Animal Liberation Sanctuary
Kopan Monastery, Nepal
Lama Zopa Rinpoche, in his concern for the welfare of all living beings, has rescued many animals from being killed or neglect so that they may live out their natural lives in peace and attain a higher rebirth. Currently the animals reside at Kopan Monastery and they include mainly cattle, sheep and goats.
Every year around the world, millions of animals die or suffer needlessly. In countries like Nepal, the care and management of animals is particularly poor and in addition, Nepal still supports a number of festivals in which animals are violently and brutally ritually slaughtered.
Animals neither live pleasantly nor die peacefully. The vast majority of people are completely ignorant about animal welfare and laws and penalties to protect animals from abuse are insufficient.
Since the end of 2011 construction has been underway for new facilities on land located only a few minutes walk from Kopan Monastery. The new sanctuary will provide more space and proper facilities for the needs of the animals.
The sanctuary benefits rescued animals not only because they will be freed from impending death but because they will be exposed to Dharma teachings, will regularly hear mantras and will be led around holy objects. This means they will create merit and gain the opportunity to escape the lower realms. It also gives people the chance to create merit and purify life-obstacles.
The sanctuary was established to care for animals primarily rescued by Lama Zopa Rinpoche. There is currently no room for people to bring other animals. There are also no quarantine facilities at the monastery. While people cannot bring new animals, the existing animals do need your help. The costs of caring for the animals is very high (food, shelter, veterinary care and staffing costs). The late Khensur Rinpoche Lama Lhundrup explained that the merit of supporting liberated animals is the same as liberating an animal yourself, for without ongoing care and shelter the animals would not survive.
Animals cannot speak out for themselves – they depend on people to care to help them. Please give your support to rescue animals from a cruel and painful death and to provide a sanctuary where they can live and die with the proper care and love they deserve.
