Question asked by MC
Hi Pastors,
In Part 9 (of 12) Eight Verses of Thought Transformation video, Rinpoche talked about how we can be our own "walking altar" by making offerings to Lama Tsongkapa even when doing mundane activities, like brushing our teeth, taking a shower etc in order to gain/collect merits. My question is, if we are going out with friends or family to have a good time at a non vegetarian restaurant, is it still okay to offer this up to Lama Tsongkapa? And if we do, does this in any way help the animals who have been killed and consumed as meat take a better rebirth or help them in their future lives? Thank you so much for taking the time to answer by question.
Hi MC,
The best way for ordinary folks like us to accumulate merit continuously is to hold vows.Even when we are sleeping we collect merits as our virtuous intentions are sealed by the vows.
Your question is not very clear. What are you offering? If you had generated compassion or thoughts of kindness , that would make a good offering.If you do not have any spiritual motivation or virtuous thoughts during your family outing,I don’t think holy beings will be pleased if you have only worldly concerns in your mind.If we sincerely care about animals suffering, better to offer the virtue of abstaining from eating meat and putting effort to convince others to follow same.