Blessing All Creatures Great And Small; Buddhist Blessing Of The Animals
Ani Lobsang Tendrol, a nun placed a wrapped object called a a Compassion Sutra on the animal's head and Prayers are placed on the head as a transmission to the animal. Next, monk Lobsang Nyima sprinkles blessed water with a peacock feather. The monks will also bless photos, either print or phone pics.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
On Saturday the monks of the Do Ngak Kunphen Ling Tibetan Buddhist Center for Universal Peace (DNKL) in Redding held their annual Blessing Of The Animals at the Center on Putnam Park Rd., Redding which began more than a decade ago.
There are various Animal Blessings held each year in Fairfield County but none are quite like the Buddhist blessing in Redding which has been held for more than a decade. While you will see many dos and the occasional kitty at the others, the DNKL Blessing it is not unusual to see horses, like the Icelandic ponies pictured here. They are from Farm Jibe-iT nearby, which also brought several of their goats to be blessed, including one of their "Yoga goats" (Google Goat Yoga) which has been know to jump on the back of the farm's ponies. It is not unusual to see a kitty-size carrier and upon looking more closely, seeing a large white rat or other such creature. All are welcome here!
About 70-80 people ore more attend each year to seek the blessing from the monks, waiting patiently in line, passing under the Tibetan prayer flags. Tibetan prayer flags are used to promote peace, wisdom, and compassion. The bright cloth flags are printed with auspicious symbols, invocations, prayers, and mantras. Tibetans believe that the prayers will be spread by the wind, bringing goodwill and auspiciousness to all beings. Buddhist are well known for their love of and compassion for all living things including animals which is a part of what makes this such a special event to many visitors each year.
When they pet parents reached the front of the line Ani Lobsang Tendrol, a nun placed a wrapped object called a a Compassion Sutra is placed on the animal's head and Prayers are placed on the head as a transmission to the animal. Next, monk Lobsang Nyima sprinkles blessed water with a peacock feather. The monks will also bless photos, either print or phone pics.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Above, left this pet Dad brought his Briard and his GoldenDoodle for their blessings.
The names of the monks & nun above from left to right are: Lobsang Nyima, Geshe Nawang Kalsong, Geshe Lobsang Dhargey (Main Teacher at DNKL). and Ani Lobsang Tendrol (Nun).
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Following this the monks and nun recite a series of prayers in Tibetan and then in English.
One of those prayers says in part:
Please always bestow fortune and blessing to these animals,
and always be their protectors and saviors.
Always conquer their enemies, and always bestow liberation on them-
Liberate them from illness, untimely death, negative karma and the chain of suffering
and liberate them from the miserable circumstances that lack leisure and opportunity.
About the animal blessing
The objective of the blessing is to imprint seeds of happiness for the animals so they have a successful rebirth. They receive oral transmissions from the mantra's that are recited for health and success in the next life. Mantra's are words that comprise and symbolize a multitude of meanings and prayers that not only help in this life but in future lives. The Compassion Sutra is touched to their head and this transmission of compassion and the blessed water is considered to extend hope for the animal for miracles in a future life.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
About the Do Ngak Kunphen Ling Center
Visitors are welcome at the Center at 30 Putnam Park Rd., Redding, a half hour north of Westport on either Rout 53 or Route 58, both beautiful designated as CT Scenic Roads. DNKL promotes peaceful living through teachings, study, meditation and community service. Its unique program integrates the wisdom of Tibetan Buddhism with stewardship of its historic New England landscape. DNKL follows the spiritual tradition and lineage of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
The Dalai Lama visited CT in 2012 as a joint collaboration between DNKL and Western Ct State University. Due to his Holiness' age he is not traveling outside of India, and we do not expect another in-person visit.
Located in the former home and estate of UNICEF founding director Maurice Pate and former Sweet Briar College president Martha Lucas Pate, the center is dedicated to benefit and serve others. Do Ngak Kunphen Ling (DNKL) is located on 100 acres of meadows and woods, with rock lined stream that feeds two ponds, a prayer wheel, stone bridge and a charming farmhouse all contributing to a stunning landscape. The name Do Ngak Kunphen Ling literally means The Place of Sutra and Tantra for the Benefit of All.
Under the direction of Geshe Lobsang Dhargey and the other resident monks, we provide basic classes on Buddhist philosophy and meditation along with more advanced systematic studies. Most of the classes are non-secular based. The courses and activities encourage a more compassionate daily life, new insights into the reality of our existence and the transformation of negative emotions, thoughts and actions.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
DNKL hosts and contributes to public talks, spiritual festivals, interfaith dialogues, and events with families and community organizations to promote compassion and the wisdom found in Buddhist teachings. DNKL also engages in humanitarian activities, such as assisting Tibetan monks and children with basic education and health needs.
Next Year’s Event:
A Tibetan Cultural Event is being held next year to run in conjunction with the Blessing Of The Animals on September 14, 2024 For this event they will not only have the animal blessing but will also have food, Tibetan dance and crafts.
As Bob Dylan Once Said, "The Times They Are A-Changin'".
