Rinpoche’s Giving – A roof for those without a shelter
(By Pastor Loh Seng Piow)
The top few pictures shows the makeshift shed which the caretaker of Kechara Forest Retreat Azai and his wife were staying in, when Tsem Rinpoche saw that, Rinpoche decided to build him a proper “home” to stay in. So for weeks, Rinpoche personally planned and supervised under sun and rain until the completion of Azai’s new “home, complete with living room, bedroom, shower and toilet, kitchen, dog area etc.
Azai and his wife are very touched by rinpoche’s kindness and care, they said ‘ribuan terima kasih’ meaning “thousands of thanks”.
One of the 6 Paramitas is giving, and one form of giving is the giving of fearlessness, in this case Rinpoche gives the caretaker and his wife the fearlessness from sun, rain, the fear of their roof being blown away by thunderstorm (happened last month), and the fear of wild animals, like mosquitoes, snakes and wild animals.
Azai’s original home – he built it himself with wood, boards, canvas
This was how Azai and his wife had meals everyday
The interior of Azai’s shed
Rinpoche personally went to the site of Azai’s new home and planned for the construction
Rinpoche planning at the site for Azai’s new home
Construction started
Rinpoche personally supervising the construction under the afternoon hot sun
Liaison Nicholas personally mixing cement to build Azai’s new home
Rinpoche supervising the arrival of cabins for Azai’s new home
Building the awning
Building the awning
Work went on through the night
Awning was done!
Rinpoche doing meticulous inspection to make sure that Azai’s new home is perfect
Rinpoche doing inspection under the rain in the dark to make sure that Azai’s new home is perfect
Home Sweet Home for Azai and wife
Rinpoche also went to the nursery personally and bought a lot of plants to beautify Azai’s new home
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Spontaneous action in giving.
An example that will change on how we think of others especially those who came to work far away from home, their own country.
Thank you to Rinpoche and others for the example. This article reminds us to be generous, both in thought and deeds.
Thank you Pastor Seng Piow for sharing this heart warming experience. Rinpoche is always so caring, thoughtful and compassion to everyone.
Rinpoche did not just give instructions but go to the site itself and plan the design and make sure everything is built with much thought and in good condition. What Rinpoche has done is so inspiring. We must always give 100% of our effort in whatever we do.
I remember when i saw this happen. At first, when i would go to KFR more often, i would always notice that there would be one man and his wife there every single day working. I also saw where they were living. I remember helping to clean up their house. But then when i found out that Rinpoche had organised for a new and better house to be made, i was so surprised. And i could see, when i went into their new house for the first time, there was so much effort put into it. So much love and kindness.
I could tell that they loved the house very much, that it supplied a stable location and shelter for the loving couple. I was happy that they were happy, as they did deserve the house. They worked so hard at KFR. Without them, i don’t think KFR would be as developed as it is now.
This also gives us a perfect example on the kindness and compassion of our gurus. I cannot think of anyone else who would do this for someone they barely know. Rinpoche was truly very kind. And the fact that Rinpoche put himself through the trouble to build an entire house! Its just amazing. It really motivates me to do more for people.
All the qualities everyone mentioned here captured the essence of a Bodhisattva. And this is our Rinpoche, who always puts others’ needs before his own. I have been with Rinpoche for 20 years and this quality in him is constant.
To name all the people whom Rinpoche has helped directly (let alone those who indirectly benefitted too) would be enough not just to fill up a book but a library! Many appreciated and showed their gratitude by transforming their minds, few left and turned ugly. But he continues and is not marred. One of Rinpoche’s ‘favourite’ prayers is Shantideva’s Boddhichitta Prayer. His actions is a testament that he lives and breathes every word of it.
May all beings everywhere
Plagued by sufferings of body and mind
Obtain an ocean of happiness and joy
By virtue of my merits.
May no living creature suffer,
Commit evil, or ever fall ill.
May no one be afraid or belittled,
With a mind weighed down by depression.
May the blind see forms
And the deaf hear sounds,
May those whose bodies are worn with toil
Be restored on finding repose.
May the naked find clothing,
The hungry find food;
May the thirsty find water
And delicious drinks.
May the poor find wealth,
Those weak with sorrow find joy;
May the forlorn find hope,
Constant happiness, and prosperity.
