On Sunday 4th June, a sacred anniversary of the Buddha, when practice is understood to be particularly powerful, a group in Beara took part in a practice of releasing the lives of animals.

This year, after a prayer ceremony at the Dzogchen Beara Stupa, eighteen lobsters, that had been caught by local fishermen, were freed back into the Atlantic Ocean, at a carefully chosen location. The lobsters were blessed and dedications were made for those who have died, world peace and the long life and enlightenment of all.

Life release is a traditional Buddhist practice of saving the lives of beings that were destined for slaughter. It is performed by all schools of Buddhism and is called “Tsethar” in Tibetan. Sentient beings value nothing greater than their own lives. For this reason, saving lives brings tremendous merit, and it is deeply meaningful and joyful to free animals in this way. Particular care was taken to avoid causing any harm to the environment or the lobsters through very thoroughly researching and planning the whole process, including consulting with local ecologists and support from life release groups in other countrys.

Life release practice can be done in many ways, all one needs is an intention to save the lives of animals and an interest to find the most appropriate way to do so. Even to practise vegetarianism with this motivation can be a form of life release. If you would like to connect with the group that has been carrying out life release in Beara for a number of years, you can email lifereleasebeara@gmail.com to find out more or offer a donation towards future life releases.