Liberated goats at Kopan Liberation Sanctuary.

The Animal Liberation Fund supports ongoing animal liberations conducted by Sangha and students, which include extensive prayers and dedications for fulfilling Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s holy wishes, his gurus, sponsors, those who are sick or facing untimely death, and specific requests from the FPMT community. Supporting these liberations fosters long life for the animals, oneself, and those to whom the prayers are dedicated. The benefits are vast, impacting the saved creatures, supporters of the practice, and those dedicated in the prayers. The fund enables weekly liberations and extensive dedications at Buddha Amitabha Pure Land in Washington State, USA. We are delighted to share that the Animal Liberation Fund provided US$11,500 in grants to the Kopan Animal Liberation Sanctuary in Nepal and for the releasing and care of animals in Buddha Amitabha Pure Land in Washington State, USA.

Kopan Animal Liberation Sanctuary, Nepal

Kind local family of caretakers at Kopan Animal Liberation Sanctuary.

The Animal Liberation Sanctuary at Kopan Monastery in Nepal, initiated by Lama Zopa Rinpoche, is a haven of compassion and hope. This sanctuary rescues animals from slaughter, offering them a peaceful life and exposure to Buddha Dharma. Currently, it houses one buffalo, eight cows, two sheep, and fifty goats, all lovingly cared for by a local family of caretakers and dedicated team members.

One of the most heartwarming stories from the sanctuary is that of Bodhichitta, a buffalo blessed by Lama Zopa Rinpoche. Bodhichitta thrives in the sanctuary’s nurturing environment, enjoying daily life surrounded by care and love. The sanctuary also provides the joyful experiences of its cows and goats, each with unique personalities. Some goats are incredibly curious and love to explore, while others prefer lounging in the sun. Their well-cared-for lives are a testament to the sanctuary’s commitment to their well-being.

The animals at the sanctuary receive a diverse diet that includes fresh vegetables, fruits, and specially formulated feed. Regular veterinary check-ups, vaccinations, and treatments ensure their health and happiness. This comprehensive care underscores the sanctuary’s dedication to providing a safe and nurturing environment for all its residents.

Maintaining such a sanctuary requires significant resources. The estimated yearly expenditure for the sanctuary includes costs for feed, wages, and electricity, totaling US$23,547. In 2024, the Animal Liberation Fund offered a grant of $9,800 toward the annual expenses. This financial support is crucial for the sanctuary to continue its lifesaving work and to expand its reach to more animals in need.

Animal Liberation Practices in the USA

In Buddha Amitabha Pure Land in Washington State, USA, the Sangha members engage in various compassionate practices to benefit animals. They perform charity to ants, bless birds, and, on a monthly basis (excluding winter months), offering blessings upon all beings residing in lakes, praying for their well-being. They liberated about 33,780 animals (mainly insects) over the past year. The Animal Liberation Fund contributed US$1,500 to support this initiative.

Bird feeder with the Namgyalma mantra under the rooftop.

Blessing the lakes with Namgyalma mantra.

One of the local monks regularly fills a bird feeder with water infused with the powerful Padmasambhava mantra. When birds drink or bathe in this water, it creates conditions for them to attain enlightenment in a single lifetime. The monks also add finely powdered mani pills, blessed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, to the water. Additionally, a loudspeaker plays recordings of holy sutras and mantras continuously, purifying the birds’ minds and planting seeds for enlightenment.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche actively blessed lakes and other bodies of water to liberate the animals and fish residing within them. Sangha in Washington continues to carry on these virtuous activities according to Rinpoche’s advice. These blessings aim to alleviate suffering, free animals from the cycle of rebirth, and guide them towards Buddhahood. Methods include extensive prayers, recitation of mantras, placing laminated mantra papers on the water’s surface, and playing recorded mantras near the water. Blessing fish food before offering it also contributes to the well-being of aquatic beings.

Please watch this video of scenes from Buddha Amitabha Pure Land and the blessing of all beings in the lakes with Venerables Tharchin and Tenzin taking a small boat out with mantra flags and mantra board in order to bless all the beings:

Sangha blessing the animals in the Washington house.

The monks also practice charity to ants, following Rinpoche’s detailed instructions. They mix water, tsampa (roasted barley flour), sugar, butter, and crushed mani pills into a fine powder, which they sprinkle onto ants’ nests while reciting mantras, benefiting the ants.

Additionally, the monks built a worm pit to continue their animal liberation practices during winter. When performing these liberations, they offer powerful prayers for the ill, recently deceased, and those who have requested prayers, sharing the generated merit among many beings.

Since 2005, Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s unique approach to liberating animals has led to the liberation and blessing of over a million beings, including crickets, mice, worms, fish, ants, birds, and goats.

Heartfelt gratitude is extended 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. Your generosity is truly remarkable, and immense joy is felt as the positive impact of your contributions is recognized. With great appreciation, all the merits accumulated through animal liberation and blessing are dedicated 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.