3.5 tonnes fish freed as ‘Nya Tsethar’ by Choe Kha Sum in Kolkata

GANGTOK, 15 June: On the occassion of Saga Dawa, the executive members of Choe Kha Sum organization conducted ‘Nya Tsethar’, a traditional Buddhist practice in which life is rescued. In the present gesture, they ‘rescued’ fish from the market and released them in the water.
As per a press release, this is an annual ritual that the organisation undertakes on behalf of its contributors where fish is bought in large quantities and freed in Kolkata. This year, more than 3.5 tonnes of fish have been bought and freed into the river Ganges at Belurmath in Kolkata.
Tsethar [Life Release] is a traditional Buddhist practice of saving life of beings that are destined to be killed. Along with prayers and earning merit, this act is also a practice implementation of non-violence and compassion preached by Lord Buddha and is accompanied by prayers for the long life and well being of HH the Dalai Lama and for all sentient beings without exception, the release adds.
The practice is believed to benefit those who offer the gift of life as well as those who receive it. Especially as the Tsethar has been undertaken during the auspicious occasion of Saga Dawa, the benefit is believed to be multiplied manifold.
The organisation has said that this act could not have been possible without the help of all the donors who have generously contributed towards this cause.