Animal release ( fangsheng ) is common to Mahayana and Tibetan Buddhism and is practiced to generate merit and promote good health. Following the same karmic principle of taking the life of others will shorten your life; giving life will lengthen it. The fangsheng practice is accompanied by prayers of refuge, blessing mantra and dedication of merit to liberate all beings. When the practice occurs on auspicious dates, such as during Saga Dawa – the fourth lunar month on the Tibetan Calendar – the merit is multiplied.
To commemorate Saga Dawa this year, Lama Pasang will lead a fish release practice beginning Sunday June 5th at 10:00 am US central time. We will meet at Palri Pema Od Ling, purchase fish from local markets and release them nearby before noon. The fish chosen for release will be native and non-invasive.
Update:
Following releases on June 5th, 12th and 14th, another fish release will be held Sunday June 19th, also at 10:00 am US central time. We will meet at Palri Pema Od Ling and release the fish nearby before noon. No donation is required for this event.