Question asked by Fernando
Dear Pastors,
I'm feeling very bad because I just killed a small snake that was on the entrance to one of the doors of my house. I do not like reptiles but it was the first time I did something like this because it was just under the door and I was afraid for me and my family. It was very hard for me doing it and had to ask the help of my son. Now I feel bad for not being able to resolve the situation otherwise, for ending a life and have created bad karma for me and have dragged my son along with me. How can I rid myself of this aversion to reptiles and release me from the bad karma I created for myself and my son? How can I handle the situation if I encounter another reptile?
Thank you, I really need your help.
Fernando Emídio
Portugal
Dear Fernando,
Having aversion to certain beings is due to our unbalanced attitudes towards others as a result of our delusions. We have hatred for some and feel attracted to others. To those who are neither “friends” nor “enemies”, we feel completely indifferent. To overcome these biased attitudes, we need to develop immeasurable equanimity. Think that the reptiles are also mother sentient beings who, as a result of their negative karma, have been born as snakes in this life. In the past, they have been our mothers, and have been very kind to us. So how can we be hostile to them? Reflect on this and think all beings in Samsara are pitiable, all want happiness and do not want suffering. In this we are all equal.
Purification of negative karma can be done through the practice of the 35 Confessional Buddhas. You can download it from Rinpoche’s blog in the section “Prayers and Sadhanas”. Recite the sutra everyday and apply the 4 opponent powers: the power of reliance (take refuge in the Three Jewels and generate bodhicitta), the power of regret (regret strongly the actions you have committed), the power of resolve (promise not to commit the negative action again),and the power of remedy (apply the antidote which is not to kill). Ask your son to do the same. Here is the link:
https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/prayers-and-sadhanas/sadhana-prayers.html#25. I encourage you to follow Rinpoche’s teachings on the blog to learn the Dharma well. Practice the Dharma diligently and you will receive the blessings and purification that you seek.