Life Release for Lama Pema Düddul and Jamyang Tenphel

Dear Friends in the Dharma,

We invite you to join us in a profound act of compassion and merit by contributing to a life release (tsethar in Tibetan) dedicated to the health and long life of Lama Pema Düddul and Jamyang Tenphel, both of whom are currently facing health challenges. This life release, organized by Colorado-based Buddhist monk, Pema Lodro, will save the lives of worms that would otherwise be used as bait in fishing.

We have a modest goal of $300 AUD

In the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, tsethar or life release is a sacred practice that generates immense merit. By sparing the lives of sentient beings, we not only offer them the gift of continued existence but also accumulate great positive energy. This merit can be dedicated to the well-being and longevity of others, and in this case, it is specifically aimed at supporting Lama Pema and Jamyang's health.

Lama Pema and Jamyang are long time practitioners and Dharma teachers. Lama Pema has been teaching since 2007. Jamyang has been in retreat since the beginning of 2019. They are both much loved by our Sangha - Pristine Awareness: Foundation for Buddhist Practice.

Lama Pema and Jamyang-la in 2005:

Beyond the spiritual benefits, there is also the simple, yet profound, joy in knowing that we are directly saving the lives of these beings. Each worm, a sentient being in its own right, is given the opportunity to continue its natural life, free from suffering.

We plan to do one life release in Australia and one in the USA (Colorado) on November 3rd 2024.

Your contribution, however small, will help make this life release possible. Together, we can create a ripple of compassion and kindness that benefits both the worms we save and Lama Pema and Jamyang Tenphel, whose Dharma teachings and presence are precious and so deeply valued.

Thank you for your kindness and generosity.

With gratitude,

The Pristine Awareness Team.

Pema Lodro:

On the Benefits of Releasing Animals (Tsethar)

By Chadral Sangye Dorje Rinpoche

"To The Spiritual Master, Buddha of Infinite Life, Amitayus,

And to his bodhisattva disciples, I bow.

I will now briefly explain the benefits

Of ransoming and releasing animals.

To ransom and release animals

Constitutes a flawless practice

To be done with pure motivation and applied

By all of Shakyamuni's followers.

The benefits of this practice have been described extensively

In many sutras, tantras and treatises.

Ocean-like gatherings of learned and accomplished masters of India and Tibet

Have considered this an important way to aid beings.

For those of the Theravada,

This practice represents the abandoning of harming others;

For those who have entered the mind of awakening of the Mahayana,

It represents the training itself;

And for practitioners of the Secret Mantra,

It represents the principal tantric commitment of the Jewel Buddha family.

The reason for this is that in the world,

Nothing is more precious than life itself

And no negative act more serious than taking life.

Therefore, among composite forms of the roots of virtue,

None has greater benefit

Than the ransom and release of animals.

If you wish for happiness and good fortune,

Be diligent on this supreme path."