Buddhists worldwide converged on October 29th to observe the Buddha-Stipulated Day of Releasing Lives, an admirable day dedicated to compassion and liberation. Originating in 2009, this tradition finds its roots in the teachings of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, who, after completing a monumental Buddhist activity, led His disciples in releasing captive lives and declared this day as a time to extend compassion to all beings. In 2023, the H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Culture and Art Museum and the World Buddhism Association Headquarters commemorated this occasion with life-releasing events in Marina Del Ray, California, and World’s Fair Marina, Flushing, New York.
The practice of releasing captive lives holds deep significance for Buddhists. H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III once imparted in the Dharma of Cultivation, “All living beings in the six realms of reincarnation within the three spheres of the universe have been since beginningless time my fathers and mothers in the revolving cycle of reincarnation.” Furthermore, “The Brahma’s Net Sutra – The Book of Bodhisattva Precepts” explicitly teaches the importance of compassionately engaging in the practice of releasing captive animals into the wild and freeing living beings from suffering.
However, there are some controversies surrounding the release of captive animals into the wild. Some challenges include the potential ecological impact when non-native species are released into an ecosystem, the overlooked survival and adaptation skills of these animals when many captive animals may not have the skills or behaviors necessary for survival in the wild, and sometimes insufficient compliance of legal framework governing the release of animals in various countries and regions. These controversies have often overshadowed the true compassionate intent behind the practice of releasing lives carried out by some religious organizations. This has led to questioning and even opposition to the act of releasing lives.
In Buddha’s teaching, the act of releasing captive animals should be impartial, as all beings are considered equal. Nevertheless, this practice should be conducted with thorough attention to details and careful planning. Neglecting the well-being, survival, and adaptation of these animals to their new environment contradicts the core intent of “freeing living beings from suffering” and “prohibition of killing.” As Abbess Ruzun Ruohui emphasized, “Our acts of compassion are not confined to specific days or places. Guided by the teachings of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III and Shakyamuni Buddha, we believe in intervening whenever and wherever beings face dire fear or calamity, offering them safety and liberation from suffering. As the saying puts it, ‘We hold dear the continuity of their lives and cannot bear to witness their untimely end.’ Our driving force is compassion and empathy, with a desire to bestow happiness and freedom upon all sentient beings, relieving them from the burdens of suffering.”
Therefore, on this Buddha-Stipulated Day of Releasing Lives, the World Buddhism Association Headquarters calls on all Buddhists to follow local government regulations when releasing lives. With attention to details, it’s essential to protect the interests of living beings and avoid unintended consequences that may discredit the practice’s true meaning.
Participants released crabs in the sea area designated by the government for releasing in New York
Participants at the event shared their personal experiences of releasing fish into the sea, witnessing these creatures swim towards newfound freedom. Greg Barones from Long Island who participated in the life release activity in New York said, “In Buddhism, we believe we are all one, and that includes insects and animals. We gain great joy when we participate in life release activities, as it is a reminder that a true Buddhist does not believe in keeping any form of life in captivity. We love all beings impartially. This belief creates compassion within ourselves, while allowing us to love unconditionally and prevents us from harming or taking life.
Todd Moyle from Scotch Plains, New Jersey, also shared his story: “I believe that I am making up for what I did in my life to free the fish. Most of my life I fished for crab and anything I could catch in the sea. In 1994 while returning home from a fishing trip, we crashed into an exit ramp. I lost my father, brother, and best friend. I was the sole survivor and had some major surgery. Years later, I listened to my wife and stopped fishing because I was killing. When I freed the fish, I felt like I gave the sea and life something back and I felt a peace in me that I was returning what I took. Also I felt that I had met my wife and had a new family for returning to the life that I took and was taken from me.”
H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III’s guidance to all Buddhists emphasizes the importance of adhering to the precepts and disciplinary rules of Buddhism, while establishing great compassion as the cornerstone of their practice, along with the cultivation of humility and patience. Buddha’s wisdom serves as a guiding light, illuminating the true essence of the Buddha-Stipulated Day of Releasing Lives. These teachings offer a path for all beings to attain achievement and liberation.
In 2023, nations worldwide continuously struggle with prolonged regional conflicts, ongoing wars, economic turmoil, and the devastating impacts of climate change, resulting in a profound loss of lives and widespread suffering. From storms, flooding, earthquake, to wildfires, 2023 has already been a record catastrophic year for weather and climate disasters globally. On this occasion of the Buddha-Stipulated Day of Releasing Lives, individual Buddhists, temples, and religious organizations from around the world have come together in unity to conduct life-releasing activities. Their shared aspiration is to dedicate all merits to the well-being of living beings. May adversity be vanquished, and may all living beings find prosperity and wisdom, leading to lives filled with goodness. May nations thrive and may peace reign supreme throughout the world.
