Releasing of life refers to the practice of saving beings facing imminent death. Although the Buddha did not directly teach the practice, it is a natural expression of the Buddhist tenets of benevolence and protection for all forms of life. Indeed, the first of the ten negative actions to be avoided by a Buddhist is not to intentionally take the life of any being, human or otherwise. Furthermore, the Samannaphala Sutra exalts a monk as "one who has cast aside cudgel and sword and is repelled by violence. He is moved by mercy and, living compassionately, is kind to all creatures that have life."

"In our approach to life, be it pragmatic or otherwise, a basic fact that confronts us squarely and unmistakably
is the desire for peace, security, and happiness. Different forms of life at different levels of existence make up the teeming
denizens of this earth of ours. And, no matter whether they belong to the higher groups such as humans, all beings primarily seek peace, comfort, and security. Life is as dear to a mute creature as it is to man. Even the lowliest insect strives for protection against dangers that threaten its life. Just as each one of us wants happiness and fear pain, just as each one of us wants to live and not die, so do all other creatures."

~ H.H. Dalai Lama ~

Naga Puja & Releasing of Life 2008

NSCF believes that one of the vital aspect of releasing life in a Buddhist context is to establish a link between the saved being and the Buddha Dharma. While lengthening the life of another being is considered a worthy and compassionate act, it is believed to be much more beneficial when it enables the saved being to make a connection with a path that ultimately will lead it to gaining release from rebirths in the realms of suffering. NSCF jointly held the Naga Puja and Life Releasing event, another auspicious activity conducted by Sonam Rinpoche, on the 28th June 2008, the auspicious Naga day, in the Klang West Port, Malaysia. We had total of 45 dharma participants, including Sonam Rinpoche, Khenpo and 4 lamas. The Naga Puja text that used was the the profound terma (mind treasure) that revealed by the terton, 1st Adzom Drugpa Rinpoche in the 19th century.


Nagas can be wisdom holders, and can also cause skin diseases, depletion of life force energy and other obstacles. It is wise to make offerings to Nagas, when disturbing the earth for any reason. It is believed that one's present wealth, fame, health, confidence, merits will improve, obstacles and sickness will be eliminated, one will always meet good friends and masters, has a happy harmonious family with pleasant looking and intelligent children, there will be fine weather in the region with sufficient rainfall, good harvest, and the country will enjoy peace and harmony. Last but not least one will accomplish one's practices in a fruitful path.

In terms of merit, no worldly act can compare with releasing life. Even if only one being is released this remains true. Furthermore, because at the time of releasing lives, the Buddha's name and heart mantras are chanted, the beings are blessed. Eventually, they will reach a level of attainment from which they cannot regress.

~ Khenpo Jigmed Phuntshok ~