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.