My cat's throat Buddha was broken

5/2 is the anniversary of the death of my beloved cat, whom I have lived with for 20 years.
When it comes to this day, I always remember the time of the memorial service and my heart aches.
A memorial service was held at a pet memorial temple on the recommendation of an acquaintance.
The cute rosaries were attached to our hands and placed on them, and the sutras were read to us, and our family felt at peace.
The bones were picked up, and my beloved cat was still as it was.
The throat Buddha was also left clean.
There was a round ring, shaped like a human, and a triangle on the opposite side of it.
I thought the human-like shape was a Buddha and the triangular part was a hand, but the man in charge said the opposite, and in an attempt to explain it, he grabbed the throat Buddha and placed it in the palm of his hand.
My throat Buddha, which had remained clean at that time, was broken.
I was surprised, but there was no voice, and I don't really remember after that, but there was no apology.
I thought I'd say it to the temple, but I don't need to say it because the kid wants to go home feeling good. I said that, so I went home without saying anything.

Even though they died in pain, I'm sorry that they made you suffer again at the very end.
I wonder if my throat Buddha was broken and I was able to eat the meal too.

Every time I see an article that says they are so cherished that only the throat Buddha is separate, it's helplessly painful.
One of my regrets is that I didn't close my eyes and just fell to the ground.
If I hadn't said anything superfluous, an important bone wouldn't have been broken.
It makes me feel like I can't forgive myself and the man in charge.
Are my cats living properly in the Pure Land?

4 Zen Responses

I offer my condolences.
It was taken very seriously, wasn't it?
There wasn't enough consideration from the person in charge either.
Please don't worry about the remains.
Around when was the name “Throat Buddha” someone named it, but that's because Buddhism has nothing to do with the Buddha.
No matter what shape the remains are, it's not that the soul remains there; the remains will eventually return to nature, and the soul is already at peace in the Pure Land.
Please don't worry.
Gassho

The Buddha's mercy is so deep and warm. Put your hands together carefully.

20 years. They are important children who lived together, and they don't matter even now. Bones are brittle when scattered. Something that breaks no matter how carefully you handle it.

However, when they passed away, the Buddha's mercy had already arrived, and they were saved while being watched over by your families. The Buddha's mercy is as deep and warm as it gets.

What has led to Hasunoha in this way now is, “Humans are obsessed with remains, but my precious children are not those remains, and they are close to me. It's probably to hear the Buddha's voice saying, “Don't worry.”

No matter what you look like, you can hear the Buddha's voice when you mourn your dead. Let's put our hands together carefully. The Buddha's mercy has reached you too. Let's keep listening to voices saying it's okay.

I'm also going to put my hands together from here on out.
Gassho

I sincerely pray that the child will be at peace

I read it.
That precious child died in agony, and that child's throat Buddha was broken when that child was buried and called the person in charge during bone collection, so you don't think you can forgive yourself or that staff. I wonder what that kid is doing now, and was he able to go to the Pure Land properly? That's what you think. I don't know the details about you or that child, but I understand your feelings from the bottom of my heart.

I pray with all my heart that that child will feel at ease. Shishin Gassho Nanmu Amida Buddha Namu Amidabutsu
Please pray that your child will be led to the Pure Land with peace of mind. We wholeheartedly agree
That child will be guided by the Buddha or God, and your ancestors will warmly welcome that child. That child was welcomed by his ancestors under the Buddha and God, saved from any hesitation and suffering, and he will continue to gently watch over you and everyone.

That child's relationship with you and everyone will continue forever from now on.

I think that child lived a happy life with love poured out by you and everyone. Then they went on without fulfilling the lives they had been given. I'm sure that kid loves you and everyone and is very grateful. And they will continue to kindly watch over you and everyone.

One day, when you or everyone will complete the lives you have been given, the Buddha or God will guide you, and that child will take your ancestors and warmly welcome them, and they will rejoice and sincerely feel at ease at the reunion.

I sincerely pray for the Buddha, gods, ancestors, and that child so that you will continue to cherish that child and live happily with everyone.

And I sincerely pray to the Buddha, gods, ancestors, and children so that that child will always welcome you and everyone. Shishin Gassho Nanmu Amida Buddha Namu Amidabutsu

I'm sure it's true that the staff didn't apologize. However, after all, the remains of the Throat Buddha etc. are very fragile. Basically, almost all of a person's throat Buddha is broken by cremation. We ask for your understanding.

I have to believe you

I've read your question.

It's a precious bone for your beloved cat, so you must have been shocked by that.
I understand how you feel.

Broken things will never go back to their original state, right?
Even if they apologize, they won't go back. Just like time doesn't turn back.

That's why I think what we can do is “accept” that fact and then “believe.”
I don't have a physical body anymore, but I'm living peacefully in the other world, relieved from the pain and worries of this world, and living peacefully.

Reading the question, I think you can't accept the fact that it's “broken.”
Then, the problem remains there, and it doesn't work.
I spend my time only on negative imaginations.
Well then, my beloved cat is also worried and can't spend a peaceful time.

Let's trust them. If I care about you, it's about you.
I hope they are doing well over there, and that they are spending their time peacefully.

The time we spent together and the feeling that you care for your beloved cat are real, so it would be nice if we could even “believe” after that.

← all dialogues ← previous next →