This is a meditation for the freedom of all.
Loka Samasta Suki no Ba Man Tu May all beings everywhere be happy and free,
And may the thoughts,
Words,
And actions of my own life contribute in some way to that happiness and to that freedom for all.
Start by finding a comfortable seat.
You can sit on a pillow or a cushion or a chair.
Take a few moments to notice where there might be tension in the body and allow yourself to find more ease.
Softening the shoulders may help.
Unclenching the jaw may offer relief.
Opening the palms may create spaciousness.
Allow these small adjustments to take place.
Gently encourage your body to be still.
As you settle into your body,
Think of a non-human animal whom you have a special bond with.
Perhaps a companion animal whom you share your home with,
A liberated animal whom you met at a sanctuary,
Or even someone you have never met who was instrumental in your awakening.
See them clearly in your mind,
Visualize that they are happy,
Safe,
Healthy,
And free.
Think of them as they would be in their natural state,
Longing for freedom,
Safety,
And companionship.
Allow yourself to bring into a soft smile,
His thought.
Continue to hold these images in your mind.
It's okay to think of past memories.
It's also okay to think of imagined scenarios of the life that they deserve but did not get to live.
As a vegan,
You are exposed to the painful experiences of non-human animals.
They are unlike the images that you held dearly in your mind just a few moments ago.
You are deeply aware of the unfortunate fates of farmed animals,
Kidnapped animals,
Hunted animals,
Forcefully bred animals,
And animals who suffer in so many other ways.
What would it be like to live in a world where non-human animals are protected,
Where their lives,
Freedom,
And dignity are valued?
Now pause for a moment and imagine a better world for the animals.
We want a world where all animals are happy,
Safe,
Healthy,
And free.
And so wanting the disparity between here,
The reality,
And there,
Our imagined ideal world is glaring.
And the pain can be overwhelming.
One way to take care of this pain is with a healing practice of loving kindness.
Open your heart and silently say to yourself,
May all animals be happy.
May all animals be safe.
May all animals be healthy.
May all animals be free.
Repeat this to yourself a few more times,
Giving yourself space to feel completely and without holding back.
The pain that you feel for animals is deep and personal.
With unattended,
It can turn into anger and despair.
We should not deny this pain,
But we should not let this pain keep us stuck either.
Hold this pain softly in your heart and then expand the space within your heart.
That way,
Even as this pain exists,
It exists alongside hope and compassion and patience and courage.
Let it remind you of your ability to change the world for the animals.
Let it inspire you towards action.
Be safe.
May I have hope.
May I have compassion.
May I have patience.
May I have courage.
This hope will help you fight for animals another day.
This compassion will drive you to get others to join you in your cause.
This patience will get you through challenges.
This courage will inspire you to do all that you can for the animals.
Simply open your eyes.
Thank you for caring so much for the animals.
Know that you are not alone.
Loka samasa suki no bavantu.
May all beings everywhere,
Including non-human animals,
Be happy and free.
May the thoughts,
Words,
And actions of my own life contribute in some way to that happiness and to that freedom for all.
Namaskar.