May there be timely rains
And bountiful harvests;
May all medicines be effective
And wholesome prayers bear fruit.
May all who are sick and ill
Quickly be freed from their ailments.
Whatever diseases there are in the world,
May they never occur again.
May the frightened cease to be afraid
And those bound be freed;
May the powerless find power,
And may people think of benefiting each other.
For as long as space remains,
For as long as sentient beings remain,
Until then may I too remain
To dispel the miseries of the world.
This is touching actions by Tsem Rinpoche. We should learn and observe our surrounding to try to help for those in need. The care and love should be the basis of creat a caring society.
Ah Zai and his wife is very fortunate that able to meet Rinpoche. As they a meeting a Buddha it was very precious. Rinpoche always show his compassion by action . Rejoice for them .Love
Thank you Pastor Loh Seng Piow for the sharing. Rinpoche teaches us dharma by walking the talks. Thank you Rinpoche.
一如往常，仁波切總是那么的關心和親切，無論何時，何地，誰或如何。仁波切會親自花時間督促，以確保一切都能完美。展示了仁波切有多在乎他們，這也是展示給人們的關心的許多例子之一。
Rinpoche always think ahead for others than himself. Rinpoche loves all his students and people that are involved with Kechara. This is just one of the many great things Rinpoche does for others.
Maybe we are not able to do such a big thing as Rinpoche did, does. But in little things we can see the needs of people around us and try to help. I hope I see where I can be of help. This is an inspiring story. Thank you Rinpoche
This was so kind of Rinpoche. I have been to Azai’s new home and it is very nice and cozy. I am sure that he and his wife are enjoying his new home and their stay at Kechara Forest Retreat. They truly have earned this wonderful home.
Azai is a very hard working and skillful caretaker. I remember volunteering at KFR and working alongside Azai, who made everything look easy peasy. Azai is not afraid of hard work and get the job done without complaining.
It is very heart warming to see Rinpoche building a house from ground up and the students helping out with the construction.
Azai and his wife was also kind enough to extend their hospitality to us and have us over for lunch.
This generous gift to Azai shows us that Rinpoche thinks about everyone and no one is missed. The well being of others is always a number one priority for Rinpoche. I rejoice for Azai and his wife.
Rinpoche’s kindness is never ending. Rinpoche is always giving people things that he can, helping them to improve the things around them. Rinpoche may even get things for people because he knows they really like it but do not have the money to buy them, he would give items to them that they want.
Rinpoche’s love and kindness do not only stop at people or his students, but it extends to all that he see.
Rinpoche compassion and concern for the welfare of others is boundless. Not only providing them with a stable and safe home, Rinpoche personally supervised the installation of this new home for Azai and Chu Chu. This is true compassion through action. May we be able to follow our beloved Guru’s footsteps.
thank you Rinpoche for pulling off yet another super caring deed. i have been to Azai’s new house when i was helping out at KFR and it is really cool. I hope KFR is fully finished soon so Rinpoche can live there in peace.
Dear Tsem Rinpoche,
You are very caring and generous . Azai and family is glad and lucky to meet you. You have brought them a wonderful and warm shelter.
I will take you as my role mode, Rinpoche. Thanks.
Regards,
Venix
Rinpoche always think of the welfare of other people. Rinpoche is always caring and kind no matter where they are from.1000 thank you rinpoche.
The moment Rinpoche saw Azai and his wife lived without basic necessities, there was no second thought from Rinpoche except building a new home for Azai and his wife. How fortunate we are to have a kind and compassionate Guru like Rinpoche.
Ajai and his wife can count their blessings that Rinpoche came into their lives. Now they have a home to retire to at the end of a hard day’s work.
Azai and wife work hard on KFR and are a pleasant couple. They will be happy to go home after a hard day’s work to a place they can now call home. A real home.
Tsem Tulku Rinpoche truly is a wonderful person, he is so generous, kind hearted, wise and so much more. I really pray that Rinpoche has a very long life. 😀
If you ever doubt hard work and sincerity, this has clearly shown it works! Karma works, we do create all causes for all effects to happen to us. Azai works tirelessly at KFR, always ready to help, to teach, to just do anything. I personally feel very grateful to have him on board with us. He is definitely an asset to us. Rinpoche had always remind us to be grateful, compassionate, carrying, thankful for everything help we have received, people who had benefited us, always ready to help and be kind to repay all the kindness. Rinpoche has shown us one of the ways we can repay others kindness. Yes, Azai is hired to work with us, but he is also deserves to be protected from harm and sleep soundly. Rinpoche do love Kecharians very very much, he makes sure they are well taken care of physically and spiritually. Where can you find an ’employer’ like this?
