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Inspiring love and compassion

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BY CHERYL BENTLEY

THE SUNCOAST NEWS

Published: October 25, 2008

On Monday, at a gathering of people and their animals, barks ceased and sniffing stopped under the gentle spell of a Tibetan lama.

Yogi Lama Gursam blessed the four-legged set at a pet blessing ceremony at Starkey Park in New Port Richey sponsored by the non-profit Buddhist organization, Ratnashri Sangha of Tampa Bay.

The lama divides his time between teaching in the United States and spiritual studies near Dharamsala, India, the headquarters of the Dalai Lama. Thus far this year, he has given about 15 pet blessings.

Both people and their pets are equal partners in the experience of life, the lama said in a telephone interview before the blessing.

"Buddhism includes everyone as important," he said. "Buddha said everyone wants to be happy and at peace. That includes all forms of life."

While waiting for the blessing, Trouble, an English bulldog, provided a bit of un-Buddhist-like commotion befitting his name, with some warning rumbles directed at fellow canine attendees.

Trouble was one of three canine rescues brought to the blessing by their people, Sandra and Shane Collins. Sandra Collins had seen a notice about the event at Little Animal Hospital in New Port Richey, where she works.

"I just thought it would be so cool to have our animals blessed," she said.

Betty McCallen bought Tara, her 17-year-old toy Manchester terrier. Tara is deaf and has been diagnosed with cancer.

"If she can't be healed, at least I want to have her comfortable," McCallen said.

Charlene Gardner wanted a general blessing for her West Highland White Terrier Bianca.

"She's important to me, and I want her blessed," Gardner said. I love her to death."

Although most animal attendees were dogs, a cat and two rabbits also showed up for blessings. Human guardians of turtles, rabbits, cats, an African grey parrot and dogs also brought pictures of their animals for the lama to bless.

In a short talk under Buddhist prayer flags, the lama noted the similarities between humans and animals.

"They have compassion, they have kindness, they have unconditional love," he observed about both animals and humans. "The only difference is the form."

His event, he said, was "a ceremony for appreciation and thankfulness for their unconditional love."

All the animals, even rambunctious bulldog Trouble, became quiet during the lama's talk.

The lama said a Buddhist prayer and then visited all the animals, touching their heads with water mixed with "compassion pills" of herbs blessed by Tibetan monks and nuns and yak butter from a sacred prayer wheel in Tibet.

He offered the animals organic, human-grade treats made by Pamela Nations-Weissman from the Ratnashri Sangha. Nations-Weismann had made food specifically for dogs, cats, rabbits and birds.

In closing, the lama told the humans he receives as much from the blessing as do the animals. "It gives me joy and happiness to be serving. Being here inspires my love and compassion."

For more pictures of the event, go to www.suncoastnews.com>, keyword: pet blessing.

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