Preface & Acknowledgements

List of IHustrations:
Front Cover: The young prince Siddhartha releasing a rescued swan.
1. Milarepa building structures as a means to purify negative karma.
2. The full moon reflected in the clear lake serves as a symbol of emptiness.
3. Jack, the black labrador, saving a boy from drowning.
4. A butterfly resting on a broken cup represents non-dualistic thought.
5. A Buddhist monk releasing fish into a river.
             

Foreword

    This foreword has been offered by the eminent
    master Karma Chagme Rinpoche VII, supreme
              head of the Neydo lineage.

Rebirth as an animal, fish, insect or bird is the karmic consequence of engaging in non-virtuous deeds over many lifetimes. This book offers advice on methods for saving creatures from immediate danger, while at the same time creating the karmic conditions for them to experience a higher rebirth and, finally, total release from the cycle of samsara.
   
I pray over and over that all creatures rescued in this way will gain release from their immediate sufferings and finally attain liberation.
                               
Old Man Karma Chagme,
Taipei, Taiwan.
1 May 2004
                 

Preface

My first experience of a releasing-life ceremony was in Taiwan. A group of us that included several other monks and a number of Taiwanese Buddhists and their families purchased some locally caught fish at a wharf-side market, loaded them into the hold of a boat and headed out towards the open sea. The fish were offered consecrated pills that had been dissolved in water and auspicious aspirations were made on their behalf; finally, the fish were returned to the sea and the merit was dedicated to the well-being of all sentient beings.
    
It was very gratifying to watch the fish slip over the side of the boat and quickly swim away. That night before going to sleep I recalled the day's events, and imagined the fish that would otherwise have been chopped into pieces on the kitchen table or fried in hot oil now swimming peacefully in the cool water under the moonlight. This beautiful image inspired me to lead many more expeditions to purchase and release fish, and also to research the practice in greater depth.
    
This short book is the result of my studies. I hope that it will not only encourage people to engage in releasing life, but also to do so in a way that is both sensitive to the animals' needs and ecologically sound.

Shenphen Zangpo (Stephen Powell),
Taipei, Summer 2004.
                

Acknowledgements

For their guidance and advice, I remain deeply indebted to Karma Chagme Rinpoche, Dzongsar Khyentse
Rinpoche, Karma Khenchen Rinpoche, Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche and Khenpo Tobgyal Phuntsog. Furthermore, I would like to extend my gratitude to Chatral Rinpoche for granting me permission to include his teaching on releasing life (see supplement).
   
In addition, I sincerely acknowledge the great kindness of Ven. Hui-min, Dr Huang Chin-wan and Louie Powell, without whose continued support and assistance this book could never have come to fruition.
   
To Frances McDonald, whose excellent skill as editor transformed a few basic ideas into a readable text, and to Lai Jen-loong, whose artwork brought the stories to life, I am extremely grateful.
   
Special thanks also to all the following friends who helped by editing, finding information and offering support — Daniel Altschuler, Marcus Bingenheimer, Chang Pei-yen, Chen Jr-hui, Jonathon Cloud, Chanel Grubner, Alan Horowitz, Hsiang Hui-ling, Cynthia Williams, Yuan Ju-tsen and friends at Siddhartha's Intent (Taipei).
   
Finally, a big thank you to all the people of Taiwan for the great warmth and friendship they have shown me. I have felt very welcome on this island.
 
May the merit accrued from this work bring you, together with all sentient beings, peace, good health, happiness and the blessings of the Dharma.

Source Of Information:
《Releasing Life: An Ancient Buddhist practice in the Modern World》, by Shenphen Zangpo (Stephen Powell), distributed by: Persatuan Penganut Agama Buddha Amitabha Malaysia, 90 & 92, Jalan Pahang, Gombak, 53000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.)
*** The information provided above does not contain personal opinion of this blog.