A HUGE WEEK FOR ANIMALS—GANDHI’S BIRTHDAY, CITES CONVENTION, AND WORLDWIDE FAST AGAINST SLAUGHTER. Ghandi took the vow of ahimsa and nonviolence early in his life. He helped educate people about the true meaning of ahimsa and respect for all living beings. His birthday is October 2. That day is also World Day for Farmed Animals and the Worldwide Fast Against Slaughter. People in over 100 countries have pledged to join this fast on October 2. As the Farm Animal Rights Movement (farmusa.org) explains, “Through our voluntary sacrifice of food on October 2nd, we will amplify the voices of the billions of farmed animals suffering around the world. We will inspire others to learn the truth. And we will mobilize a compassionate global community who will not wait for justice, but who will make it a reality.” You can sign a pledge to fast at http://www.dayforanimals.org/unite.

Meanwhile, The Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) is taking place in Johannesburg, South Africa from September 24 to October 5. So all this week there will be opportunities for representatives to vote to make it more difficult to export and import endangered animals, such as Barbary Macaques and also body parts such as the tusks and horns of elephants and rhinos. An International March for Elephants and Rhinos took place on September 24 to put pressure on the Conference attendees.

UNDAUNTED BY SO MANY NEEDS, WE PRAY FOR AND VISUALIZE A WORLD OF PEACE AND FREEDOM FOR ALL BEINGS. We give thanks for the light and grace and wisdom that Gandhi brought to this world. His legacy continues to help us as we carry his work forward to bring an end to violence against animals and people. We give thanks that there are representatives for the animals at the CITES conference. We are truly connected to them spirit to spirit by our common desire to save animals. And so we send them strength and clarity through our spiritual connection. We give thanks for the opportunity to join thousands of compassionate people around the world as we Fast Against Slaughter in true Gandhi tradition. We remember that many of his fasts created great change. And so we hold close to our hearts the vision we carry together of a world of beauty, love, and freedom for all animals. This world, this paradise, already exists in human hearts and longs to be set free from the shackles of fear and cultural programming. We see this vegan world emerging with every breath we take and every prayer we make. We see slaughterhouses being transformed into greenhouses; transport trucks being transformed into sanctuary shelters; animal feed fields rewilding into forests and meadows; and we see all people around the world knowing deep in their hearts that animals are not ours to use or kill. We give thanks for this vision and ask for the inner peace and grace to bring it forth. The Love each of you brings to this work in your actions, thoughts, prayers, and visions is bringing this heaven to earth. As always, I send my thanks to each of you, dear Prayer Circle members, for joining this circle of compassion and shining the Light of Truth for all to see, so that one day soon, all beings will live in peace together.

As always, I send my thanks to each of you, dear Prayer Circle members, for joining this circle of compassion and shining the Light of Truth for all to see, so that one day soon, all beings will live in peace together. Our prayers for all animals continue to circle the earth, to uplift humanity’s consciousness, and to bless the animals themselves. Thank you for joining people around the world who are praying these weekly prayers as well as the Noon Prayer.

With Love, peace, and gratitude from Judy Carman, and greetings from Will, Madeleine, Tara and the Circle of Compassion team

PLEASE SHARE THIS WEEKLY PRAYER BY GOING TO Prayer Circle for Animals Facebook page. www.facebook.com/groups/prayercircleforanimals. You can also share ideas and prayer requests there.

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Please visit the website www.circleofcompassion.org often to sign up to receive these weekly prayers, to join in our “A prayer a day for animals” which features a prayer for a different group of animals each day of the week, and to join us in the Daily Noon Prayer.