The honourable Mr. Pak Mie
My dear friends and readers,
Once in a while you come across a story that is touching from beginning to end. All of us need to be inspired. People who do things others say cannot or impossible are the most inspiring. Mr. Pak Mie and his compassionate wife is just the story you need to read in order to bless your soul today. This gentleman and his wife represents the role model that are absolutely necessary in our society urgently. Compassion towards each other and compassion towards all living denizens of this earth must start with taking care of those around us immediately.
In Malaysia it is getting less rare to see people who go out of their way to be kind to animals and rescue them. This phenomena of being kind to our fellow living creatures is growing. I will continue to blog and bring awareness to these heroes.
Please watch this inspiring story on the short video and share with others. Please give this couple Mr. Pak Mie and his wife a helping hand. I will for sure. I will start donating to his cause as soon as possible regularly.
Tsem Rinpoche
“We need another and wiser and perhaps a more mythical concept of animals…. We patronize them for their incompleteness, for their tragic fate of having taken form so far below ourselves. And therein we err, and greatly err. For the animal shall not be measured by man. In a world older and more complex than ours they moved finished and complete, gifted with extensions of the senses we have lost or never attained, living by voices we shall never hear. They are not brethren, they are not underlings; they are other nations, caught with ourselves in the net of life and time, fellow prisoners of the splendour and travail of the earth.” ~ Henry Beston, The Outermost House
Mohammad Azmi, a 55-year-old former contractor, has dedicated his life to rescuing stray dogs and cats.
For Mohammad Azmi, his love for these animals is unconditional, as he, with the help from his wife, splurge their savings on the stray animals by providing a shelter, food and medication on daily basis, apart getting donations from concerned citizens. To date, he has rescued more than a whopping 600 stray animals, a figure that no other licensed shelters have ever accommodated.
This also means that they have to lead a simple life; so simple that they sleep in the car parked outside the shelter that they built just to make sure that no one harms the animals during the night.
Mohammad Azmi’s activity has however attracted the attention from the local council, which in the other hand, usually resorts to killing the strays instead of putting them at animal shelters.
Although Mohammad Azmi knows that he will never get anything in return by sacrificing his normal life, he is hopeful that he will continue to do so until his last breath.
From the internet:
Or view the video on the server at:
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videos/pakmie.mp4
Video of Pak Mie and his wife, Mak Intan (Full video)
Or view the video on the server at:
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videos/Pak-Mie-Shelter-Story.mp4
Some interesting points in the video that was spoken in local language (translated to English)
- In Malaysia there is a lot of Muslim people that think dogs are impure.
- This couple have quite a lot of difficulties throughout the 20 years that they’ve been saving dogs from the streets.
- 3 years ago they got a place near the river in Kedah (North Malaysia, just beside Penang) and turned it into a dog shelter.
- To Pak Mie, he believed that dogs is a unique creation of God despite there are many people of his faith says differently.
- Pak Mie’s father also encourage him to feed hungry dogs when he was young.
- The husband and wife take in many handicap and injured dogs.
- Recently, there are a few kind people that step forward to help.
- His friend, Cikgu Azli (a teacher) put up his cause on a Facebook account without him knowing, and after awhile Pn Zarina in KL wanted to contact Pak Mi. He allowed her to visit him, this was the beginning when people from SPCA from Sg Petani and SOS from Penang know about them.
- Things were tough for them… Many of their family members and friends find that what they’re doing is not good for a Muslim.
- Mak Intan mentioned that they were discriminated by some people because of their passion of saving dogs.
- Later, the local authorities got to know about the two of them opening a dog shelter on a land at the outskirts of Alor Setar that does not belong to them, thus making it illegal – the couple was given a 6 month notice to move out all their dogs and cats from the land they are living in now. (Deadline should be around May 2013)
- They still live there despite this warning and do not have any plans to leave the place with their 500 dogs.
- They hope that they can do this (taking care of the dogs) until they die because they love what they’re doing.