Newtown held its 61st annual Labor Day Parade on Labor Day this year with one very noticeable difference. For the first time, before the first group of marchers left the staging area, town workers used heavy equipment to put concrete barriers in place on each road which led to the parade route. The heavy equipment stayed in place along with Newtown PD and Fire Department vehicles. The action was taken to insure the safety of marchers and spectators in light of recent vehicle attacks on parades and public events.
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Newtown’s 61st Labor Day Parade Enjoyed By Thousands
Connecticut’s only Labor Day Parade was a big hit as always with thousands of viewers lining the parade route from the famous flagpole, down Rt. 25 and back to Church Hill Rd.
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The annual event lasts nearly two and one half hours as floats, bands, town sports teams passed by eager onlookers. The 2nd Governors Horse Guard, based in Newtown proudly passed by the cheering crowd. The Horse guard is a state militia unit which technically a part of the U.S. Cavalry.
Grand Marshal Monsignor Robert Weiss, pastor of St. Rose of Lima Church in Newtown drove the route in a vintage Stanley Steamer an antique steam powered automobile
This being the unofficial start of the election campaign season, Connecticut’s politicians and political hopefuls made sure they were seen waving to the crowds. In a display of bi-partisanship, Governor Lamont took a moment to pose with Republican State Senator Tony Hwang whose district includes Newtown.
Above, right: One of the pilots who flys for the New Milford Police Department waves to the crowd below. NMPD Deputy Chief Wilcoxson responded to a request from Newtown PD for a flyover by New Milford's police helicopter, which they incorporated into a training session. The pilot was Mr. Tom O'Halloran who is ex-military and currently an airline pilot and instructor for the the NMPD Mr. O'Halloran is currently training an NMPD officer. That officer was also at the controls, co-pilot in training Lt. Earl Wheeler, patrol division commander. The large black object on the nose of the helicopter is a forward looking infrared sensor which can detect people or animals in total darkness.
The street in town were adorned with patriotic decorations and many of the homes were hosting Labor Day Parties to view the parade.
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The local VFW made sure Old Glory waved proudly from their float, decorated with lots of red, white and blue.
A lovely young woman made sure to hand out American flags to those who reached out for one.
The children are always amazed by the sights and sounds of the marchers and bands. Above, right, Monsignor Robert Weiss, pastor of St. Rose of Lima Church in Newtown, the parade Grand Marshal.
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Local martial artist students shared the route with a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle.
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Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Scorching Temperatures On Thursday Deterred Some Westport Farmer's Market Shoppers
Temperatures in the mid 90's with high humidity on Thursday kept traffic at the Westport Farmer's Market down from its usual robust numbers, but vendors were still selling their amazing produce, bread, food products, flowers and a variety of gourmet items.
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Since 2006 when Paul Newman and Michel Nischan first floated the idea which resulted with the market opening their “doors“ in the parking lot of the Westport Country Playhouse, this highly acclaimed venture which started with only 14 vendors and and about 500 shoppers that opening day, has grown by leaps and bounds.
Paris (from Westport) carefully searches for the perfect bouquets of flowers from one of the flower vendors at Thursday’s Farmers Market
The Westport Farmer's Market is an institution cherished by the late Gordon Joseloff, who served two terms as Westport‘s First Selectman. In fact, Joseloff, along with his Second Selectman Shelly Kassen, were instrumental in moving the market to it's current home at 50 Imperial Ave. next to The Westport Women’s Club. Joseloff and Kassen in fact secured the property for the WFM and arranged to pave the lot on which the market now stands along with ample parking alongside the vendor booths and overflow parking available in the lower lot.
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Seacoast Mushrooms brings beautiful and hard-to-find mushrooms from their farm in Mystic.
According to Executive Director Lori L. Cochchran-Dougall, "Gordon and Shelly Kassen were instrumental in the success of WFM. They secured the Imperial Lot for the market by paving the lot for the market, helping WFM become a 501c-3, finding me to run the market and assisting in identifying the address of 50 imperial Ave as WFM's physical address. These actions are what helped make WFM an institution in Westport."
Photographs of the Market were a staple of Gordon‘s ubiquitous online publication, “WestportNow.com“ which he founded and ran for many years until his passing in 2020.
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One of the other reasons for the growth and success of the market can be attributed to an exceptional array of fresh farm produce and unique gourmet items which bring visitors returning every week. The market satisfies Westport’s increasing demand for high quality, fresh, healthy food which finds its way to our tables each week.
Adding to all that, Cochchran-Dougall said, is that they maintain "the strictest guidelines in the state." She told WestportLocalPress, "We are producer only. Not a craft market. All prepared foods must have one locally farmed and approved item in them. The market is blooming with 45 vendors! Food trucks, GMO free vendors, organic farmers, pizza, yoga, chef demos, tamales, and an eager, hungry lunch crowd. We now welcome thousands of eager shoppers every week."
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The WFM summer season runs from May through November. The Winter Market then opens at Gilbertie's Herbs and Garden Center, 7 Sylvan Lane, Westport, just off Riverside Ave.
Find out for yourself all that the WFM vendors have to offer. The full list of vendors with links for more info can be found here:
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com