With his Tibetan prayer wheel in constant clockwise spinning motion, Lama Gursam returned for his yearly visit to the MSPCA in Boston today. He made the annual pilgrimage to again bestow his blessings on the sick and waiting-to-be-adopted animals in their main shelter. The offices are always closed on his scheduled visit so the main lobby remained dark and quiet until his arrival when his radiant and compassionate smile immediately lit up the space. After a few quick hellos and Tashi Deleks, he was off to spend a few peaceful moments in prayer reciting Tibetan mantras. Then the blessings tour began. First stop: the surgical unit where a cat lounged serenely in a desk chair in the middle of the room. Immediately he dangled his mala beads for the cat who looked on with mild curiosity. Then out came little Max – an adorable erratically shaved small white dog who was recovering from being hit by a car. Clearly the recovery is going well because Max ran around us all tail wagging with full enthusiasm. One of the dedicated MSCPA volunteers quickly picked Max up for his once-in-a-lifetime photo OP with the Venerable Lama. Both smiled big for the camera. He then stopped in to bless a dog being neutered in surgery before heading over to see the bunnies. Next up: the kittens and cats. No one could resist laughing as many of them eagerly played with him and his mala beads. Continued smiles and light murmuring of Buddhist mantras as he slowly passed by each cage. The last stop on the tour was the dogs who were livelier than ever this year. While some dogs literally flew off the floor with excitement, others simply stared up at him almost as if receiving his kind thoughts. Being an avid dog lover, those are my favorite moments to capture.
Here’s some of the images from that visit today. I have included many in the hopes that those who read and/or share this might help find some (or all of!) these sweet little lives a new place to call home. Even if you can’t adopt (like me), there are many ways to help. Consider donating or becoming a volunteer.
“We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals.” – Immanuel Kant
With the MSPCA’s Director of Public Relations – Rob Halpin
“Life is as dear to a mute creature as it is to man.
Just as one wants happiness and fears pain, just as one wants to live and not die, so do other creatures.”
– His Holiness The Dalai Lama
To find out more about Lama Gursam’s teachings and mediations, check out his website here. He will be in Boston this weekend and will then be in New Hampshire June 12th thru the 24th.
A warm and heartfelt “Thank you” to Rob and all the staff and volunteers at the MSPCA. You all make this world a better place.
Om Mani Padme Hum
All images and content ©Kerry Hook of Kiki Larouge Photography. Unauthorized use is prohibited.
Timeline 6/7/13
