Although animals do not have the capacity to practice Dharma like humans, they can still plant the seeds of awakening through our guidance and support. The following practices can create powerful conditions for their liberation:
- Give them a Dharma name.
You can name your pet Karma, Morality, Generosity or Patience, Wisdom or Meditation … so that each time you call them, they hear the sacred sound, such practice leaves a seed of enlightenment in their mind. Even hearing such a word may help in ripening the past positive conditions and karma.
- Play Dharma teachings or sutras or mantras for them.
It is said that even hearing a word from a sutra or a mantra brings immeasurable merit. You can play recordings of sutras or mantras such as: The Medicine Buddha Sutra, or any mantra of Buddha or bodhisattva. When these sutras or mantras are played, not only do humans benefit, but all sentient beings nearby receive blessings. It can also help them to purify the negative past karmas.
- Let them eat vegetarian if possible so that they don’t accumulate negative karma with what they eat. This way you can avoid them further engaging in negative karma.
- Keep buddha statue or Dharma Wheel (Prayer Wheel) in your home.
When you spin a Dharma Wheel, not only do you accumulate merit, but every sentient being nearby, including your pets, also receives its powerful blessings just by looking at it. This is an effortless yet deeply transformative way to benefit them.
- Take them around sacred stupas or temple if it is allowed or bring your pet to circumambulate a stupa. This is a profoundly meritorious action, even for non-human beings.
There are many documented stories of animals who, through such practices, gained favorable rebirths as intelligent, wealthy, and virtuous humans in future lives. The most meaningful gift we can offer to animals is not only food or care, but the opportunity to be freed from the suffering of samsara.
When humans are injured, they receive treatment and compassion. But many animals (wounded, broken, and silently in pain) suffer with no voice to ask for help. They feel pain just like we do; the only difference is, they cannot speak it.
If you have the karma to care for an animal, see it as a rare chance to offer a seed of freedom and ultimate happiness.
May all animals hear the sacred names of the Buddhas.
May the pain in the animal realm be transformed by love.
May our hearts grow vast enough to shelter not only humans but all sentient beings.
Master Nawang Kunphel.