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The Passing of Achala

The Passing of Achala (en Español)

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If there was ever a non-human being that was a testimonial of the power of the Dharma and its ability to transform the mind, Achala, one of the Abbey “founding kitties” would be a wonderful example. “Achie,” as his friends called him, was once noted throughout a circle of Dharma friends as a cat to be reckoned with due to his volatile, irascible, angry personality and his quick lightening-like claws.

He was also smart and knew the Abbey daily schedule almost better than its human residents. He consistently showed up for morning meetings, mealtimes, Bodhisattva Breakfast Corner, and always for Thursday night tele- teachings. In the last year of his life Achie changed into a sweet, affectionate cat that could be carried and petted, and enjoyed sitting on people’s laps. If he can change and become kinder, so can we!

A few days before he died, he decided he wanted to be in the dining room, surrounded by all his Dharma friends. Thus the Abbey residents and Labor Day retreatants chanted mantra throughout the day and kept the space very quiet and respectful. On the night of his death Ven. Chodron, Ven. Semkye, and Ven. Jigme kept vigil gently reminding him to not be afraid and to have a precious human rebirth and to practice the Dharma.

After his breathing stopped, his body did not start to smell for nearly two days, and when we buried him three and a half days later, his body was not stiff. Achala had an amazing effect on those who met him, and he will be always remembered as the kitty that was transformed by love and compassion. Please join us in this little pictorial tribute of Ach’s last month.


Ach takes a front cushion for the Thursday night teachings.


One of his favorite sleeping places was next to the houseplants in the dining room.


Ven. Sonam Yeshe made a close connection to
Achala during her visit.


A sunny warm deck helped his frail body a lot when he found difficulty eating.


Achie with his buddy Ven. Semkye.
They had known each other for over 12 years.


Getting comfortable as he became more frail,
Ach finds a resting place between Lisa’s knees.


Towards the end of his life, Leah got to say
goodbye to her old friend.


Years of nursing and caring for the dying
made Ven. Jigme a compassionate,
courageous support during Achie’s last days.


Achie’s body lies in the background as the community prepares to celebrate Tsog to
help his mind stream make a peaceful transition.


Venerable leads the group carrying Achie’s body to its resting place.


Lisa and Shane share in the final prayers to wish Achie peace and a precious rebirth.


Achie gave us all a great teaching on emptiness and impermanence
that we will always remember. A Buddha statue will grace
the pet cemetery in the near future.
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