Redding's Tibetan Buddhist Center Will Bless Friendly Animals; Dr. Spellman Shares Her Wisdom
"The creatures that inhabit this earth--be they human beings or animals--are here to contribute, each in its
own particular way, to the beauty and prosperity of the world."
― Dalai Lama XIV
The Tibetan Buddhist Center for Universal Peace (Do Ngak Kunphen Ling - DNKL), who
recently co-hosted the Dalai Lama's visit to Connecticut, will host an Animal Blessing under the spiritual
direction of Khensur Rinpoche Lobsang Jampa. The Animal Blessing activities will take place on Saturday,
May 18 from 1:00 pm-3:00 pm (Raindate on Sunday, May 19), on the former Maurice Pate Estate (first
UNICEF Executive Director), 30 Putnam Park Rd, Redding, CT. Actual blessing ceremony will start at 2:30
pm. People of all faiths will join the Animal Blessing. Throughout the nation and world, Animal Blessings
are observed by animal-lovers of all beliefs, nationalities and backgrounds in churches, temples, and
synagogues.
The guest speaker, Dr. Lucy H. Spelman returns to her Connecticut roots to share this special occasion.
Lucy grew up in West Redding, CT. Lucy is a veterinarian board-certified in zoological medicine—one of 150
in the world. Her patients have included giant pandas in China, Asian elephants in Burma, giant river otters in
Guyana, and mountain gorillas in Rwanda. She is also a writer and educator with a keen interest in exploring
new ways to use the arts to communicate and interpret science.
In 2008, Lucy published her first work of creative nonfiction," The Rhino with Glue-on Shoes," a collection
of 28 short stories; her contribution gives the book its name. In October 2012, she published her second
book in collaboration with National Geographic Children's Book Division, a new edition of "The National
Geographic Animal Encyclopedia."
Lucy serves on two non-profit boards: the Karanambu Trust in Guyana, South America (since 2009), and the
Wildlife Rehabilitators Association of Rhode Island (since 2013.)
Lucy's passion for science education and outreach stems from her prior work experience which includes
zoo administration, media consulting, and writing. She is an accomplished public speaker and has been the
subject of various news interviews and television documentaries.
DNKL hosts the Animal Blessing, inviting animal friends of all sizes and their human companions. Visitors
will experience a great variety of animals, including horses, goats, guinea pigs, and dogs. The blessings,
conducted by the resident Tibetan Buddhist monks, focus on the teachings of Buddha which are rooted in
compassion. In this light, Tibetan Buddhist prayers will be distributed for the attendees to read along with
the Tibetan monks. The ceremony will begin with a prayer to generate immeasurable love, generosity, and
compassion for all beings;
May all beings have happiness and the causes of happiness, May all beings be free from suffering and the causes of suffering.
The Animal Blessing will include prayers for the protection, health, long life, and future path to liberation for
the animals. Join the blessing and activities for the whole family, including games, crafts, petting zoo, and
drawing for animal grooming, cds, books, toys and gift certificates.
For more information, see the website: