Cats who teach me to fly…

He was all fine the night before…

It was drizzling that night and I saw a grey cat lying on the grass. No cat would sleep in the rain and I knew something wasn’t right. He was lifeless. No wound or injuries. Perhaps the rain washed away his blood… And I think he probably met some kind of accident shortly after I fed him the night before.

慈忠 was always the first cat who greeted me. He would run over to me and walk me to the feeding area. He was the first to get his food and after feeding him, I’d go feed the rest and would come back to him again and offer him another round of food before my night is done at Hougang. He would patiently wait for me and sometimes would go around looking for me if he wasn’t eating enough.

The “basketball” court where I used to feed him and the rest is now empty. I often think of them when I look over the court. Remembering who and who was there, what they were doing, how they rushed towards me and where they rest after their meal. Today, they were all history…

Although I wasn’t given an opportunity to bring him home but thank to whoever left him on the grass which gave me a chance at least to cremate him.

Thank you 慈忠 for giving me another kind of experience. An experience of understanding and practising the Dharma.

May 慈忠 have a favourite rebirth…

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May all sentient beings in the animal realm subject to unbearable pain in labs throughout the world be free from suffering.

May alternatives to animal experimentation and testing be used immediately.

May compassion fill the hearts of those who imprison them.

May all sentient beings from the animal realm who suffer endless days, months, years locked in tiny cages unable to move, be filled with peace and calm.

May the many billions waiting in slaughter house lines be free of fear.

May the hearts of those who work in abattoirs be filled with loving kindness so the very thought of harm is purified.

May they never kill again and may the slaughter house lines become immediately empty.

May no animal be afraid or depressed.

May their bodies be free of injuries, disease and illness.

May those who need homes, or who have been driven from them find shelter, plentiful food & water.

May there be liberation for those tortured for fur, entertainment or who are hunted.

May those who believe they are superior to our brother & sister animals develop perfect equanimity.

And may they realise in their hearts that all sentient beings possess Buddha nature.

And they are not ours to kill or exploit.

May the many billions of land and sea dwelling sentient beings who are abused, exploited and killed due to greed, hatred and ignorance be free of suffering

May they experience complete and perfect enlightenment, through the virtue of my efforts and prayers.

May I be a voice for the voiceless.

In short, may all human and non-human sentient beings live together in harmony, peace and equanimity and achieve perfect Enlightenment quickly.

This is the prayer I recite every morning as well as my wish for all animal across the world.

Prayer taken from https://moonpointer.com/new/2012/06/buddhist-prayer-for-animal-liberation/

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When I picked Snowy on 6 June, I thought she simply needed to be boosted up, so we started giving her nutritional food, time and lots of love but it didn’t turn out to be the way I thought it would be.

Snowy had a serious skin issue. As an adult cat, she was so much smaller than a 4 month old kitten. She was abandoned on an open ground. As experienced by many rescuers, time spent with her was so short.

Besides Mel and I, Snowy had many who love her. Five volunteered to sponsor her cremation and medical fees. Snowy was blessed. She was the first cat who received sponsorship and lots of blessings. We are thankful for their kindness.

Despite the fact that many cats have passed on under my care, I’m still not used to facing the cycle of death. Still feeling heavy and sad each and every time. But another part of me remains as strong as ever, that is to continue helping them if my future lives karma allow. With all the karma connections with them, how can I walk away and leave them behind.

All spiritual masters taught that the most useful way to help others is to help them liberate from Samsara, I wouldn’t deny that. However, when I’m living in starvation, I really hope someone could give me a mouthful of food. And I want to continue doing that till the time is ready for me to help liberate them. So snowy and all the animals who have crossed my path, you are never forgotten.

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I was home 2 days ago. Flight was delayed for 90mins. Since there was nothing to check in or check out, I hurriedly left the airport and took a cab home. Toofy was the first cat who greeted me.

So nice to be home even though it looks a little messy. Thanks Melanie for taking good care of the cats. I cleaned the place a little before going to bed and got up early the next day. 10 days of waking up early at Jhana Grove and am still carrying on with this practice…

I was supposed to stay another day for the kathina ceremony but preferred to leave early instead to visit Fo Guang Shan.

Flags were put up for celebration. There were many Thai people and according to one of the retreatant, he told me it looks like a mini Thailand. I left at 8am. And goodbye to Jhana Grove!

Jos and I left our luggage in the locker at the Perth airport before heading to Fo Guang Shan.

This is the prayer hall at Fo Guang Shan, Perth.

The hall is surrounded by statues of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. I was so happy simply just to imagine how Pureland would look like. I’ll be surrounded by the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas in the Pureland and how joyful it will be!

We were very lucky to be guided by one of the volunteers to tour around Fo Guang Shan. I got souvenirs for feeders who helped with the community cats.

After Fo Guang Shan, we headed to Perth City by train. So, the vegan activists who wear white masks propagating veganism that I saw in facebook are people from Perth. It was an honour to meet them. I am so proud of them!

My journey stopped at Perth City. No regrets not witnessing the kathina celebration because I knew it was going to be crowded and noisy and true indeed, it was. A last day well spent. Looking forward for another retreat? Probably….

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