Pet Blessing - October 20th 2024

At 2pm-4pm we will offer pet blessing services to extend compassion and loving-kindness (metta) to all sentient beings, including our animals. In Buddhism, animals are seen as part of the cycle of samsara, sharing in the experiences of birth, death, and rebirth. Showing kindness and care for them aligns with key teachings, especially the principles of compassion, interconnectedness, and non-harming (ahimsa).

These services allow us to recognize the suffering and happiness that animals, like humans, experience, and they provide an opportunity to cultivate metta beyond the human realm. By blessing pets, temples encourage the extension of compassion to all living beings, reinforcing the idea that humans and animals are interconnected and share the same life force.

Pet blessings also serve as a reminder of the Buddhist commitment to non-harming. The act of blessing pets reflects our ethical practice of caring for animals and encourages us to reflect on how their actions can contribute to the well-being of all creatures. Additionally, we express gratitude for the companionship and joy that animals bring into their lives.