The “Animal Rebirth Mantra” is a Buddhist chant specifically used to pray for the rebirth and liberation of animals. The primary purpose of such mantras is to help deceased or dying animals escape suffering and attain happiness, allowing them to be reborn in a better realm, ultimately breaking free from the cycle of samsara, and even being reborn in the Western Pure Land.
Source
The “Animal Rebirth Mantra” originates from the rituals of liberation found in Buddhist scriptures. Buddhist belief holds that all sentient beings (including humans and animals) suffer in the cycle of reincarnation, and through reciting mantras and scriptures, one can assist the deceased, whether human or animal, in alleviating their karmic burdens and achieving liberation.
In Buddhism, the liberation of animals is often associated with classic mantras such as the “Rebirth Mantra,” “Shurangama Mantra,” and “Great Compassion Mantra.” These mantras are widely used in various liberation ceremonies, not limited to animals but applicable to all sentient beings.
Uses
1. **Praying for Animal Liberation**: When an animal is nearing death or has already passed away, Buddhist practitioners will recite the “Animal Rebirth Mantra” or related chants to pray for the animal’s soul to be liberated from the painful cycle of reincarnation.
2. **Alleviating Karmic Burdens**: Reciting this mantra can help reduce an animal’s karmic obstacles, allowing them to be reborn into a better realm after death, such as the human realm or heavenly realm, with the ultimate possibility of being reborn in the Western Pure Land.
3. **Expression of Compassion**: This is an important way for practitioners to demonstrate compassion towards animals, recognizing that they are also sentient beings deserving of care and liberation.
Common Rebirth Mantras
Although there is no specific “Animal Rebirth Mantra,” several commonly used liberation mantras are frequently employed for animal liberation:
1. **”Rebirth Mantra”**:
– Chant text: “Namo Amitabha. Datojiya. Dotiya. Amilidupavi. Amilido. Xitanbavi. Amilido. Pijialandi. Amilido. Pijialando. Gaminni. Gagani. Jitogali. Savahe.”
– This mantra is specifically designed to assist the deceased in being reborn into the Western Pure Land and is often used for prayers concerning animals’ rebirth.
2. **”Shurangama Mantra”** and **”Great Compassion Mantra”**: These powerful Buddhist chants have universal protective and liberating effects; they are also commonly used for animal liberation prayers, seeking peace for their souls.
Recitation Method
When reciting the “Animal Rebirth Mantra” or related chants, practitioners should maintain a pure heart and sincerely read aloud while possibly incorporating incense offerings and other rituals to enhance the merit of their recitation. Some Buddhists also hold ceremonies after an animal’s passing, inviting monks to chant scriptures to assist its rebirth.
This type of liberation ritual not only respects the life of animals but also reflects practitioners’ own compassion.