On a radiant morning filled with auspicious energy, Jinyin Temple joyfully hosted a sacred Life Releasing Ceremony, a time-honored Buddhist practice of releasing animals to freedom as an act of compassion and a means to accumulate immeasurable merit.

        The ceremony began with prayer chanting and invocation, led by our beloved Guru, the Vajra Master Jinke Xuanlei, who opened the ritual by calling upon the blessings of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. The sacred sounds of mantra recitation filled the temple grounds, purifying the environment and creating a field of positive energy for all present, seen and unseen.

        Following the opening prayers, participants moved in procession to the Blessing Heart Pavilion, where hundreds of koi fish were gently released into the water. These fish, symbolic of vitality and harmony, were blessed and consecrated by the Vajra Master himself through a traditional consecration ritual. As the koi swam freely, attendees offered heartfelt aspirations for the liberation of all sentient beings and the purification of karmic obstacles.

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        Next, the community gathered for a powerful fire ritual, or Homa offering, a central practice in Vajrayana Buddhism where sacred offerings are cast into a consecrated fire. This fire symbolizes the wisdom that burns away all defilements and obstacles. During this transformative part of the ceremony, participants were invited to touch the turtle, a ritual act rooted in Buddhist symbolism. The turtle, revered for its longevity and unshakable steadiness, represents stability and the blessings of a long and virtuous life. As each participant gently placed a hand upon the turtle’s shell, they connected to its spiritual essence and made personal aspirations.  

        Following this, attendees sprinkled water and rice into the fire—symbolic offerings meant to purify negative karma and generate great merit. The flickering flames carried these heartfelt prayers upward, transforming them into spiritual nourishment for the benefit of all beings, both seen and unseen.  

        As the final act of life releasing, a wild turtle was released into a protected natural habitat. Its quiet journey into the water was met with solemn respect, marking the culmination of a day deeply rooted in compassion, symbolism, and merit.  

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        Throughout the ceremony, the spirit of Dharma joy pervaded the atmosphere. From the young to the elderly, from longtime practitioners to newcomers, everyone shared in a sense of unity, peace, and purpose. The collective act of planting seeds of merit through life releasing not only brings benefit to the beings released, but also to all who participate, creating conditions for long life, health, compassion, and spiritual growth.  

        We extend our deepest gratitude to the Vajra Master Jinke Xuanlei, the temple volunteers, and everyone who attended or contributed in spirit. May the merits of this day spread far and wide, bringing peace to all corners of the world.  

        May all beings be free. May compassion flourish. May the Dharma light never fade.

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Event Photos
2025 July Dharma Service - Life Releasing Ceremony