Expert: Justin Choo - 5/16/2010

Question
I was wondering what the best way to honor or bury an animal that I accidentally caused the death of. I want to be able to bury or honor it so that it can return to the life flow in a better karmic state than it left, if possible.

The animal in question is a 6 foot long snake, non poisonous, that was sunning in the road. I attempted to pull over to the side of the road to retrieve it so that it would be able to avoid being crushed by a passing vehicle, but when I pulled off to the side of the road it attempted to strike at my tire, and broke its neck. When I got out of my vehicle I could see it writhing, and knew it would die, so I gathered it off of the road and it died about 30 seconds later. I was unaware of whether I should have put it out of its misery, or if that practice was prohibited, and now I would like to honor it to cleanse us both of any bad karma incurred. I thank you greatly for your time,

First time asker,
                Timothy K.

Answer
Hi Timothy K,

Thank you for asking me.  It is just unfortunate that this incident happened.  

" now I would like to honor it to cleanse us both of any bad karma incurred."
I suppose if it's still not too late, you can bury it to feel at ease with yourself.  Whether this will cleanse both of you is anybody's guess.  


On another note, in the Buddhist context, a person is fully responsible for the act of killing only if the following 5 conditions are fulfilled:

1.The victim of the killing must be a living being.
2.The killer must know the victim is a living being.
3.The killer must have the volition to kill the victim.
4.The killer personally act on the killing.
5.The victim dies as a result of this action.

Hope this helps.

Justin Choo.