Rinpoche reciting prayers during the Tsethar practice at the Ulu Yam Dam.
Barrels of fish are released during this time.
Rinpoche pouring blessed water with dharma pills into the barrels of fish.
Participants releasing the joyous fish into the water at the end.
Life release at Mines Lake, KL.
Mines Lake 2007
Releasing the fish into Mines Lake.
Enjoying a pleasant boat ride while creating merit at Port Klang.
Setting the crabs free at Port Klang.
Crabs to be set free at sea.
Cutting the bonds holding the crabs.
 

Tsethar Practice – The Releasing of Life Practice

 

 It has become an annual tradition for Sonam Rinpoche and his students to get together at some point during the year to perform the practice of ‘tsethar’.

 The practice of releasing lives is known as tsethar in Tibetan.  ‘Tsethar’ in Tibetan literally means ‘emancipation of life’.  This practice involves ransoming animals destined for slaughter or rescuing animals that are in any mortal danger or captivity.  The animals are usually bought from their owners and liberated into their natural habitat to preserve their lives, in conjunction with a blessing ritual.

This practice brings great merit and vast benefits because there is nothing dearer to a living being than his or her own life.  Those who wish for happiness and goodness, and to be free from obstacles should exert themselves in this practice.  The inconceivable benefits of the practice of releasing lives been described in detail in many Sutras, Tantras and commentaries.  Therefore we should strive to refrain from killing even tiny insects but always try to save their lives and offer then protection from every fear.

One of the main benefits of this practice is that it will increase our own longevity and free us from sickness.  This is said to be the best longevity practice.  It creates great merit and therefore brings us favorable conditions.  It also dispels our inner and outer obstacles.  If we do this practice with a motivation of bodhichitta together with dedication and pure aspiration prayers, it will leads us to complete enlightenment.

“…freeing the lives of sentient beings who are certain to be killed is supreme among all types of longevity practices. For this reason and because freeing lives brings immeasurable benefits, all sensible people should increase their efforts to free lives.” - Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo.

Lord Atisha taught that to offer care and affection to sentient beings in desperate situations who lack protection brings just as much merit as meditation on emptiness with compassion at its core.   So we should always try to view animals with a compassionate intention to help such as feeding birds or not mistreating stray animals.  It is not only animals whose lives we can protect as giving medicine to the sick or food to the destitute is also preserving life.

In terms of merit, no worldly act can compare with releasing life. Even if one being is released this remains true.  Furthermore, because at the time of releasing lives, the Buddha’s name and heart mantras are chanted, the beings are blessed.  Eventually, they will reach a level of attainment from which they cannot regress. ~ Khenpo Jigme Phuntsog ~

Wherever the practice of releasing lives is practiced and encouraged, sickness among people and livestock will cease, harvests will be plentiful, life will be long, and happiness and well-being will be enjoyed.  In the future we will be reborn in higher realms and ultimately gain full enlightenment.