Hundreds of Buddhists from various parts of the United States, as well as Canada, Mexico, Japan, mainland China, and Taiwan, gathered on October 29th at the Marina Del Rey in Los Angeles to hold a release and blessing ceremony. (Photo by Yang Qing/Photography)
Hundreds of Buddhists from various parts of the United States, as well as Canada, Mexico, Japan, mainland China, and Taiwan, gathered on October 29th at the Marina Del Rey in Los Angeles to hold a release and blessing ceremony on the "Buddha's Liberation Day," embodying the Buddhist concept of "helping sentient beings and liberating sentient beings."
The release ceremony was led by Venerable Ruohui, the abbot of Huazang Temple, Venerable Zhen Da, the Vice Chairman of the World Buddhist Headquarters and Honorary Chairman of the International Buddhist Sangha Association, and Venerable Juehui, the abbot of Shengge Lecture Hall and Bodhi Monastery, along with other virtuous and eminent monks and monastics. Together, they released the fish from the four ponds in the marina back into the ocean.
October 29th is known as "Buddha's Liberation Day," which originated in 2009. After performing auspicious Buddhist activities, His Holiness the Third Dharma King of the World Buddhist Pope led his disciples to release animals on the spot and designated this day as the Liberation Day. Buddhists around the world have since referred to this day as "Buddha's Liberation Day." Because all sentient beings possess Buddha nature and are relatives of humanity, when sentient beings face danger, humans should come to their rescue. Buddhists around the world not only release animals to save them at any time, but also organize release activities on the "Liberation Day" in nearby locations.
Venerable Ruohui, the abbot of Huazang Temple, who participated in the release activity, stated that Buddhist animal release is not limited to a specific day or location. It can be done anywhere, at any time, for any living being, to rescue them from the imminent danger of being harmed or killed, and release them into a suitable ecological environment, allowing them to regain their freedom and be free from fear. With our compassion and empathy, we bring happiness to sentient beings and alleviate their suffering.
Mr. and Mrs. Uboldi from Las Vegas stated that they have participated in several release activities organized by the World Buddhist Headquarters, and they always comply with local government regulations when releasing animals. Especially when they personally release the fish back into the ocean and see them swimming freely, they truly feel the compassion of Buddhism and appreciate the value of freedom and life.
Professor Hayashi from the University of Tokyo, who came from Japan to participate in the release ceremony, expressed that when he was visiting Silicon Valley, he happened to come across information about the "Buddha's Liberation Day" release ceremony. Modern animal release is not simply about buying live fish and releasing them on the spot. It also involves considering whether the released species will affect the local ecological environment or threaten native species. This time, he encountered such a grand event in the United States, so he specially came to participate and release the fish back into the ocean, which is very meaningful.
The World Buddhist Headquarters specially calls on the public to comply with local government regulations and release animals in accordance with the Dharma, considering the well-being and benefit of sentient beings. It is important to release animals correctly and avoid the unintended consequences that may negate the meaning of release.