Mourning and Gratitude on Thanksgiving Day
Animals: Tradition - Philosophy - Religion
from All-Creatures.org

From Circle of Compassion
November 2013

"Happy turkeys for a happy Thanksgiving"?? Together we are bearing witness to an ongoing holocaust and violent war against animals that seems to reach an almost hysterical climax on Thanksgiving. Our local health food store advertised locally grown turkeys who had been killed as "Happy turkeys for a happy Thanksgiving,' offering people "peace of mind" when they buy such a turkey.

As we so well know, millions of turkeys have already been killed for the upcoming tradition of Thanksgiving. As vegans many of us will feel more like mourning than giving thanks. It is especially difficult if we feel compelled to join our non-vegan family and/or friends for this day. Praise for the meal that contains so much suffering brings tears to our eyes. Let us pray for each other on this day and picture how we are all connected heart to heart. Ahimsa is our vow and it embodies forgiveness and unconditional love. Let us send comfort to each other throughout the day.

"Happy turkeys for a happy Thanksgiving"?? Together we are bearing witness to an ongoing holocaust and violent war against animals that seems to reach an almost hysterical climax on Thanksgiving. Our local health food store advertised locally grown turkeys who had been killed as "Happy turkeys for a happy Thanksgiving,' offering people "peace of mind" when they buy such a turkey.

Prayers for Awakening May the millions of deaths not be in vain. May hearts once closed to the obscene cruelty on their plates, suddenly break free of tradition and denial and join this ever growing circle of compassion for all beings everywhere.

Giving thanks for each other And may we give thanks for each other and for the blessing of awareness of the sacredness of all life. For we have somehow been given the great gift of seeing the truth of who turkeys really are. We have discovered our true kinship with all living beings and the joy that comes from nonviolent living. How rich we are!

Once more I'd like to share this mealtime prayer with you in case you would like to use it on this strange day of mourning and giving thanks.

A Vegan Mealtime Prayer We joyfully give thanks for this our meal of love and peace, For no one's child lies on our plate. None suffered for our feast. We pray for peace on earth for all and grace to do our part. To God and to all life we are connected heart to heart.

In my prayers of gratitude, I think of you all who selflessly, for no gain of your own, continue to hold the most vulnerable and most exploited beings close to your hearts. It is a sweet and precious comfort to them.

Thanks to all of you, compassion is encircling the earth for all beings. Thank you for your devotion to truth, love, liberation and peace for all beings. With Love, peace, and gratitude from Judy; and Will, Madeleine, and the Circle of Compassion team.

If you haven't already done so, please join us at the Prayer Circle for Animals Facebook page

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