THE PRACTICE OF SAVING LIVES
In the Buddhist tradition, protecting beings from suffering and premature death is a powerful practice of compassion. We all know that taking the life of a being is a very bad thing, and contrary to ethics. Conversely, saving a life is a virtuous act of extreme significance.
By releasing the animals, we pray for their wellbeing and spiritual connection, and conclude the ceremony with dedications.
Everyone, Buddhist or non-Buddhist, is welcome to participate!
THE BENEFITS OF SAVING LIVES
According to the Buddha’s teachings, there is no being that has not been our mother. So naturally, we wouldn’t want our mothers to suffer, feeling threatened or endangered.
Seeing all beings in this way, we strive to care for and protect them. By saving lives, we gradually fail to differentiate animals and human beings, friends and enemies, developing unconditional love for all beings.
“The happiness of others becomes more important than one’s own happiness. The peace of others becomes more important than one’s own peace" - Tulku Pema Wangyal Rinpoche.
LIFE PROTECTORS NETWORK
Tulku Pema Wangyal Rinpoche, a renowned master of the Buddhist tradition, aspires to release a certain number of beings around the world every year, with the intention of bringing benefit and well-being not only to saved animals and insects, but to all beings.
People from many countries participate in this activity and release lives every month, from very small insects and fish to larger animals like horses and cows.
Find out more at Kangyur Rinpoche Foundation.
PROTECTOR OF LIVES BR
Our group was born in 2011 with the personal motivation of an animal lover to create a regular practice dedicated to saving lives. Since 2020, we have been part of the Protector of Lives network, inspired by the activities of Tulku Pema Wangyal Rinpoche and composed of life release groups in different countries.
Over the years, more and more people have become interested in the project, either through donations to rescue animals or as volunteers. Thanks to the generosity of so many people, we are able to save a large number of lives every year:
Year
Number of beings
2020
54,679
2021
89,592
2022
48,627
2023
85,309
With great joy, in the last four years alone, more than 278,000 lives have been saved from imminent death and returned to their natural habitat.