The Wisdom of Life Release: How to Truly Save Lives and Accumulate Merit?

Life release (Fangsheng) is a highly meritorious Buddhist practice. However, true life release is not merely buying and releasing animals—it requires wisdom to ensure genuine benefit for sentient beings. Wisdom Light explains the correct way to conduct life release, maximizing its benefits for all.

🔍 The Meaning of Life Release and the Six Perfections

Life release encompasses the six paramitas (perfections) of Mahayana Buddhism:

• Generosity: Saving lives and granting fearlessness.
• Morality: Observing precepts and protecting beings.
• Patience: Enduring challenges during the process.
• Diligence: Persisting despite difficulties.
• Meditation: Maintaining focus and sincerity.
• Wisdom: Choosing the proper way to release animals.

🕊️ 1. Generosity: The True Gift of Fearlessness

🐟 Fearlessness Giving

To conduct a proper life release:

• Ensure the release environment is suitable for the species.
• Choose safe locations where animals won’t be recaptured.

📖 Dharma Giving

Most important is providing Dharma teachings:

• Recite Buddha’s name or mantras to plant seeds of liberation.
• Use blessed nectar pills to grant spiritual benefits.

💰 Material Giving

• Donate funds for life release activities.
• Buy animals from markets to save them from slaughter.

⚖️ 2. Morality: Protecting Lives

Handle animals gently to avoid harm.

🌿 Conclusion: True Life Release Goes Beyond the Act

True life release is about more than setting animals free—it cultivates compassion and merit, ensuring genuine benefit for all sentient beings. 🙏