Compassionate action and touching
Dear friends around the world,
We all are worried about our safety, health and long term survival. But there are certain individuals who are worried about themselves just as we are about ourselves but their compassion rises above their concerns. Their compassion which shows in action and also expects no thanks but the gratification of having done something noble and right is amazing. Please see what I have shared here and see what I am talking about. Do follow them on twitter, blog and copy and paste the link to their wish list and give them a helping hand if you can. When we support compassionate people, we allow them to continue their good works. We need more people like this and we need to support the existing ones.
Much thanks,
Tsem Rinpoche
Case 1: Naoto Matsumura
The Radioactive Man Who Returned To Fukushima To Feed The Animals That Everyone Else Left Behind.
By Dovas
The untold human suffering and property damage left in the wake of the Fukushima disaster in Japan has been well-documented, but there’s another population that suffered greatly that few have discussed – the animals left behind in the radioactive exclusion zone. One man, however, hasn’t forgotten – 55-year-old Naoto Matsumura, a former construction worker who lives in the zone to care for its four-legged survivors.
He is known as the ‘guardian of Fukushima’s animals’ because of the work he does to feed the animals left behind by people in their rush to evacuate the government’s 12.5-mile exclusion zone. He is aware of the radiation he is subject to on a daily basis, but says that he “refuses to worry about it.” He does take steps, however, by only eating food imported into the zone.
See more about his work and what he has seen in the exclusion zone below! Naoto Matsumura is the only human brave enough to live in Fukushima’s 12.5-mile exclusion zone.
He fled at first but returned to take care of the animals that were left behind
He returned for his own animals at first, but realized that so many more needed his help too.
Matsumura, who is 55 years old, knows that the radiation is harmful, but he “refuses to worry about it”.
“They also told me that I wouldn’t get sick for 30 or 40 years. I’ll most likely be dead by then anyway, so I couldn’t care less”
Matsumura discovered that thousands of cows had died locked in barns
He also freed many animals that had been left chained up by their owners
Many of them now rely on him for food
The government has forbidden him from staying, but that doesn’t stop him either.
He started in 2011 and is still going strong 4 years later
He relies solely on donations from supporters to work with and feed the animals
His supporters are calling him the ‘guardian of Fukushima’s animals’
The man clearly has a sense of humor as well
Source: http://www.boredpanda.com/fukushima-radioactive-disaster-abandoned-animal-guardian-naoto-matsumura/
Case 2: Keigo Sakamoto
Keigo Sakamoto refuses to leave Fukushima disaster due to the animals he cares for.
Video 1 about Mr Sakamoto’s activities
Or view the video on the server at:
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videos/sakamoto1.mp4
Video 2 about Mr Sakamoto’s activities
Or view the video on the server at:
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videos/sakamoto2.mp4
- Mr Sakamoto’s Twitter account
- Mr Sakamoto’s Wish List on Amazon Japan
- A Wish List on Amazon Japan via a pet shop that supports him
- The information above was gleaned from support group that used to help him
https://twitter.com/keigo19550918
http://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/registry/wishlist/2TJSDR17U0ZYI/ref=cm_wl_rlist_go_o?
http://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/registry/wishlist/3BN5SYPNRJI2D/ref=cm_wl_huc_view
http://d.hatena.ne.jp/naraha184/touch/searchdiary?word=*[English]
For more interesting information:
- The Vegan Prince & Clean Energy
- Faithful Dog Chases Deceased Owner
- Thank You Ricky Gervais for Spreading the Word
- Stray Free Selangor!
- Good News for Animal Lovers!
- He is super compassionate!
- Casper the Therapy Dog Needs Therapy
- The Father of 735 Dogs
- He Made Millions by Following His Heart
- Marc Ching Shows Us The Way
Please support us so that we can continue to bring you more Dharma:
If you are in the United States, please note that your offerings and contributions are tax deductible. ~ the tsemrinpoche.com blog team
Naoto Matsumura indeed a true hero for the animals left behind. How compassionate he is and how he values the life of the animal left behind. There are people who put themselves lower than anyone and put others above them and willing to sacrifice for them. These are people that give hope to the animals and other living beings. When the put others ahead of them, whatever action from them is always to benefit others and you can rest assured that this person will not give up. Look at Mr. Matsumura who lives with the animals just like his family.
Animals show love for humans! Cow, lions, apes, dogs, bears, parrots and more can all be very affectionate and show surprising emotions when it comes to expressing their love for people. An emotional animals hugging humans video.
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videouploads/comment-1546455946.mp4
You guys are going to have a cute attack with these two super adorable videos of Tsem Rinpoche’s doggies Oser and Dharma.-
https://youtu.be/JX1UdH7IjQ8
And
https://youtu.be/YGD7CtNmnuI
The videos JUST came out!
Enjoy!
Thank you Rinpoche and Pastor Loh Seng Piow for posting about Naoto Matsumura and Keigo Sakamoto. It is so touching to read and watch videos about and of these people that define self sacrifice. What they are doing to risk their health in the radioactive zone in Fukushima is very inspiring. ??
