Animal Release
Since July 2005 Dharmata Austin has released bait animals (minnows, crickets, worms). Recently we've branched into buying live catfish from a local grocery store. In order to preserve the ecological balance of Texas we've researched which animals are appropriate.
Generally our releases happen every New Moon -- rain or shine. We gather at an East Austin bait shop and then go to the banks of Lady Bird Lake. After a short practice invoking compassion we release while repeating "Om Mani Padme Hum". A practice text is provided. (You can also sit quietly if you wish.)
Per the guidance of Anam Thubten Rinpoche and Tulku Zangpo Rinpoche this is the sangha's monthly activity. 100% of the donations are used for the animals. Illness? Birthday? Death? Anniversary? If unable to participate in a practice, you can sponsor a release (or share one with others). If requested, during the release we will read the name of the person and/or the occasion you/your group wishes to honor.
A $100 donation/full sponsorship frees a "treasure vase" of minnows, worms and crickets totaling 600 - 1000 lives, depending on which animals are available. Partial sponsorship? $30 frees approximately 80 small minnows, 150 earthworms or 200 crickets. Donation checks can be mailed to Kunzang at a later date.
If you arrive before 9:15 a.m. on day of release it may mean you can buy/save more animals than what we have donations for. Everyone is welcomed to participate, with or without donating. Parents: What a gentle way to teach your children about the practice of kindness—irrespective of one's spiritual path. Questions about the release? Please contact Kunzang R. through silenceteaches@gmail.com or call her in Austin at: 512-263-2701 (before the morning of a release)
Directions
No later than 9:15 a.m. morning of release be standing on porch of "Fisherman's Bait House" 4601 Red Bluff Drive, ph: 386-9693.
From intersection of IH 35 and Cesar Chavez, take Cesar Chavez due EAST for 2.2 miles. (In traveling the 2.2 miles on Cesar C,, you'll see traffic lights at Comal, Chicon etc.) After light at Pleasant Valley, the next light will be Red Bluff & Cesar C. At this traffic light, look to your right—there's the small bait house. (You can veer from Cesar Chavez onto Red Bluff right before light.)
May We Be of Benefit to All Beings. OM MANI PADME HUM