This story was first covered in the New York Times June 24 2007. The Reporter's name was Tania Leah. I tried to locate the original article at the New York Times. But did find the article archived on another site.
The image was taken by Tania Leah, it is of Gyatso releasing clams, shellfish and snails. The Buddhists belief that these will evolve into another life form at the time of death.The title of the article was:In Homage to Buddha, a Splash of FreedomIn New York a Tibetan Buddhist named Gyatso with other Buddhists from the area. Purchased a large amount of sea creatures. Setting them free in honor of the Buddha. Rather than rehash all of the article.The following is an exert from the article by Tania Leah:NEW YORK–As the sun set on Staten Island’s south shore, a Tibetan Buddhist named Gyatso carried a crate of live shellfish down to the harbor. Squatting on a rock, his sneakers perilously close to the water, he submerged the crate, and then tossed the marine snails, one by one, into the sea.
As he did so, he murmured the words “Om mani padme hum,” the mantra of compassion, for liberation from all negative karmas. “The best news,” Gyatso said of the snails, “is that they are saved from the frying pan.”
Gyatso, an energetic and compact man in his 40s who lives in Glendale, Queens, and, like many Tibetans, uses just one name, was among two carloads of Buddhists who journeyed on May 31 from Chinatown to Great Kills Harbor in Staten Island to observe Saga Dawa, a holy month. During that month, Buddhists are encouraged to preserve life in commemoration of Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and attaining Nirvana. This group chose to save marine creatures destined for dinner tables by releasing them into the sea.
For most of the year, the city’s estimated 2,000 Tibetan Buddhists worship privately in their homes; Saga Dawa is one of the few occasions on which they recognize their faith publicly, enjoying a religious freedom not available to them in their native land.
I like what they did, it is a nice gesture. Sometimes the author of this blog can get a little bit on the negative side of postings. I will do my best to make sure that there is as much good posted. This is an example of what truly makes America great. It isn't the leaders in Washington. It is those who accomplish selfless acts of compassion for humanity and the environment around them. This in my opinion is the greatness of a nation.
In Gratitude:
Thank you Stephanie S. for putting this story before me.
Postscript:
I can think of no other greater way to kick off this months blogs. Than to have posted this one first. Just a reflection I noticed after the piece was put together. Our world can appear so incredibly dark. The technology we have has put us all in better connection with events, than ever before. This means that the good and bad news can travel at lightening speeds. I'll do my best to avoid the trap of letting negative issues dominate. I refuse to go the better homes and garden feel good reporting either. I hope you have having a blessed day.
References:
Disclaimer:
Red Dragon Press does not claim responsibility for information provided in links posted.
After some thought and meditation on this topic. I decided that I am deleting channel 47 from my television set. I have been an avid fan of the Simpsons for years. There are several other shows I use to watch on sunday nights. But I have decided that the monster is way to big and needs to be clipped.