- The shelter they found initially was filled with mud and water, so they unloaded 4000 Lorries of soil onto the ground to make the place livable. Then he use old pieces of wood and awning pieces that he found around the place to create the shelters for the dogs. They have been living there until today.
- There was once when Pak Mie was not around, his wife Mak Intan was washing her clothes by the river. Due to the slipperiness of the soap, Mak Intan accidently fell into the river. She did not know how to swim, but there was about 2 – 3 young puppies that followed her to the river while she was washing the clothes, these puppies started yelping and about 10 of the adult dogs rushed to the river and pulled her out of it. She was very touched and every since then she loved the dogs even more as they saved her life.
- The cost for the medications they use on the dogs comes up to about RM 1000/month. The dogs have many ailments such as fever, skin problems etc.
- Pak Mie said, logically there is 500 dogs, so even if one dog eats RM 1/day, that is RM 500/day to feed all the dogs.
- To Pak Mi, a dog is a dog… whether it is a sick dog with a lot of disease, or a pedigree dog… it is still a dog, he will take care never the less.
- Sometimes the puppies or kittens they found are sickly and they can’t put these small ones out in the shelter, so they will bring these puppies and kittens into their car to observe and let them sleep there until they are healthier. They put in the car because they do not have a house. They live in their car.
- Where they get the money? He believes that God has helped him to get the money. It doesn’t matter through a Chinese, Malay or Indian, they always somehow make it through. Sometimes when they have only RM 10 in their pockets, someone will come along to sponsor them chicken and rice for the dogs.
- When they started out taking in the dogs, they have no idea what is SPCA or SOS, they only know that all they want to do is save the dog, take it home and take care of it.
- Later, the government got some complains from the locals about the shelter and they wanted to confiscate all of Pak Mie’s dogs. So he retaliated back to the Animal department in the government on ‘How do you propose to take care of all these stray dogs? Because most of the dogs that he pick up are puppies where it’s mother was killed by the local authorities. All because people complain there are so many dogs wondering around the area, so the local authorities catch and kill the dogs.’ So it was from there that Pak Mi said, why would they do that? All the small puppies that the local authorities did not manage to catch, he took them in, that’s how it became so many dogs in his shelter.
- Mak Intan said that although there are many people ostracizing the both of them, but she does not care because it is between her and God, not them.
- Pak Mie said that although some people may see their life as difficult, even sleeping is so uncomfortable, as they do not have a house and sleep in their car… but to them, sleeping in the car is like sleeping in a 5 star hotel. He said that his kids may find it difficult and sad to see their parents living in this condition, but to him living life near the river, near nature with all the animals they love, they find it very peaceful.
For more information about Pak Mie please visit: www.pakmieshelter.blogspot.com / www.facebook.com/pakmieshelter / www.facebook.com/pakmieshelterpage
Copywriter/Researcher/Co-Producer: Rahmah Ghazali
DP/Visual Editor/Co-Producer: Hisyam Salleh
— in Alor Setar, Kedah.
一个马来人不顾他人眼光救了500多只狗！令人敬佩！
穆罕默德·阿兹米，55岁的前承包商，他的生活一直致力于拯救流浪猫狗。
穆罕默德·阿兹米对这些动物的爱是无条件的。他在他妻子的协助下，用尽自己的积蓄，和民众的部分捐款，来为流浪动物提供住所，食物和药物。迄今为止，他这间从没执照的收容所，已经救出了高达600只流浪动物。
他们过着极为简单的生活，他们选择睡在收容所旁边的停车场，以确保没有人会在夜里来伤害他们的动物。
然而，穆罕默德·阿兹米所作的这一切也让政府部門收到风声，這些部門通常主张扑杀流浪狗，而不是把他们收留在动物收容所。
虽然穆罕默德·阿兹米知道，他永远不会有一般人所过着正常自在的生活，但他希望在他咽下最后一口气之前，他都能为流浪猫狗继续付出及牺牲自己。
Pak Mie網站：
www.pakmieshelter.blogspot.com /
www.facebook.com/pakmieshelter / www.facebook.com/pakmieshelterpage
Taken from FB page: http://www.facebook.com/wth.msia
Pictures of Pak Mie’s Animal Shelter
Pak Mie is very affectionate with all 500 of his dogs
Pak Mie explaining and educating youngsters about the stigma of dogs in Malaysia
Receiving rice donations from kind sponsors to feed the dogs
Pak Mie and his wife, Mak Intan
Caring for each and every individual dog… Pak Mie truly love these animals from his heart
Socializing with his dogs… Pak Mie has close to 500 dogs in his shelter
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
Dear Rinpoche,
Would like to inform that both Pak Mie and Mak Intan have passed on. The good news is, the shelter is ongoing although it seems that they have moved to another place. May they always be protected by Three Jewels.
