Celebrating the bond between pets and their owners through a unique blessing ceremony.
As rain poured on Vesak Day Eve, hundreds of pet owners from across Singapore queued at Thekchen Choling, a temple renowned for its spiritual offerings. This year marked the inaugural animal blessing event, inviting pet owners to partake in prayers, light offerings, and engaging activities such as paw painting.
Witnessing the blessing ceremony was heartwarming, as Venerables gently placed the Buddha’s relic on the heads of both pets and their owners, who leaned in together, eagerly awaiting the moment of blessing. Pet owners performed acts of devotion, offering flowers and candles to Buddha while their pets excitedly interacted with one another, wagging their tails and licking the hands of new acquaintances.
Thekchen Choling, founded in 2001 by Singha Namdrol Rinpoche—a Singaporean lay Lama and the temple’s Spiritual Director—has deep roots in Tibetan Buddhism. The title “Rinpoche” translates to “precious one” in Tibetan.
The Custodians of Thekchen Choling
“We pray to plant a seed of enlightenment for the pet because we believe that even the pet will become a Buddha one day,” explained Rinpoche. “If the seed was not planted before, then we plant it now. If it was planted before, we create auspicious conditions so that the animal will no longer be an animal after its current life—we prepare for its auspicious rebirth.”
Curious about the blessing ritual, I asked Rinpoche what happens after the Buddha’s relic is placed on the pet’s head. With a warm smile, he replied, “After the relic is placed, the good karma of the animal is activated, facilitating its rebirth.”
Traditionally, many families acquire animals to liberate them on Vesak Day. However, the temple advocates that such practices may not be sustainable, as released animals can fall prey to natural predators or disrupt ecosystems. In Buddhism, both humans and animals are viewed as equal sentient beings capable of experiencing emotions, which explains why many Buddhists choose vegetarianism.
I spoke with Vincent Kessler, the chair of the Vesak Day organizing committee and a temple volunteer for nearly a decade. His joy was palpable as he shared that the event honors the time individuals spent with their pets during the pandemic.
Meet Scooby, the Cherished 8-Year-Old Mongrel
While playing with Scooby’s siblings, I felt the gentle weight of Scooby leaning against my legs. I began talking to Mary and Thomas, a married couple in their mid-40s who had brought their dogs to the temple. As Scooby trembled at the sound of thunder, Mary comforted him until he calmed down.
Scooby, adopted from the SOSD dog shelter, is a mongrel affectionately known as a “Singapore Special.” Born with a deformity in his hind leg, he “hops around like a zombie, unable to bend it,” according to Mary. Initially, she hadn’t intended to adopt Scooby, but seeing the disgusted looks he received compelled her to offer him a loving home.
When I asked Mary why she wanted Scooby to receive a blessing, she quietly replied, “Bless him now so that he can have a better life.” Thomas, a devoted Buddhist, added, “Scooby will not be an animal again in his next life.” The couple fervently hopes he will reincarnate as anything other than a disabled dog.
In Buddhist philosophy, the concept of rebirth is significant. When a living being dies, it is believed they will be reborn as something else. Mary and Thomas pray that Scooby can escape the Animal Realm in his next life.
Sherab, the Curious Mexican Dwarf Orange Crayfish
I was surprised to see a pet crayfish at the temple, and I approached to see Sherab peeking at me with his feelers, almost as if greeting me. Li Yin, in her early 40s and a Business Development Manager who regularly volunteers at Thekchen Choling, explained that Sherab, which means “wisdom” in Tibetan, is a gift from her religious teacher’s son. He has been a steadfast companion beside her work desk throughout the pandemic.
Li Yin shared that Buddhists believe an animal may struggle to be reborn into a higher realm unless pet owners bring them to the temple for blessings. “They cannot do it on their own, so we are here to help facilitate that process,” she said.
While Li Yin initially felt unprepared to care for Sherab, she grew increasingly attached to him. “Many people prefer furry pets because they respond to you immediately,” she said. “But Sherab is unique because I can call him out when he hides in the tank. Sometimes, when I tap on the glass, he comes out to greet me. I love watching him climb and eat with his little hands.”
Truffles, the Beloved Syrian Hamster
Sean was carrying a blue Adidas shoebox, which turned out to be a makeshift litter box for his pet hamster, Truffles, who was cozily tucked inside. Although 24-year-old Sean isn’t Buddhist, he visited the temple with an open heart to pray for Truffles’ well-being.
He shared that he once had two hamsters—Truffles and her partner, Creamy, who passed away after escaping their cage. Truffles also once escaped, getting stuck behind Sean’s fridge for a week but surviving thanks to her cheek pouches filled with food.
Reflecting on his relationship with Truffles, Sean remarked, “I’m so lucky she’s still active, and I want her to remain that way. She can be passive during her estrus cycle, which results in a white discharge instead of blood.”
“Truffles brings so much life to our home,” he added. “With Creamy gone, I treasure Truffles even more. At least I still have the other half with me.”
Celebrating the Sanctity of Life This Vesak Day
Thekchen Choling was alive with the vibrant interactions of animals and their owners, transforming it into a sanctuary where pets could socialize and create lasting memories with their humans. The temple’s philosophy of treating animals and humans as equals as sentient beings is a testament to Singha Namdrol Rinpoche’s teachings.
“You are your pet’s guru; you are your pet’s God,” he reminds pet owners. “If you love your pets, you are responsible for their next life. Activate that potential, accumulate merit for the animal, love the animal, and teach them love and compassion.”
