Every 2nd Sunday of the month

Animal Liberation allows us to actively practise kindness and compassion towards our fellow animal beings by saving them from being killed for food; but more importantly, to liberate them from future rebirths in the lower realms and give them the imprints to meet with the Buddha’s teachings.

Our Animal Liberation practice primarily focuses on liberating countless sea creatures such as shellfish which are helplessly unable to defend themselves against being harvested as seafood for which there is a constant demand.

The shellfish are loaded up on a truck and then driven around the block where ABC is located at least three times. That gives the sea creatures the benefit of having circumambulated the numerous holy objects such as statues and stupas in our building. The Animal Liberation prayers are done according to a practice advised by our Spiritual Director, Lama Zopa Rinpoche. There are special mantras that can liberate beings from the lower realms when recited for them. Bottles, and sometimes buckets, of water are blessed by those doing the practice – by reciting the mantras and blowing one’s breath into the water. The water is poured over the animals just before they are released into the sea.

Animal Liberation is a heartwarming practice that even young children can join in and appreciate. The merits of this practice are frequently dedicated for the health and well-being of spiritual teachers, family and friends, or on behalf of anyone for whom prayers have been requested.