A touching and wonderful article of an amazing animal saver couple was truly extraordinary among the some people A thoughtful heart of helping and rescue street animals and feeding them with their little earning.
A beautiful understanding from this article that sometimes, it’s the dogs that teach us humans about their abilities. And it’s not all about smelling and hearing. Some dogs have uncanny abilities to know what’s going on with humans, emotionally as well as physically.
Thank you for the sharing, this article is truly inspiring of a true love and passion of animal saver.
It is so touching reading this article. Pak Mie and wife are so compassionate and kind. They sacrifice their comfort, time and money to live and take care of all the rescued stray dogs and cats. At their age, many would have retired and living in a comfort house but they chose to stay in the car and live together with the 500 dogs and cats. I hope more people and government agency will come forward to offer them help. I hope the authority will not ask them to leave the land but support their good deeds instead. They are not harming anyone but taking great care of animals that nobody want.
Since this blog post, Pak Mie has passed away but his memory is preserved by his loving wife and a team of volunteers who continue to keep his legacy alive.
What I love about Pak Mie’s story is that he showed by example there is no barrier to loving God’s creatures, if that is indeed what we believe animals to be. The only barriers that exist are those we make for ourselves.
His story also shows the power of compassion to overcome all obstacles. It is out of his compassion that he tolerates the societal stigma arising from the species of animals he chooses to help.
Pak Mie himself lived in near-poverty, yet still spent every single waking moment thinking about the less fortunate. First, it is shameful that someone as fortunate as I am, who has so much more than he did, has accomplished so much less than him. Second, it just goes to show that you don’t need very much to move people’s hearts and minds. In every case, across cultures and religions and backgrounds, kindness and compassion will always triumph.
Despite of his religious problems, he insisted to help the dogs. This is very kind of him, I have not heard/seen things like this in Malaysia before, cause people often are put down or insulted when it comes to this. Although I have heard some rumours about Pak Mie, but I do not believe it unless I see it with my own eyes, people can just spread anything they want cause it’s because they are jealous, as simple as that.
每当有人心存好意，积极行善，不问回报。往往就会有诸多的挑战来挑战你的耐心。。。。愿默罕默德好心有好报。
I feel for this man & his wife as i also love animals. I hope the Malaysian government will grant them the right to stay on this current lot they are occupying or else help them to relocate . It is not a sin to help these helpless creatures of God BUT it is a sin to kill them.
God bless you & your family Pak Mie. You are an amazing person. A blessing to all puppies, dogs and cats. I pray that the people of Malaysia will be king enough to help you take care of your pets by feeding them and building them a home. God bless you always….
I hope i could do also what Mr. Pak Mie did. I really pity dogs and cats astray.
i have always loved to do what you have done since childhood. You have inspired me not to back down. Thank you for such a good heart. May God bless.
You are a most wonderful human being. I am so happy to know that thanks to beings like you and your family there might be hope for the human race.
Malaysia must honour you for this splendid act of compassion. It makes your country to be seen as civilized and warm hearted.
I am sure the government will support and help you.
You are a most spiritual being and you are teaching that regardless religious beliefs the conciousness prevails.
I hope to get to know you personally. Take care.