H.E. the 25th Tsem Rinpoche loves animals and is passionate against their harm, torture, and abuse.
The few minutes a day we spend on social media creating awareness for animals who cannot speak is purely spiritual and humanistic practice because we are trying to alleviate pain from another sentient beings and that makes us more spiritual, and that makes us more spiritual and more humane.
Thank you Rinpoche for writing this post. I am really touched by the kindness of Mr Matsumura and Mr Sakomoto. Their compassion for the animals that have been abandoned after the Fukushima incident is endless, they put their need to help others. I am very happy to see people like this helping others. Thank you Rinpoche for writing this post.
It is so touching to read and watch videos about and of these people that define self sacrifice. Even though I believe actually living in the radiation exclusion zone, pretty much ensuring that you will suffer from cancer one day is extreme when he could instead live just outside and make daily trips in a clothes for protection. But helping others is all good and amazing, but maybe exercise some self preservation. Doing it that way can actually help your cause because the longer you are fit and around, the more you can help.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this article. Matsumura san and Nakamoto san are very compassion because they take a risk to help the poor animals that people leave in Fukushima when they ran away from there cause of the Radioactive in there. They are good examples to helping animals that are helpless.
Compassionate Action for Animals exists to build a truly animal-friendly person like both gentleman Matsumura san and Sakamoto san have shown us an example. If we feel moved to advocate for animals, please consider supporting their work by volunteering, donating, or attending one of thir events actully that can help we on your their towards a more compassionate lifestyle. Together we can make a difference for the animals..
Imaging we always afraid of this and that. Both gentleman Matsumura san and Sakamoto san have shown us an example of being compassion by care less about themselves. Matsumura san returned and Sakamoto san staying in Fukushima, a place with Radiation just to feed the abandoned animals.
Bravo to both Matsumura san and Sakamoto san. I just want to say Doumo arigatou gozaimasu and ganbatte kudasai.
Thank you very much Tsem Rinpoche and Pastor Seng Piow for sharing an inspired stories.
I do remember that in the Wheel of Life, the six realms are clearly there are bodhisattvas who work to liberate all sentient beings. There is one that works for sake of animal realms, the people in this post are certainly embodying the spirit of compassion.
Humans can certainly rise above just caring for their sphere of comfort zone.
The stories and sharing above acts as a great wake up call to the often “asleep” conscience – awareness for other’s needs. So much time and effort is spent daily on self cherishing and the result is hardly close to satisfaction. But these 2 men have such a satisfying life (hardwork but fulfilling); and how did they do it – by putting aside their fears and instead focus on the lives and survival of the animals that were abandoned. They both valued and cherished the lives of the animals, and did not see them as undeserving to live. The men put aside their own safety to ensure the animals will have the means to live on. So admirable !! Great example on how to live our lives. Thank you Rinpoche and Pastor Seng Piow for the sharing.
These two hero stories really inspiring to many people. Mr Naoto Matsumura and Keigo Sakamoto are people who insist to come back to feed many livestock no matters how dangerous of Fukushima. We should do support their noble jobs in order to create awareness that animals also need love and care from us. When we fully practice compassion, nothing can stop us to benefits others(included animals).
Thanks Pastor Seng Piow for this inspiring sharing.
Jason
Thank you Rinpoche and Pastor Loh Seng Piow for posting about Naoto Matsumura and Keigo Sakamoto. What they are doing to risk their health in the radioactive zone in Fukushima is very inspiring. One thing that get me to reflect deeper was what Naoto Matsumura said that the doctor said he won’t get sick for another 30 – 40 years by which time he probably would be dead anyway. It is true what he said, and instead of worrying about what would happen to him 30-40 years from now, he chose to live his life currently to the full and do what he wanted which is to care for the animals in the radioactive area.
I do wish both Mr. Naoto Matsumura and Keigo Sakamoto success in their endeavour to help the abandoned animals and may they always get the support that they need.
Sincerely
Valentina
The population in Fukushima had leave the place due to the nuclear disaster except Naoto Matsumura and Keigo Sakamoto. Both of them should know that the radiation is harmful, but they are brave and opted to stay there to rescue and take care of the animals that were left behind.
This is very inspiring especially when Naoto Matsumura says “I’ll most likely be dead by then anyway, so I couldn’t care less”. This sound similar to “if you knew you were going to die tomorrow, what would you do?” The answer should be do something good for the benefit of many others.
Thank you Rinpoche and Pastor Seng Piow for sharing this nice post.
Mr. Naoto Matsumura is really full of compassion. He puts his own safety behind, walk straight into Fukushima feeding and taking care all the abandoned animals. A lot of animal were locked in the barn and died of hunger. Japanese government has not done anything to rescue these animals. What Mr. Naoto Matsumura did has really put their government to shame.
