A gatha for dead animals?

[Hoseki]

Hi folks,

When I was out and about for a bit today I say a dead rabbit on the road. It's not uncommon at this time of year but it usually gives me pause (as it did today.) I wanted to say something for the rabbit. I recognize being dead the thought would be lost on the rabbit (even if it was alive.) But I didn't have anything to say and I wish I did. Some way to pay my respects to a fellow traveler as it were.

Does anyone have a Gatha or something to that effect for situations like this?


Gassho
Hoseki
Sattoday

[Onka]

I offer Metta when I see a dead animal. When one of our critters dies I recite The Heart Sutra.
Gassho
Onka
st

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[Kokuu]

Does anyone have a Gatha or something to that effect for situations like this?

Here is an attempt to provide one...

In life and death is the life of the Buddha.
Yet, we note the passing of this fellow creature with sadness.
May all beings live a full and long life,
And return in peace to the home they never left.


Gassho
Kokuu
-sattoday/lah-

[Shinshi]

Here is an attempt to provide one...

In life and death is the life of the Buddha.
Yet, we note the passing of this fellow creature with sadness.
May all beings live a full and long life,
And return in peace to the home they never left.


Gassho
Kokuu
-sattoday/lah-

That is lovely Kokuu.

Gassho, Shinshi

SaT-LaGassho, Shinshi

SaT-LaH

[Tairin]

In cases like this I have recited the Metta verse for the animal.

I like Kokuu’s verse too


Tairin
Sat today and lah

[Jundo]

When it comes to a Gatha, one can just make one from one's own heart, on the spot.

Just speak whatever seems right, and if it is sincere, then it is a lovely Gatha.

Gassho, J

STLah

PS - For those of our members who do not know what is a Gatha, they are just little "reminders" or moment markers to help us reflect on some lesson in the moment. That is their "magic," just to remind us that there is something special in brushing our teeth, going to the toilet or bath or, in this case, coming face to face with life and death. More about Gathas here, and how to make our own ...

'Gatha' are short, meaningful little recitation which can be recited before (and/or after) many 'ordinary' daily activities to remind us how sacred they are, and how all support our life and practice ... from eating to work to going to the toilet to washing the face ... Here are some and a discussion ...

RECOMMENDED 'At Home' Liturgy

https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/showthread.php?8069-RECOMMENDED-At-Home-Liturgy

...

In fact ... one can make their own Gatha for ANYTHING ... which is exactly what Treeleafers have done for fun and personal inspiration ...

http://www.treeleaf.org/forums/showt...hp?6917-Gathas.

[Meitou]

Here is an attempt to provide one...

In life and death is the life of the Buddha.
Yet, we note the passing of this fellow creature with sadness.
May all beings live a full and long life,
And return in peace to the home they never left.


Gassho
Kokuu
-sattoday/lah-

Perfect Kokuu
Gassho
Meitou
Sattoday lah

[Amelia]

Sometimes I just place my hands together, or pause. Usually, I will recite metta for all beings silently. This is a habit I have formed for when I come across something that bothers, saddens or frustrates me.

Gassho
Sat today, lah

[Hoseki]

Thank you for the suggestions folks! I'm going to try and memorize Kokuu's gatha. But I suspect a few will probably be more like Jundo's suggestion Especially in the beginning.

Geika, I may try to recite metta in difficult times as well. I'm not sure why I didn't think of that before but it seems like a good thing to do when dealing with difficult people and topics.


Gassho
Hoseki
Sattoday/lah

[Kyonin]

The Heart Sutra would be nice, but Kokuu's verse is perfect too!

Thank you Kokuu.

Gassho,

Kyonin
Sat/LAH

[Hoseki]

Here is an attempt to provide one...

In life and death is the life of the Buddha.
Yet, we note the passing of this fellow creature with sadness.
May all beings live a full and long life,
And return in peace to the home they never left.


Gassho
Kokuu
-sattoday/lah-

Hi Kokuu,

Someone I admired recently passed away and I offered incense and recited the gatha you wrote. It felt right. I just wanted to let you know and say thank you again.

Gassho
Hoseki
Sattoday

[Kokuu]

Hi Kokuu,

Someone I admired recently passed away and I offered incense and recited the gatha you wrote. It felt right. I just wanted to let you know and say thank you again.

Thank you so much for sharing that, Hoseki.

I am glad the gatha was helpful and sorry for the loss of that person you admired.

Gassho
Kokuu
-sattoday/lah-

[Hoseki]

Thank you so much for sharing that, Hoseki.

I am glad the gatha was helpful and sorry for the loss of that person you admired.

Gassho
Kokuu
-sattoday/lah-

Hi Kokuu, his name was Michael Brooks and he was a political commentator in the US. He always struck me as someone who cared about others and took a global view of human suffering (for lack of a better world.) I would have said his name and work before but I’m trying to stay within the three sentences. He will be missed!


Gassho
Hoseki
Sattoday/lah


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[Amelia]

Chanting metta for Michael and his family. I am sorry for your loss, and am sitting with you.

Gassho
Sat today, lah

[Jundo]

Yes, all Metta and sitting for those not here and those who love them.

Gassho, Jundo

SatTodayLAH