Lama Zopa Rinpoche blessing a buffalo that he named Bodhichitta, Kopan Monastery, August 2021. Photo by Ven. Lobsang Sherab.

Benefiting animals in any way possible is a high priority for  the FPMT organization and was one of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Vast Visions. Rinpoche explained many ways that we can benefit animals, not just by saving them from untimely death and caring for them for the rest of their lives, but also by blessing them with mantras, prayers, and holy objects in order to create merit and purify negative karma. 

We are delighted to announce that the Animal Liberation Fund provided US$18,820.70 in 2023 to support the below remarkable initiatives. 

Goats being blessed at Animal Liberation Sanctuary, Nepal.

Khadro-la and Lama Zopa Rinpoche blessing goats in Nepal, 2021. Photo by Ven. Roger Kunsang.

Kopan Animal Liberation Sanctuary in Nepal provides a safe haven for a group of 60 male goats, three ducks, one dog, and two cats. The sanctuary is conveniently located just a short 10-minute walk away from the monastery, offering a serene and picturesque environment. Additionally, three cows and one buffalo continue to reside in Kopan Monastery’s original area of the sanctuary, providing ample space for each animal to live a healthy and comfortable life. 

Every single goat at the sanctuary has been personally rescued by Rinpoche or at his request, saving them from the destiny of being slaughtered for meat, a common occurrence during autumn festivals in Nepal. By offering these goats a chance to live out their lives in peace, Rinpoche provided them with an opportunity for a higher rebirth. The goats at the sanctuary are given daily blessings through the presence of holy objects, as they circumambulate around three stupas and listen to recorded mantras.

Beautiful and safe environment for dear animals at Kopan Animal Liberation Sanctuary.

The sanctuary employs a local family (a husband, wife, and three kids) to oversee the needs of the animals. A small house has been provided for the family so there is always someone present. Additionally, a dedicated manager and veterinary assistant, with the assistance of an experienced vet, makes sure that the goats receive proper care and attention.

The sanctuary itself is thoughtfully designed to provide a healthy environment for the goats, catering to the varying seasons of Nepal. It incorporates facilities to separate weaker animals from the main flock and employs measures to minimize water consumption and waste. The sanctuary comprises an animal shed, a treatment and isolation building, a quarantine area, and a caretaker house. Goats at the sanctuary have been offered Dharma names (for example Sherab (Wisdom), Jangsem (Bodhichitta), Atisha (named after great Indian Buddhist master) etc, creating imprints for their minds and anyone who addresses them. 

We are thrilled to share that the Animal Liberation Fund offered a grant of US$9,800, which will contribute to the ongoing food and care expenses for the animals throughout 2023.

Future Animal Sanctuary land in Nepal.

In 2022, Kopan Monastery began the process of acquiring new land for the Animal Liberation Sanctuary. At present, half of the intended land has been successfully purchased, totaling nearly 20 acres (8 hectares) out of the planned 37 acres (15 hectares)– an area roughly totaling the space of 37 football fields. Just imagine the joy that animals would experience in such an expansive sanctuary! Some bureaucratic hurdles have hindered the complete acquisition of the land, the resolution of which remains uncertain, but despite these setbacks, the monastery is actively working toward the final purchase. When finalized, the land will be developed with infrastructure in the area including a dedicated car road, as currently they rely on a road situated on someone else’s property. Additionally, they plan to install electricity and build animal sheds and a caretaker’s house. The location of the planned sanctuary is in a remote area, approximately 3.5 hours east of Kathmandu. It is a predominantly Buddhist region, primarily populated by the Tamang ethnic group.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche and Sangha blessing all the beings in a lake in Washington State, US, June 2018. Photo by Ven. Lobsang Sherab.

In Buddha Amitabha Pure Land, Washington State, and for the first six months of 2023 at Kachoe Dechen Ling, California, USA,  Sangha members engage in a weekly practice of animal liberation, specifically dedicated towards those who are experiencing illness or facing life obstacles. During this practice, the Sangha liberates up to 1,500 animals each week, predominantly worms and crickets that can survive in the area. They carry these creatures around the stupa or holy objects while reciting mantras and blessing them with mantra-infused water. After the blessings, these animals are thoughtfully released in a safe and suitable environment. In Washington, the monks also perform a range of practices to benefit animals. They engage in making charity to ants and blessing birds. Additionally, every month (excluding winter months), the monk bless all beings residing in lakes. Last summer, the monks dedicated themselves to building a worm pit. This way, they could continue their practice of animal liberation even during the colder months of winter.

The feeder which blesses birds. The front mantra is OM PADMO USHNISHA VIMALE HUM PHAT, backside, ON HA NU PHASHA BHARA HE YE SOHA. Underneath are Namgyalma mantras.

Blessing the beings according to Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s instructions at one of the local lakes in Washington State called Blue Lake.

New worm pit.

When the Sangha carry out these liberations, they also offer powerful prayers for those who are ill, recently deceased, or have requested prayers. 

Lama Zopa Rinpoche has introduced a unique approach to liberating animals, leading them toward enlightenment. Since 2005, approximately 1,037,338  beings of various species, including crickets, mice, worms, fish, ants, birds, goats, and more, have been liberated or blessed in Washington and California. To date, the incredible number stands at 1,037,338 beings. The Animal Liberation Fund will be providing US$3,000 to support animal releases conducted in Washington and California in 2023. 

We are also happy to share that we sponsored the food for one rescued horse in 2023, the amount of this food was US$6,020. 

We express our heartfelt gratitude to each and every compassionate donor who has supported the Animal Liberation Fund in the past and will continue to do so in the future.  With great appreciation, we dedicate all the merits accumulated through animal liberation and blessing towards the great enlightenment of all sentient beings. Thank you for your kindness and dedication to this auspicious cause!

Please explore more resources and inspiration for benefiting animals:
fpmt.org/education/prayers-and-practice-materials/benefiting-animals-practices-and-advice

All are welcome to contribute to the Animal Liberation Fund to help ensure that our work sponsoring animal rescue, care, and liberation continues.