Enthusiastic efforts put into the practice of a Bodhisattva’s deed is certainly possible for those prepared to achieve enlightenment. It is said the great stores of merit and insight necessary for enlightenment cannot be created without such deep enthusiastic efforts. In fact every kind of well-being to which we aspire in this and all future lives depends on such Joyful and enthusiastic efforts. If things could be achieved by laziness, its opposite, we could have achieved our aims long ago! In fact, such enthusiastic effort is a thing of delight in virtue for a Bodhisattva. It is not an enthusiasm for the unwholesome activities to which we often mindlessly devote much effort, nor is it merely a dutiful exertion to create such virtue despite an innate reluctance. When true delight and enthusiasm are present, stress and weariness if any are nominal or non at all! Armor-like enthusiastic effort of preparation to do as much, to go as deep and to continue as long as necessary to achieve a positive objective must be accorded. With such armor-like enthusiastic effort it will speed us up on the way to achieve our positive objective! Yes, we truly need to have more people like these two heroes, Mr. Naoto Matsumura and Mr. Keigo Sakamoto to give a helping hand to such major disastor happening. May they always be blessed and protected by the three Jewels. Thank you so much Pastor Seng Piow for the sharing of the story.
It warms my heart to see such a loving and caring man!!! These animals would be lost without him. Naoto Matsumura, a former rice farmer, lives in Tomioka, Japan, six miles from the Fukushima Daichi nuclear power plant. He has dedicated his life to the animals of Fukushima. He lives alone in his town deserted after the 2011 His bravery and selflessness has saved countless animals
Keigo Sakamoto, another farmer and former carer for the mentally handicapped holds Atom, one of his 21 dogs.and has over 500 animals he keeps at his home in the exclusion zone near Naraha in Fukushima.
Thank you Pastor Seng Piow for sharing these story of two great kind men who risk their lifes to benefits others.
Thank you Pastor Seng Piow for sharing the story of these two compassionate people who cares for the animal’s well-being while everyone else left to save their own lives. Whatever both of them are doing are truly inspiring and is compassion in action. I dedicate my prayers to both of them so that they stay healthy and continue the good works.
With folded palms,
Vivian
These really selfless acts of compassion. I’m very pleased someone has taken the time to look after the animals that were abandoned in the disaster. They need support, and care. Despite Mr Sakamoto being exposed to radiation he follows his heart. That is touching, and very selfless.
Thank you Pastor Seng Piow for sharing the story of 2 great heroes in Fukushima, Japan – Naoto Matsumura and Keigo Sakamoto. They are so compassionate and brave, despite being expose to radiation everyday, they couldn’t care less and stay on to take care and feed the animals. For many, they would have left to save their own lives but Matsumura and Sakamoto have shown us that we should always care about other beings even if they are animals. So noble.
Absolutely heartwarming to read the stories of individual who rather sacrifice themselves to care for the abandoned animals. They are inspiring individuals with a noble intention and deserve the help they need for them to continue their work. Because of them, the abandoned animals do not need to go hungry or suffer further. It goes to show the effort of a single individual count too. Thank you for this article.
Mr Sakamoto is indeed a compassionate and a very courageous person. Most people would have abandoned the area and their animals but he stayed behind to take care of them in spite of the danger to his own health. Me Sakamoto’s story should be heard and he deserves all the help he can get.
Thank you Rinpoche and Pastor Seng Piow for this great story of compassion in action.
When compassion rises above their own concerns of health and safety,
When compassion seeks to give care and relief to suffering, without asking anything in return,
When compassion is selfless..knowing that the interest of the many outweigh the interest of one…
This compassion is most inspiring and becomes a beacon guiding you in moments of doubt and confusion, when you are uncertain how to move forward in your path to provide love and kindness to helpless beings..
The two heroes in this article , who are in their late fifties , have true hearts of gold.Naoto Matsumara stayed behind to care for the animals abandoned by their human owners in the wake of the Fukushima nuclear disaster.It’s more than 3 years down the road and he is still carrying on . He brushes off the fear of daily exposure to radioactivity and gives his full focus to the daily care of the animals in his charge, with such love and kindness.
Keigo Sakamoto, a former social worker, had started an animal sanctuary in Naraha,less than 12 and a half miles from the Fukushima area, a decade ago. He refused to leave(though ordered to do so by the Government). He would not abandon his animals.Access was blocked off to the outside. But he did not give up. He continued to care for his 500 animals, many of whom died in the months that followed, but the surviving ones multiplied and were joined by other abandoned animals.Three and a half years on and he , like Mr Matsumara, is still carrying on with support from a strong group in terms of cash donations and donations of food. Both of them place the well being of their animals above their own.
Thank you Mr Matsumara. Thank you Mr Sakamoto
Dear Rinpoche,
Thank you for sharing these really selfless acts of compassion.
Matsumura-san’s quote is very inspiring and I’m paraphrasing here:
“I can’t imagine what’s going to happen to me next, but I believe it’s my battle to stay here.
Currently I catch cows roaming around the town and contain them at my ranch I built by my home. I also try to prevent from breeding by having bulls castrated. And I’d like to watch over these animals until they naturally die.”
This shows and proves that he’s putting others first before himself. He knows that in the end we will leave this body and move onto another life form. So, why don’t we do something that will benefit others who may be less fortunate than us.
To me, Matsumura-san’s acts are really Compassion In Action and Conquers All.
Thank you
With folded hands,
Lum Kok Luen