Out of So many people here on earth ,only few have a Pure heart human like them.Pak Mie & Mak Intan are God’s Instrument to show people how to Use and Enjoy the life given to them…and not by what we see the world today.
You are reflecting the true image of Islam which is all based on mercy to any living creature. God bless you!
Bless this kind couple, one in a million good old soul, now seldom find in new generation, hopefully we all learn from them which motivate us and makes me shed tears of joy, happily for the release of sufferings, hunger and pain for all strays which the help of these good couple!
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this inspiring video.This is absolutely heartwarming and touching !! It is so touching to see others showing love and care to animals,especially they are muslim citizen .Salute for Mr Pak Mie and his family,they are truly the hero !! I wish that they can find more sponsors,his works will be smoothly without obstacle !!
After watching the video, i personally feel proud and happy for Mr. Pak Mie. What his had done for those animals is not easy as compare as what we working as works. Normally working hours for normal people are eight or nine hours per day but for this case time are needed are more then what usual need. Time and money, efforts and consistency to make sure animal his taking care are living in healthy life are more challenge then the normal jobs we are doing. His compassion toward this animals are beyond his religion and mankind. It’s a true hero for us. Thanks.
On this subject, more had been said.
The virtous deed of the honourable Pak Mie has provided an incredible life example of just what Dharma is!! and the teaching of “for the sake of all sentient being” does exist!!!
People like Pak Mie shows us all a few things:
1. If we want to do it, we can (many people say that we want to help others, but don’t know how or are too lazy to – it’s all an excuse).
2. Sacrificing for others is possible if we are sincere and determined (as how Pak Mie and his wife live their lives to the bare minimum, even sleeping in a car to ensure that the dogs are safe).
3. Loving others goes beyond race and religion (the boundaries that we set upon ourselves, only serves to be another excuse not to be kind to all).
Pak Mie and his wife have achieved a higher level of compassion than many practicing Buddhists. They actually live their lives in compassion.
Pak Mie is an amazing man, what makes him even more extraordinary is the fact that his love for dogs and keeping strays is usually “frown upon” by his own culture and religion, but he persisted and goes against the norm, his love surpasses his fear of the “stigma”. An admirable person for his courage and real unconditional love for the animals.
I like the old man, because he is very kind to take care animals, between human and animals, will pray for those who taking care animals
很好的故事。上次我碰到一只猫，我就买东西给猫。结果就在我床上大便。没办法之下我就赶走它。所以对我来讲这个老人家很伟大。
世界万物是有灵性，在一起久了就会有感情。我现也感同身受。感恩谢谢
他伟大
这就是人情味
狗也是有一种生命的，主人爱它， 他也是会爱主人的。就像这位阿公一样养五百多只的狗，也是不容易的。这些狗也不是他，看到流浪狗都拿来养，这也是一片好心也是他的慈悲心，不管多么困难他都不放弃，只要他能够把这些狗能活命，不被别打死就够了。我也觉得这位阿公很伟大，有些人是很容易做这种事的，我也能像别人一样有慈悲那该多好啊！以后我们就能够学学这位阿公也是很好啊！
很伟大，佩服！相信没有几个人可以做到这样，虽然我们做不到这样，至少我们可以不去虐待动物！ PAK MIE你好强啊！你菩萨心肠，一定有好报！
From Lai Kun Fua
善与恶，该不该做自己心里明瞭就好。活着开心就好。人生苦短，一切看开就好。人间有情。
This Story is such a wonderful because this two couple are kind and helpful with the animals
做善事是好，但是全世界有多少人需要帮忙，为什么不多去关看多一点那些残废的。 在马来西亚KL就有很多， 那些瞎眼断手断脚的老人， 那些不是更应该受到关注吗？谢谢
我喜欢狗。但是我不懂得怎样照顾它。我很佩服这个人， 可以把小狗照顾得这么好。好可爱的狗狗。 感恩谢谢
难以想象。 是我的话就做不到。这里大爱的表现，很佩服， 感动！感恩，谢谢！
很佩服这个养狗的安哥， 因为他做了一件很多人做不到的事。 尤其是他为了这些狗狗而把自己一个温暖的家都可以卖了，自己和老婆都睡在车上，这是可以说在这个国家很难找到了，很感动。希望在未来的日子会有很多的人来帮助他。 谢谢分享
谢谢。很伟大及感动这个人。因为他收养这么多狗和猫。连自己的家都卖了。
我很佩服他，这种事应该很少人做得到。
Dear Rinpoche, to know that there is some one like Pak Mie and Mak Intan makes the world better place… I love Pak Mie and his wife
他那个老人家有善心
一个是可怜的狗，一个是善良心
I know dog is man best friend when no body home the dog are usually guard the house against for the robbery. Base on the story the one guy cares the dog since 1990 he feeds a lot of food so that won’t sick.
