Most of us recognize how very precious life is and the urge to protect those in jeopardy comes naturally. We would not wish the pain of death on another person. Just like humans, animals and other beings are tormented by the fear and pain that can wash over them during their final moments of life. Shielding living beings from that agony by saving their lives is an actual spiritual practice that has been performed by Tibetan Buddhists for centuries. We need not be Buddhist to carry out this easy form of generosity. Saving lives is a tangible manifestation of our innate human compassion.

The beauty of this practice is the immense rewards such a simple act can bring. Saving the lives of beings helps those who are ill or have passed away, and also brings joy and good fortune. As the bait fish is released to the ocean, the veal calf set free in a field, or even one insect lifted from a puddle left by the rain, life and happiness increase. When one dedicates this virtue to others as explained by His Holiness Chadral Rinpoche's teaching in the book Sacred Voices of the Nyingma Masters, true benefit comes to those we wish to help and to ourselves as well.