This story was shared by Ani Sangye, one of Jetsunma’s students:
On Wednesday, February 26, 2020, a 30 year old horse named Strike Up the Band fell in his pasture, after having suffered from an infection for several days that had caused him great pain in one leg. Strike wasn’t responding to treatment begun days earlier and had stopped eating. He was completely exhausted from standing on three legs and couldn’t get up. The decision was made to euthanize him.
I live on the farm where Strike lived, with his devoted owners of 21 years, Erich and Gloria. When he fell, we all happened to be home and rushed out to the pasture. While waiting for the vet to arrive, Jetsunma’s “Prayer to Be Reborn in Dewachen” was played for him. I texted Jetsunma’s attendant, Ani Sonam, informing her of what had happened and requesting that Jetsunma please pray for Strike. We didn’t hear back until the exact moment when the vet was administering the sedative prior to the euthanasia drug– perfect timing. Jetsunma said she would pray for him and instructed us to tap the crown of his head repeatedly. Gloria, Erich and I all took turns tapping while he was euthanized and for 15 minutes after, at which point I looked at his crown and saw the unmistakable sign of his liberation– a hole-like opening in the hair.
I immediately texted Ani Sonam with a picture. Jetsunma asked, “Did you get oil on your tapping fingers?” We then saw that Gloria’s fingertips were coated in a thick black oil, which had a distinctive perfume-like scent, sort of floral with a hint of honey. Gloria had been the one tapping his crown right before we saw the signs. Gloria noted that her fingers didn’t smell at all like horse. She also remarked that she doesn’t use any scented products at all, so this scent couldn’t have come from her hands.
Jetsunma said, “This is an auspicious sign! That horse went to Dewachen!”
Almost immediately after seeing the signs on Strike’s head a gentle rain began, which is considered auspicious.
Strike’s holy body will continue to purify the earth and water around it and to bring benefit to countless beings. My Precious Guru Jetsunma Ahkön Lhamo, a sublime and supremely enlightened one, has liberated this horse and blessed us with unmistakable signs. It was an extraordinary blessing to be able to witness such a rare and profound event.
May this account deepen the faith and devotion of every Dharma student, as we see undeniable proof of the teachings before our very eyes.
May Jetsunma’s life be strengthened and lengthened as a result of her compassionate activity and blessing us in this way.
May this event be the cause for all sentient beings to be liberated at death.
This account was written by Ani Sangye.