Rinpoche personally supervised the works and made sure everything including cookery was arranged for Ajai. Rinpoche’s care does not limit to only Kecharians but to people of other religion too.
Rinpoche is setting an example for us to learn how to be caring and compassionate.
We are very grateful to Rinpoche, he has been always taking care everyone around him, students, friends, even strangers and homeless people on the street. Malaysian are truly blessed to have such a kind and compassion Bodhisattva.
Rinpoche is authentically a very compassionate person who is filled with kindness towards others.Rinpoche don’t just help within his comfort zone,but am willing to make sacrifices and feels the others pain as if is his own.
We are so fortunate to have Rinpoche as our Guru.May Rinpoche be healthy always.
Throughout the construction of Azai’s place, I was there. From the cementing of the floor, to the size of the cabins, to the awning, kitchen and plants, Rinpoche was very concerned and was only driven by the motivation that Azai and Chu Chu would have a place they can call home..and they were very touched and loved it.
Even after everything was done, Rinpoche wanted to make sure they were okay. Rinpoche bought crockeries, kitchen supplies and utensils for them to cook so that they would always be fed and have a proper kitchen to go to.
Such is the kindness and care of a true Boddhisattva. Giving and lessening the suffering of others WITHOUT agenda. Even to have met the Dharma at this age and time is a fortune for us, what more having a living Boddhisattva right next to us to guide us.
Carmen.
It is said that a high lama can be recognised by his deeds. It is also said that everywhere a high lama goes, the sentient beings around him will always be better off, as a high lama’s only purpose is to benefit those around him.
In the case of Ajai’s house, we can see clearly that Rinpoche went out of his way to ensure Ajai and his wife were comfortable, safe, and secure. Rinpoche compassionately wanted to ensure that this couple who work so hard on our forest retreat land have a home to call their own.
We can only try to follow in our guru’s footsteps.
Many of the times, we have conditions when it comes to giving, and many of the times, we want to see how much return I can get before giving. What I learn from what Rinpoche did for our caretaker Azai, really show me what it means by giving without condition and genuine care.
On the few occasions I worked with Azai, he works really hard and never complains. He has worked more than 36 hours straight without sleep just because he wanted to complete a task. We are so fortunate to have such a caring caretaker in our blessed land.
Rinpoche did taking care everyone of us in Kechara. Rinpoche always showed his Compassionate heart, it’s very great to met Rinpoche and following his foot steps.
Thank You Seng Piao.
詹仁波切的无私付出是绝对值得我们去学习，然后付诸于行动的。我们往往因为存有私心而不能100％地为他人付出， 这就是为什么我们必须先得学习宽容，接受，放下，然后无畏地付出于他人。阿Zai与妻子之前简陋的住处看了令人心酸，由于他们俩刻苦耐劳地为我们建设KFR, 现在他们也因种下了善因，有了自己一个舒适的家， 我为他们感到欣慰。
Rinpoche personally get involved and take care of everything in the whole process…this is how much Rinpoche cares for Azai and his wife, and this shows how much compassion Rinpoche has.
Normally, we are willing to help, but how much time, energy and even money we willing to ‘sacrifice’ to help, this is always another question. But even though Rinpoche has tight schedule, but Rinpoche planned and watched the whole construction just to present Azai and his wife a good proper home.
This is how much Rinpoche cares for others. Rinpoche even planned for the construction and I don’t think that Rinpoche learn about construction during His school time. But of true care and compassion, Rinpoche did it.
Compassion in action!
Azai and his wife are so blessed to have met Rinpoche. It is perhaps the first time they both experienced this kindness. It humbles us to see Rinpoche in action, paying attention meticulously to all details of the construction of Azai’s new home. Thank you for sharing with us Seng Peow.
What we see is the gift of shelter for Azai and his wife Cucu but this is more than a material gift. I like what Seng Piow mentioned, this is a gift of “FEARLESSNESS” from weather conditions, wild animals, insects etc. It must be such a wonderful state of mind to be in.
