Life Release Event-Forest Paintings Opening-Ven. Bardor Tulku Rinpoche Visit
Life Release Event (Part I) | Forest Paintings Opening (Part II) | Visit (Part III) |(Photo Album)
Life Release Event 2004 by Gregg Rutter
On the beautiful autumn morning of September 26, a group of people from the KTC Minneapolis sangha met at a secluded park in Minnetonka on the shores of Minnehaha Creek for the benefit and joy of saving the lives of sentient beings. This “Releasing Lives” practice is manifested from the action and aspiration of developing “bodhicitta” – a true compassion for all sentient beings. Through the blessing of their being released in this manner, these lives will be freed from inferior rebirths.
The group gathered together and recited the refuge vow and aspiration to generate bodhicitta followed by the special “Releasing Lives” recitation. Each individual then released many, many lives into the surrounding woods and waters. Careful investigation and research had been conducted to ensure that only native species that could survive in the wild Minnesota environment were released. During the release, the Six Syllable Mantra of Chenrezig (Avalokiteshvara), OM MANI PEME HUNG, was recited. Although there were a finite number of lives released, the aspiration that was embodied was to release, or free, all sentient beings from suffering. This was followed by the group recitation of the closing dedication – dedicating the virtue and merit of this profoundly beneficial activity to ultimately benefit all sentient beings, throughout all time and space, so that they may all, without exception, realize enlightenment and freedom from the suffering of samsara.
With the transforming power and energy of the group’s Releasing Lives practice palpable in the air, we walked through the delightful wooded autumn morning in the park and drove down the road for a light breakfast at The Marsh, Center for Balance & Fitness.
This simple, yet extraordinarily beneficial, practice can be done anytime, and throughout the year, alone or in groups. We are hopeful that the sangha will continue this practice individually – and again as a group ritual next year!
May All Beings Benefit!
SUMMARY OF THE ACTIVITY OF THE KTC'S 2004 LIFE RELEASE EVENT - LIVES SAVED: 2,268 MINNOWS, 178 CRICKETS, 4 DUCKS, 2 YOUNG ADULT NORTHERN PIKE, 5 FEEDER MICE, 3 LARGE GOLDFISH, 2 WILD MICE, 10 LARGE MOTHS, 2 WASPS, 1 WOODCHUCK, AND 5 PAINTED LADY BUTTERFLIES. PLUS A BUTTERLAMP FOR ONE MONTH SUPPORTING THE PRACTICE OF SAVING LIVES, CASH DONATIONS TO A NO KILL ANIMAL SHELTER, THE RAPTOR CENTER, THE WILDLIFE REHABILITATION CENTER OF MINNESOTA, AND THE WILDCAT SANCTUARY, AND 2 COPIES OF A BOOK ABOUT THE LIFE RELEASE PRACTICE, ESSENCE OF BENEFITS & JOY BY JAMGON KONGTRUL ADDED TO THE KTC LIBRARY.
Patronize the Namse Bangdzo Bookstore to learn more. If you always click on the store symbol below and then make a purchase you will be benefiting not only your own library but KTC Minneapolis.
Here is what Gregg had to say about the about store when he visited in Woodstock:
"After dinner I found my way to the front of the guesthouse where Namse Bangdzo Bookstore
is located. Wow! Long time practitioner, Peter Van Deurzen, who runs the bookstore, has done a most amazing job of putting together both incredible depth and quality of Tibetan Buddhist items. Namse Bangdzo offers, by far
and away, the most comprehensive collection of books, thangkas, rupas, teaching transcripts, sadhana texts and other items that you would be able to find in America."