Letter to Steve Irwin's Family

My very dear Janine,
I am the spiritual head of the FPMT, which is a worldwide organization devoted to benefiting society through the practice and philosophy of Tibetan Buddhism, education, public service, health, and culture. The FPMT has 141 centers and activities in 31 countries. We have 21 centers and projects in Australia, including Chenrezig Institute, which is very close to the Australian Zoo.

I am from Nepal, near Mount Everest.

I am sending you my condolences for our dear Steve Irwin, who is known to the world as the crocodile hunter, maybe even known to the snakes and crocodiles, as well. I watched Steve Irwin on TV so many times for so many years, catching snakes and crocodiles, letting them go, and also helping them, with all his incredible excitement. It made me curious, when I was watching him, being so active, about how his life would end, whether one day he would be killed by one of those animals.

When I heard the news I immediately made prayers for him, chanting many mantras and prayers, purifying anything that causes suffering. I made prayers for the best thing to happen to him.

You and your family must be very sad, but since you have a strong bond with him, then according to Buddhist philosophy, you have created the cause to meet him again, maybe not in the same body, but to meet again. He may not reincarnate in the same shape or body. It is like the flame when you light another candle from it, but the flame continues.

Please continue having your good heart, bringing peace to the world, to human beings and animals (that are the largest number in the world when you compare to humans). Continue to give your love to them.

Thank you very much.

With much love and prayers...