A Blessing On the Animals

June 30, 2009

Author: Kath Gannaway

Source: The Buddhist Channel/Star News Group

http://www.buddhistchannel.tv/index.php?id=49,8320,0,0,1,0

For more than 20 minutes last week the hustle and bustle of Healesville Sanctuary stopped as prayers were offered for the millions of animals that perished in the February bushfires.

On the lawns in front of the wildlife veterinary centre, where hundreds of injured animals were treated, Buddhist monks, led by His Holiness the 41st Sakya Trizin, invoked blessings, chanting the names of the Buddhas.

The Sakya Trizin is supreme head of the Sakya school of Tibetan Buddhism and second only to His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Tibetan Buddhism.

Sanctuary staff, Yarra Ranges’ wildlife carers, followers of the Sakya Trizin and sanctuary visitors stood in silent contemplation.