“Today, together with a growing appreciation of the importance of human rights, there is a greater awareness worldwide of the need for the protection not only of the environment but also of animals and their rights.
Where there is a mind, there are feelings such as pain, pleasure, and joy. No sentient being wants pain, instead all want happiness. Since we all share these feelings at some basic level, we as rational human beings have an obligation to contribute in whatever way we can to the happiness of other species and try our best to relieve their fears and sufferings.”
The H.H. Dalai Lama
We should always remember, that we are very fortunate to have a human rebirth because we can practice Dharma and liberate ourselves from Samsara. Animals cannot do the same, so we have to help them.
“In constant dread of being killed and eaten by one another,
Exploited and worked until exhaustion, bewildered as to what to do or not to do,
Animals are oppressed by limitless suffering,
The seed of which is stubborn stupidity”— Illuminating the Excellent Path to Omniscience: Notes on the Longchen Nyingtik Ngöndro
When the animal is approaching death:
When an animal is approaching death, it holds profound significance to engage in practices aimed at facilitating its future rebirth. Observing an animal in its final moments presents an opportunity to recite mantras, a practice believed to influence the course of its consciousness. Crucially, ensuring that the animal maintains a tranquil state of mind during its transition is essential for a favorable rebirth. Surrounding the dying creature with sacred objects such as images, mantras, and malas serves to purify negative karma and accrue positive merits, thus aiding in the attainment of a higher rebirth.
Mantras for Animals
1. Mantra of Avalokiteshvara
Om Mani Padme Hum
2. Heruka mantra
om vajra heruka samaya manupalaya
vajra heruka tenopa tishtha dridho me bhava
sutokhayo me bhava supokhayo me bhava
anurakto me bhava sarva siddhi me prayaccha
sarva karma suca me tsittam shreyang kuru hung
ha ha ha ha hoh bhagavan sarva tathagata heruka
ma me munca heruko bhava maha samayasattva ah
3. Milarepa mantra
om ah gu ru ha sa va jra sa rva si ddhi hum
4. Namgyalma mantra
Om Bhrum Svaha/ Om Amrita Ayur Dade Svaha
5. Amitabha Mantra
Om Ami Dewa Hri
Tad-ya-ta: Om Be-kan-dze Be-kan-dze Ma-ha Be-kan-dze Ra-dza Sa-mung-ga-te So-ha!
How many times should you recite the mantras?
To optimize the efficacy of mantra recitation, consider the frequency and method of practice. Long mantras can be recited 21 times or more, while short mantras can be chanted one mala (108 repetitions) or more.
Additionally, a powerful method involves reciting mantras over a water bowl, visualizing the deities being absorbed into the water. Subsequently, pouring this consecrated water over the dying animal aids in purifying all negative karmas, offering a compassionate gesture of spiritual support during its transition.
The Animal Liberation Sanctuary
The Animal Liberation Sanctuary is a project being created by Lama Zopa Rinpoche near the Kopan monastery in Nepal. The Animal Liberation Sanctuary is the first animal sanctuaries around the world. On the territory of the sanctuary, the recordings of mantras are played continuously. There are also Buddhist stupas located at the sanctuary.
Before his passing in 2023, Lama Zopa Rinpoche diligently bestowed blessings upon little furry friends and engaged in continuous mantra recitation, all with the intention of benefiting animals. As part of a planned initiative, rescued animals are to be exposed to the regular recitation of mantras and led around stupas, sacred structures, with the purpose of generating merit. This compassionate endeavor serves to imbue the animals’ environment with spiritual vibrations, fostering their well-being and potentially influencing their future rebirths.
‘If you love your animal very much then this is what you must do for them for their good rebirth and quick liberation from samsara.”
Advice from Lama Zopa Rinpoche
