Tonight the monks offered a blessing at a fundraising event (“Trunks Up”) for the protection of threatened elephants in Thailand. The event organizer paid a visit to ABMT this winter and requested their participation in the event. Given the Buddha’s compassionate relationship with all living beings, including some noteworthy encounters with elephants, the monks were happy to oblige. The blessing offered was Karaniya Metta Sutta, or the Discourse on Goodwill.