The Buddhist Association of China has issued a formal condemnation against the growing practice of releasing inanimate objects into natural environments under the guise of religious observance. This statement comes in response to recent incidents in Liaoning province where individuals were documented pouring substantial quantities of rice into the ocean and ‘releasing’ bottled water as purported acts of Buddhist devotion.
The Association clarified that traditional Buddhist ‘life release’ practices (fang sheng) exclusively involve liberating living creatures facing imminent slaughter or danger, allowing them to thrive in suitable habitats. This ancient ritual embodies the core Buddhist principles of unconditional compassion and the sacred precept against killing. The organization emphasized that plant seeds like rice and manufactured items such as bottled water lack consciousness and cannot be classified as sentient beings, making their ‘release’ doctrinally invalid.
Beyond theological concerns, the Association highlighted significant environmental and social consequences. These practices contradict traditional Chinese virtues of frugality, constitute wasteful resource expenditure, and potentially damage delicate ecosystems. The statement further warned that improper release methods often achieve opposite results from their intended purpose, potentially endangering more lives and disrupting ecological balance.
The Association specifically addressed several problematic scenarios: introducing terrestrial animals to aquatic environments, releasing domesticated species into the wild, introducing invasive species or pathogen-carrying animals, and conducting releases in protected areas or urban water sources. These activities not only violate environmental regulations but also foster commercial markets that exploit wildlife specifically for release ceremonies.
In response to these concerns, the Buddhist Association has implemented new guidelines approved on June 30th to promote civilized and environmentally responsible practices. The directive mandates that all release activities must comply with national laws and receive supervision from environmental, agricultural, forestry, marine, and quarantine authorities. Group releases outside formal Buddhist venues now require approval as large religious events with thorough review of species, quantities, timing, and locations. Commercialization of release activities is strictly prohibited, with specific bans on protected areas, urban water bodies, transportation routes, and residential zones.
The Association concluded by committing to incorporate education about proper release practices into Buddhist teachings, ensuring followers understand the authentic meaning and appropriate methods of this traditional practice while protecting both environmental integrity and religious sanctity.