Would you have noticed them in 3 seconds?
(By Pastor Loh Seng Piow)
One day while eating at a vegetarian restaurant in Los Angeles, Tsem Rinpoche saw a guy who looked like a homeless person walking by the window with his dog, Rinpoche immediately instructed his students to go out and politely stop the guy…
Rinpoche bought 5 sets of vegetarian burger and drinks for him and his dog. Rinpoche also gave him some cash and Rinpoche’s own jacket for him to keep warm at night. Then Rinpoche asked what else he wanted, he said he would like to have some new socks, so Rinpoche drove a few miles to Walmart and bought 2 pairs of shoes and some new socks for him, because he had been walking on the streets a lot, and will continue to walk a lot more…
Even while eating in the restaurant, Rinpoche never fails to notice a person in need. This guy literally walked past the window just within 3 seconds, but Rinpoche’s alertness and second nature of always on the lookout for needy sentient beings prompted him to spring into action and help…true compassion is spontaneous!
Please watch the short video below:
Similar stories: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=46417
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True compassion is not about just giving or taking but its doing what is needed. Rinpoche was one who will help others nor matter what happen. Rinpoche’s alertness and second nature knew that the guy who looked like a homeless person needed help and straight away , Rinpoche sent someone to offer him help . Rinpoche goes all the way to help him offering his own jacket to him. This is one example of Rinpoche’s compassionate action that will inspire us. When we work to improve the life’s of others, we indirectly elevate our own life in the process. What we can learn is true compassion.
Thank you Pastor Seng Piow for sharing this story.
Rinpoche is so observant and compassionate. Wherever he is , if he sees anyone in need he will quickly offer help. This is the attitude that all of us must learn and practise daily. Many including myself are not sensitive to surroundings and react fast. Also shows that our mind are always on others things but not for the benefit of others. A good lesson and reminder for all to show care to others no matter when and where. Thank you Pastor Seng Piow for sharing this post.
Rinpoche is truly a Bodhicitta of wisdom. Where ever Rinpoche goes he is always very observant looking out every corner surrounding ,looking for anyone that needs help. So its not surprised Rinpoche noticed that homeless man. For us it will take some time to notice it. That man was fortunate to be seem by Rinpoche and got helped too. Rinpoche is so compassionate ,kind and caring to give his jacket to that homeless man.
And even fulfilled his wishes to have shoes and socks.
Thank you Pastor Loh Seng Piow for sharing these beautiful post….to be observant (Our mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humour, and some style. The purpose of our life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others)
Thank you Pastor Seng Piow for the article. Many of us will feel shy to approach them (homeless) especially Asian. To be honest, before volunteering in Kechara Soup Kitchen, I really never thought of dropping an eye sight on them. There are around 1,000 hungry homeless in KL city, I didn’t even notice one. After joining Kechara Soup Kitchen, I start to pay attention to people sitting or loitering at roadside. I really did notice, there are really nobody stop by or pay attention to them. Only a hand full of people would drop one or two notes to them. To be honest, I am not good at putting feelings into words, there’s really a different kind of happiness when successfully helping a homeless off the street. Even when they say a simple “thank you”. Now, I am so use to them, some even become my friends. At least my weekend friends. They call me by nickname, I also call them by nickname. Sometimes we make joke with each other 🙂 For this, I (we) really need to thank you Rinpoche for setting up Kechara Soup Kitchen. Through feeding and helping the homeless, I realized one thing, compassion, is not only by word, we need to apply it through action, to realize what is “inside” compassion. And, helping them (homeless) is not for fame, is from the true feeling from the bottom of our heart.
Thank you again Pastor Seng Piow. And, thank you Rinpoche for the unconditional love. _/\_
I certainly wouldn’t have noticed him and Roo. Oh my word- Rinpoche is so benevolent that he even gave his own jacket to the nice man. Love this story / incident. I am quite overwhelmed by how amazing can one be. Bodhicitta you seem truly more amazing than wish fulfilling gems. I cannot believe I have known anyone like Rinpoche. How blessed the students are. Love your guru always.
Most people would have been so caught up in their own world and on things that they persive as more important to have notice that there is somebody else out there that is in need. It’s very kind of Rinpoche to go all the way out to get shoes and socks for this guy and Rinpoche even gave away his own jacket. True caring indeed. _/|\_.
“真正的慈悲是自發的”激勵我们更關心別人。
這是因為仁波切时刻不忘真正關心，利益他人，不期望回報，這是無條件的愛，绝对的慈悲为怀之舉，堪称人间佛陀現世。
Rinpoche is so kind to everyone and puts everyone ahead of him. He constantly helps people and animals. In this case, Rinpoche sees this person and has the need to immediately help as he knows that we have a roof over our heads and warm food on the table and a bed to sleep in. He understands this and shows compassion to the less fortunate which in this case is the man.
