Unlike any other tradition, Buddhism affirms the unity of all living beings. It is believed that all sentient beings equally possess Buddha-nature, which means all have the potential to become Buddha or an Enlightened One. According to Buddhist teaching, it is said that samsara is the fruition of our own karmic debts. In this field, no sentient beings are considered to be privileged or to hold a special place above and beyond samsara. The world is not meant for the benefit of only human beings or other superior beings. In some circumstances it is believed that even the superior beings can possibly take rebirth in the lower realms according to their own karma. It is also stated in sutras that our own karma has led us to where we are now and will determine where we will be in the future.
Buddhism is based on three fundamental principles: right view, right understanding and right conduct. The most important aspect of right conduct is non-violence (Skt. ahimsa), which is the practice of abstaining from harming others. It is often explained in sutras that in this world no crime is comparable to the crime of taking the life of another living being. This truly implies that there is no greater source of accumulating merit than saving lives. Furthermore, the karma of killing is understood as the root of all suffering and the primary cause of sickness and disaster.
In this context, I would like to share with you a glimpse of a teaching given by His Holiness Jadral Sangye Dorje Rinpoche on the benefits of saving lives:
“To Buddha Amitayus and the Bodhisattvas of ten directions
I pay homage from the depth of my heart.
“The inconceivable benefits of saving the lives of innocent beings have often been explained in many sutras and tantras. Even the great siddhas and learned masters of the past have emphasized the importance of the practice of saving lives. Compassion is the main essence of the Mahayana tradition and also forms the foundation of the Hinayana tradition. In the Vajrayana practice it has another aspect: it is considered to be the principal samaya of the ratna family, which emphasizes maintaining a sacred vow between the rescuer and the one who is saved.
“To achieve genuine peace and happiness, one has to follow the sublime path of non-violence, which places great emphasis on ransoming the lives of animals. Taking our own body as an example, if we cannot bear pain or hardship of any kind then how can we expect other innocent beings to remain in endless suffering? Think! Our happiness comes from wanting others to be happy.
“There is no better way to perform any kind of ritual to avoid obstacles or to fulfil our wishes than being compassionate and abstaining from harming others, and in other ways saving the lives of animals such as birds, fish or even the tiniest insect. Trying to save any life from forthcoming danger is one method of developing generosity in a practical way. Therefore, render the gift of fearless refuge.
“Following this noble path puts an end to all kinds of obstacles and obscurations which hinder the path during the intermediate state. Hence, it is also considered to be one of the greatest benefits that we can dedicate to our loved ones who have passed away. If one pursues and practices the path of non-violence with an altruistic motivation and with pure acts of selflessness, then it will eventually lead to Enlightenment.
“O, wise and virtuous people! Refrain from hunting and killing innocent beings and inspire others to do the same. For instance, during the autumn season when migratory birds like cranes fly across the continent to find a perfect habitation for their winter home, we should not harm them by attempting to hit them with stones while they are resting.
“The renowned Buddhist scholar Atisha Dipamkara said that the merit accumulated from being compassionate and saving lives is the same as the merit accumulated from meditating on emptiness or sunyata. Hence, I request all the classes of people to be compassionate and practice the sublime path of non-violence, thereby giving more importance to saving lives.
“If one takes up this practice then it is certain that everlasting peace and happiness will prevail around the world. All kinds of suffering will cease and everybody will enjoy boundless happiness and prosperity. It is assured that if one practises this noble path then one will have a long life-span. Even during the time of death one will experience great bliss. One will be separated from all kinds of disturbing thoughts and deluded perceptions and will pass away peacefully. Thus, one will be fortunate enough to be born in higher realms and finally attain perfect Buddhahood.”
May the merit and virtue accrued from this work help all sentient beings to generate bodhi-mind and engage in the practice of Bodhisattvas!
By Sherab Younten
6th Year, NNI