Rinpoche has created a beautiful home for Azai. For his friend’s Rinpoche also did much to provide them with contract work at KFR to earn a better livelihood.
Rinpoche kindness is boundless especially to those that work hard for him. Whether they are workers in Nepal, Thailand or even in Malaysia Rinpoche kindness has touched many of these people. Azai Is a swell, strong and very likeable chap from Indonesia.
It is not only the giving but also the manner and in which the giving was being done. Rinpoche not only made sure that Azai and his wife had a secure roof over their heads but Rinpoche also personally planned the project, supervised the work and installation, bought things for the new home such as beds, storage space, kitchen equipment and utensils as well as plants. The things that Rinpoche offered were things Rinpoche himself would use, or better. For example, Rinpoche’s own toilet is a mere cubicle measuring 5 feet by 5 feet and yet Azai’s toilet is double that size. Why? So that the discomfort Rinpoche experiences daily does not befall another.
Even for Azai’s dogs, Rinpoche made sure that they get proper shelter, protection from wild animals and even to the point of ensuring that the flooring has proper water run-off so that the dogs will not suffer fungus on their paws from having to stand on wet floor.
What strikes me is how there is zero expectations of anything in return and absolutely no discrimination in the way Rinpoche gives. Azai and his wife are not members of Kechara nor are they Buddhists or students of Rinpoche. This is giving out of kindness in its purest form.
But it is not only Azai and his wife who benefitted from this kindness but also many Kechara volunteers who participated in this commendable act of giving. They too earned tremendous merits by selflessly labouring for the benefit of others.
Rinpoche giving Azai and his wife a good home is a reflection of what Kechara Forrest Retreat is about – the selfless giving of oneself so that others may come to know and benefit from the Dharma.
Rinpoche, I love you. You are so special .
Rinpoche is always very concerned for others. Rinpoche does so much and show us how much he cares. Azai is very fortunate to have met Rinpoche and now he and his wife live in the new house that Rinpoche built for them. Rejoice for Azai and his wife. How fortunate that we have a Guru like this.
Thank you Rinpoche!
If we have not seen it with our very own eyes Azai’s original home, we wouldn’t have believed that they had stayed there! That’s how bad the living conditions that Azai and his wife had been through. Unless we have experienced similar conditions, we cannot realise the poverty, pains and hardships Azai and his wife had experienced in their lives prior to meeting Tsem Rinpoche.
There are many ways to benefit others and we should help others whenever there is an opportunity. And we should help in the way we could possibly can. Rinpoche showed us that with the care and help that was extended to Azai and his wife, it would make a huge difference in their lives. Now Azai and his wife can sleep comfortably in their new home without worrying that rain and wind will blow away their roof!
When we see Azai and his wife’s smiling faces, we realise that two more people have become happier in their lives. Azai and his wife’s lives have improved tremendously due to the compassionate deed of Tsem Rinpoche.
[真心对待]是每个人都晓得的一回事，但是否能够做到嘴说的和行为上一致的话那真的没有多少人能做得到。
詹杜固仁波切是我看到从一而终的真心付出对待每个人，而且是不求回报。仁波切制造一个简单温暖的家对Azai和妻子来说是天大的欣慰，为Azai夫妇俩的付出犹如给他俩安下定心丸，对他们的照顾是从内在到外在都顾及到犹如一家人，都对他们提供最好的环境，让他们感受到家的温暖。
有幸遇到真心付出而且不求回报的人犹如海里捞针，真替他们感到随喜能够遇到一位让他们安心的人！
Rinpoche really showed me that to help means going all the way, no waiting nor leaving it to others to do so. Both Azai n wife are truly blessed by Rinpoche’s compassion n kindness. Kudos also to all volunteers involved!
Kindness holds no barriers for Tsem Rinpoche. His practice of generosity is further actualized by this concrete example of offering good accommodation to Azai and his wife, better than his own. A true Bodhisattva indeed, is Tsem Rinpoche.
帮助有需要的人未必只是 讲 和 捐钱。 如果能够像 Rinpoche 真心付出自己 时间 和 体力 来帮助一个人，那真的是 功德无量。
Many have seen Rinpoche personally supervised the works of Azai’s house construction works, everyone is important to Rinpoche. I have seen the makeshift shed Azai and wife previously stayed in, and I should not have complained with what I have, at the same time if possible give those who lack of it with their needs.