Another thing i would like to point out is that the homeless man has a dog with him and he shared the food with his dog. This makes me feel so happy and touched because he has so little, yet he still gives. That is why i believe that rich people are less giving than homeless people. As in so many cases they care for animals like their family as they need to look out for each other but yet if a rich man was begged by a homeless man for money he would just shrug and walk off. And there was a video on youtube that a man asked people foe food in a restaurant and they said no and he gave food to a homeless man and asked for some and he gave him some of his food!
Rinpoche is an extremely kind and giving person and we must all love him for that because look at what he has given us at kechara! He helped us go through tough situations and gave us advice and taught us many things as a spiritual teacher. So we must appreciate Rinpoche and respect him and my reason why we should do that is because: Would you have noticed them in 3 seconds and did anything?
Rinpoche’s mind pervades in compassion and wisdom. So no matter what situation encounters, Rinpoche will base it on his pure compassion and wisdom. That is the difference between realised masters and ordinary people, the realised master have trained their minds and actions to do what benefits all and everyone.
While many of us always just “think” and “discuss” Dharma and compassion, Rinpoche really puts it into actions.
Always just thinking and not acting will get us nowhere.
Rinpoche is really a personification of compassion, even to total strangers and animals.
you are the real compassion rinpoche. when i look at you i feel like a i seeing you real buddha. can’t count your kindness and caring for other.
Thank you Seng Piow for sharing touching post.Compassion conquers all and knows no boundaries,Rinpoche never stopped helping those in need.Thank you Rinpoche for your kindness and being a role model for us,your actions definitely inspired more peoples to follow your steps to helping the less fortunate people.
Thank you Seng Piow for the sharing.Our Rinpoche is truly amazing.Wherever he goes ,he would think of others first.This is true Dharma in action.There is no hidden agenda,but just pure compassion.
May all those who have the merits to cross path with Rinpoche be blessed with inner and outer wealth within this and many life time to come.
Rinpoche is so giving and so caring for everyone, we all love you Rinpoche! Thank you for always helping us and others. I hope this man is okay now with his dog. Thank you for sharing
Rinpoche compassion no barriers, no matter when and where Rinpoche always lend His hand out for those who need help.
Thanks Seng Piow for the sharing, salute to the man even his is homeless but he take care his dog also…
Just like what H.H. The Dalai Lama has once said, “Anyone who has good thoughts, who does a lot to help others and who leaves behind good memories, is respected by people all over the World.” It is a well-known fact amongst us students, that Rinpoche always have a good heart imbued with wisdom, and a very great teacher practising the peaceful path of kindness, love, compassion without harming others. This has become part of Rinpoche’s life, who has “a great compassion, wishing to remove the sufferings of all others!” We should all follow Rinpoche’s practices without being defiled by the stains of eight wordly concerns and strive to endeavour to release all beings from the bondage of their disturbing mind. Om mani padme hung.
Rinpoche never fails to help people, to be honest, I really do not think that anyone else would have noticed the man and decided to help him, the man was very lucky in the sense that he walked pass the restaurant and met Rinpoche although it was indirectly. Roo is such a friendly boy as its shown in the video, I sincerely wish them all the best.
Thanks for Seng Piao ‘s sharing. Rinpoche always care others who in need. His care is in immediate action.How fortunate to meet living buddha in this life.
Many of us believe that we are compassionate people. But are we really? We may be consciously sympathetic to others’ distress together with a desire to alleviate it but how many of us actually translate that into action?
Homeless people have suffered the loss of what most of us consider our human basic needs — they have lost their personal shelter, their expectation of having food on a regular basis and most of their clothing. Even their feelings of self-worth may be negatively affected by the trauma they experience as a result of their homelessness.
Rinpoche’s spontaneous act of compassion in this case and also in these other two articles below clearly shows that he is the epitome of true compassion;he not only wishes but completes it by action to alleviate one’s suffering.
https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/kechara-soup-kitchen-ksk/46417.html
https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/kechara-soup-kitchen-ksk/what-did-tsem-rinpoche-do-in-new-york-citys-cold-winter-night.html
How many of us could notice that someone need our help and attention in such a short time and how many of us would really take action to give help instantly like what Tsem Rinpoche did?
We spent most of our time thinking what we want, what we like or dislike, all the things in our mind are all about ourselves. Even we put somebody in our mind, the person must be those who are close to us or treat us well. Therefore we don’t really notice people’s need in such a short time and we will not able to give help so instantly because we are not use to do so. We might worry about how people will look at us.
What Rinpoche teaches me is always be alert and mindful of others need and must take action immediately to help. We shall wait no more and give excuses for not doing so. I realize how we waste our time when we still hesitate to do or not do and the person might lose the chance to get help. If we really care, we would do everything we can for them without even waiting for a second.
