilst others chanted robustly and with confidence.

The dogs seemed relaxed and at ease, sitting or lying on the grass, and it was a lovely opportunity for us to remember that all beings in the animal realm have been our mothers, friends and other relatives in past rebirths.

As well as feeding and looking after our pets generally, it is a wonderful thing to introduce them to Buddhist prayers and practices, including those recited during the Animal Blessing. This is because hearing powerful prayers and mantras: purifies some of their negative karma; improves their health and wellbeing and creates the causes for them to have a good rebirth in their next life, hopefully coming into contact with the dharma as a human being. What a fantastic way for us to repay the kindness of our former mothers. 

Indeed, there are many buddhist stories and anecdotes about the benefits of reciting prayers and mantras to animals. In one story the Buddha gave teachings to 500 swans in a field. In their next life they were born as human beings who became monks and achieved liberation in that very life. The ceremony ran very smoothly and after the ceremony we all shared in a delicious vegetarian picnic. After lunch, people were invited back to Nalandra for further buddhist practice and a delicious afternoon tea. 

The blessings continued to flow even in the absence of the animals. In fact, Nalandra’s gompa was filled to overflowing with the powerfully kind and compassionate energy that arises when in the presence of great Masters.

Thank you to every being who contributed to the day through organisation, participation and prayer. May you and your beloved pets experience the blessings of the Buddha in your life. May we all seek only to benefit and never to harm one another, now and forever. 

Sarva Mangalam.