A guru not only gives fearlessness from harm by wild animals or thunderstorms, he/she gives also peace of mind, teaching the secret to liberate ourselves. And Rinpoche showed by actions to let us learn from there.
Rinpoche is truly an inspiration for us. We must practice compassion and generosity. To take is always easy then to give, Rinpoche shows us the happiness of giving is truly deep within. Think of people like us, have a comfortable home and place to work and some of us are still have tons of complains. By looking at the place that Azai and his wife staying really make us feel ashame that what more do we need besides being fortunate. We must appreciate what we have and stop complaining. Thank you Rinpoche whom staying there and do all the inspection for Azai’s house, now they have a place called HOME! 🙂
I believe Rinpoche recognises Azai and his wife’s desires for happiness and their rights to obtain it – and automactically feels an empathy of closeness for them. With Rinpoche’s sense of ‘Universal Altruism’, he develops a deep feeling of responsibilty for others in accord with his accustomed mind, the great wish to help them to overcome their staying problems. To Rinpoche, such a wish is not selective, but it applies equally to all, especially those who has make their contribution to help him in his spiritual works and projects such as this in benefiting others. This I believe Rinpoche has been trying to teach us all the time, what true compassion really means, thanks to our sharing and caring guru.
Azai and his wife must have many merits to have met w Rinpoche and receive Rinpoche’s love and kindness. This is an example of how we must do whatever we can to generate as many merits as we can and do all we can in this lifetime. Azai and his wife is also v lucky to be able to do work in KFR that will benefit many in the future. Rinpoche’s compassion and kindness cuts across all races and boundaries. Thank you Rinpoche _/|\_
It is very fortunate to meet Rinpoche in person and experience his kindness. This is one of many examples of the care he shows to people.
Rinpoche’s kindness touches many hearts and always giving unconditionally. Azai is very very fortunate to meet Rinpoche and can now leave in peace away from fear. I am very happy for Azai and his wife. I hope many of us can be contented with what we have and reach out to many needy people and families out there. Rinpoche didnt just ordered it to be built but HE personally supervised and planned for it.
This really touches my heart MY LAMA is not just a person who sits on the throne and give teachings. He is giving teachings by examples and walk the talk. _/\_ .
当我们说我们已经做了那么多好事，为什么运气还是不够好，想想看我们自己是不是真的全心全意的完全帮助一个人，甚至这一个人和我们不是那么的亲近，熟悉。我们对别人好是有选择性的。如果真能做到无私的爱，相信我们会更快乐。
Rinpoche is always very compassionate and concerned of each being’s welfare. Azai and wife are very helpful towards our work in KFR. They had helped us without agenda and its good that they now have a proper and safe house to live in. Rinpoche is so caring and even bought cooking utensils for them. May resources always be available for Rinpoche to continue to help other beings.
As always, Rinpoche is always caring and kind no matter when, where, who or how. And Rinpoche personally spent time to make sure that everything is done to perfection shows how much He care for them.
Its just amazing how Azai and his wife can stay in the make shift tent that I am sure many of us cannot. Many of us would be complaining including me. I am really happy for them. A beautiful home to go home to after a hard day work…
Rinpoche is truly Bodhisattva, Rinpoche gives the caretaker and his wife the fearlessness from sun, rain, the fear of their roof being blown away by thunderstorm (happened last month), and the fear of wild animals, like mosquitoes, snakes and wild animals.
Rejoice for Azai and his wife, i would like to say “Ribuan Terima Kasih” to them also cause they really make their efforts to make sure Rinpoche and all Kechare are safe in KFR…
Rinpoche always think of the welfare of other people, and when he wanted to help someone, he will not just sit in the room and ask someone else to do it, he will walk out from the room, go to the field to monitor and make sure everything is done properly, because when Rinpoche want to give, he will give the best.
Rinpoche is definitely the best example of compassion, and generousity.
When we want to give, we won’t only give by mouth or wallet, but with our time and effort also.
Very fortunate of Azai to have met Rinpoche, and with this, his life has changed for the better.
From having to live in a place exposed to the open, where wild animals and insects are abound, Azai is now living in a place so big and comfortable.
Azai can easily be a person be missed out. But Rinpoche sees him and provides for him many of life’s basics while having a big project both in hand and in mind.
How fortunate that we have a Guru like this, so compassionate to all…