From what Rinpoche showed us here, Rinpoche treats everyone EQUALLY. The minute Rinpoche saw there were a homeless guy and his dog, Rinpoche immediately think off how to help him and what to give him. This homeless guy and his dog are not someone that Rinpoche knows, they are total strangers for Rinpoche but it didn’t affect Rinpoche’s care towards them.
Thank you Seng Piow for this wonderful video and post!
Rinpoche’s alertness in showing compassion must be emulated. It shows the spontaneity with which he reaches out to help any being that needs help. In this incident, Rinpoche was so alert that while eating in a restaurant, he suddenly spotted a person walking by who displayed outward signs of a homeless. His reaction was immediate. He had a couple of his students go and find out. Straightaway, he made sure that this man with his dog was provided with food. He even gave his own jacket to this homeless person, and he also made sure that the dog had food to eat. After that he saw that the man needed shoes and socks because he needed to walk about a lot. So Rinpoche went and bought him two pairs of shoes and some socks.
The speed with which Rinpoche rushed to help this homeless person stemmed from his altruistic compassion that couldn’t bear to see suffering and must relieve that suffering immediately.
Whilst having our lunch I noticed a young man carrying an enourmous backpackers backpack with a dog walking by the restaurant window, which was pretty large, my first thought was that it would be great if I could give him some food and buy some clothes but like many of us we would only give the thought of it but not put it into action.
Rinpoche always has a sharp eye for anyone who is in need and reacts immediately into action to help them without hesitation. Rinpoche continuously shows compassion to all sentient beings in all levels that many of us lack and can learn a lot from.
Rinpoche told us that when he becomes aware of someone elses suffering he feels pain and to cure that pain the first thing he would do is to give them things to remove that pain in order to lift their spirits and make them feel better. Rinpoche continuously feels concern for that person/animal till Rinpoche knows he has done enough to make their suffering subside.
By teaching others compassion it sets a good example to follow by to inspire others to give more rather than take, and by helping someone who is suffering, by showing them kindness it helps them carry forward the kindness towards others.
I was really lucky to have been there to learn and be inspired to always think of others before yourself and to extend my thoughts outwards than inwards. It was really fun running around giving food to someone who needs it and appreciates it, lifting their spirits that maybe one day when the opportunity arises for them, they wouldn’t think twice and would do the same.
还记得未遇见仁波切的我，非常无知的我，觉得当街帮助有需要的人是件非常“可耻”的事，为什么？因为就算我心理有多想帮助这些人，但我的”自我“告诉我千万别上前去，因为别人会当我是怪人，为了让自己好看，绝不能与这些穿着破烂的人沾上边。 身边朋友都会告诉我这些露宿街头的人是咎由自取，就别理了。直到身为詹杜固仁波切的学生后，亲眼看见仁波切身体力行地对这些社会弱势群体给予关爱，用行动来证明慈悲，看见那些人双眼通红地向仁波切表示万分感激，我心中不尽感到万分愧疚。愧疚于那些我原想帮助的人，但却碍于面子问题而置之不理。感谢仁波切的教诲让我破除这一心理障碍。 佛法，真的必须用行动来实践，那才是真正的佛法。
I noticed that homeless people are actually more compassionate than richer people, because they would care more for their pets, some of them might even put their lives in danger in order to save their pets. And many richer people will starve their pets to death. How can they just treat their pets like that?
This man and his dog were so lucky to have been spotted by Rinpoche and received what he wanted and needed! May he and his dog be blessed by Rinpoche and will be off the streets soon. May another Kechara soup kitchen will manifest soon to relieve the suffering of the hungry and homeless people on the streets of L A. Thank you Rinpoche for always showing loving kindness and generosity to the needy.
Another act of compassion n selflessness to be emulated. Thank you for showing us the way.
Rinpoche is so kind as he benefits all sentient beings regardless of who they are. Even if they are just some homeless man on the street. Why does this happen? It is because Rinpoche genuinely cares for others and expects nothing in return, this is unconditional love.
Rinpoche never fails to amaze. His love and care is unconditional and spontaneous. He is truly a Bohdisattva.
This was so kind of Rinpoche to do. Rinpoche is very alert and i am happy that this man walked past the store Rinpoche was eating in. He is a lucky man to be able to recieve Rinpoches kindness.
“true compassion is spontaneous” is really inspire me to care more for others.
Rinpoche also had a couple of us run across the street to a nearby pet store, to buy a 5lb bag of dry dog food and three bags of bones for Roo. Roo was so happy and could not stop chewing at his new bones. The poor baby is only 5 months old.
Stories like these happen all the time around Rinpoche. Why? Because Rinpoche cares. Rinpoche said the other day that the second he sees someone suffering, his immediate instinct is to do anything possible to remove their suffering. So while we all sit and talk about petty things and DISCUSS Dharma (after all, that’s what talk and no action really is, just a discussion), Rinpoche is out there practising it, by spending every moment of the day focusing out.
amazing.