A small group of Saultites braved the the rain Saturday afternoon and joined Buddhist Meditation Master, Yogi Acharya Lama Gursam, for an animal blessing ceremony at Algoma University College.
Under the shelter of the front entrance overhang, about half a dozen dogs and their faithful owners listened as Lama Gursam explained how animals, being pure of spirit, enrich our lives and how humans can learn from their compassion and loving nature.
Following a softly spoken Tibetan prayer, he fed each dog a treat anointed with blessed water, which he also sprinkled on the head of each pooch.
Most people also brought photographs of beloved companions, which Lama Gursam happily blessed.
One woman began to cry as he sprinkled drops of blessed water onto a photograph of her dog who had passed away the day before.
This prompted Lama Gursam to gather all the photographs and offer a special prayer for the dearly departed.
The pet blessing ceremony concluded Lama Gursam's 11-day visit to Sault Ste. Marie.
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