QUESTION
Dear Venerable Robina
I have a question I hope you might have the time to answer. Recently I lost my beloved dog, who I got from a shelter. He was such a sweet dog.
When I found out he was dying I started reciting mantras or playing them from YouTube during the day: I remember asking you during a Zoom class if there was anything one could do to help a pet to a better rebirth, and you had answered that it would be beneficial to play mantras. I also did this while he was dying and in the days leading up to his death.
I miss him terribly. Now, every morning and every evening I recite mantras for him.
My question is: is what I do with the mantras right? Should I do something else to help him to be reborn to a better life or is there nothing I can do? His life started out so difficult and ended in illness.
I know it is my attachment that makes me so sad that he is not with me, but I hope I can still benefit him.
I hope you are well and happy.
Much love
N
ANSWER
Dear N,
As for your darling dog. It seems there was a strong connection with the Dharma and how fortunate that he found you.
Be so pleased that you have blessed him immeasurably: it is more than likely that he was able to take a human rebirth after this one because of the blessings.
And his illness: that would have hugely purified his karma, enabling him to receive the blessings of the buddhas more easily.
For sure, you are sad: that shows the karmic connection between you. But be glad for him: that he found you, found the Dharma, purified his karma. Amazing!
One thing you could do is have his ashes blessed with the practice of Jangwa: Lama Zopa Rinpoche says this is so powerful. You can read about it in Rinpoche’s book How to Face Death without Fear.
N, I really rejoice in your efforts to help this sentient being who’s come to you!
Much love,
Robina