Actually some of people don’t like the dog, because some the dog they bite people. But Pak Mie and his wife they don’t care what they people say when they taking care the dog and the cat. Because when they saw the dog they very pity one that’s why when they saw the dog and the cat they take and bring home and give everything to them, then the dog and the cat they very happy because got people to take care of them . Thanks
Regardless Pak Mie belief, deep in his heart have a strong compassion and love for animals. Amazing! Dog is one of human closet friend but in Islam they are forbidden even to touch the dog. No matter how difficult for Pak Mie but he has faith and positive of what his going to do he able to get all the help to take care the dogs..
The bag got a 500 he can take care it. Even they got some person say dog is a shit. So for me , I would like to say even they dog we need to take care and gave them food. I am so proud i am so pity of them if some one kill and eat. Because some person want to eat the meat of dog. Dog is same like a human must especially if you talk to dog and gave take care of them and love them. Dog also can love you if you treat them very good, that’s all. Thank you
I love this story, yeah God create many animals for us. No matter what religion you have, you need to follow that inside of your heart, even though this is prohibited to your religion… they need home and love from us, because they are living things and can feel the pain if we care or bit them. For Pak Mie, i am so proud of him and hope a many of us can get the message from you to stop straying animals.
This is very special and wonderful video. I love everything Pak Mie story. Thanks Rinpoche
This story about Pak Mie and his wife are really inspire and touching. We need to makes we are world to being place. Thanks Rinpoche
Correction: A Loan, Kechara Oasis Jaya One- kitchen on Mar 10, 2013 at 12:59 am
This is very special and wonderful video. I love everything Pak Mie story. Thanks Rinpoche
Correction:-
hre lian hmeeng, Kechara Oasis Jaya One-kitchen on Mar 11, 2013 at 12:58 am
This story about Pak Mie and his wife are really inspire and touching. We need to makes we are world to being place. Thanks Rinpoche
A Loan, Kechara Oasis Jaya One- kitchen on Mar 11, 2013 at 12:59 am
This is very special and wonderful video. I love everything Pak Mie story. Thanks Rinpoche
Jane, Kechara Oasis Jaya One-front on Mar 11, 2013 at 1:08 am
I love this story, yeah God create many animals for us. No matter what religion you have, you need to follow that inside of your heart, even though this is prohibited to your religion… they need home and love from us, because they are living things and can feel the pain if we care or bit them. For Pak Mie, i am so proud of him and hope a many of us can get the message from you to stop straying animals.
Mary Ann, Kechara Oasis Jaya One-front on Mar 11, 2013 at 1:16 am
The bag got a 500 he can take care it. Even they got some person say dog is a shit. So for me , I would like to say even they dog we need to take care and gave them food. I am so proud i am so pity of them if some one kill and eat. Because some person want to eat the meat of dog. Dog is same like a human must especially if you talk to dog and gave take care of them and love them. Dog also can love you if you treat them very good, that’s all. Thank you
Charmalou, Kechara Oasis Jaya One – kitchen Mar 11, 2013 at 1:20 am
Regardless Pak Mie belief, deep in his heart have a strong compassion and love for animals. Amazing! Dog is one of human closet friend but in Islam they are forbidden even to touch the dog. No matter how difficult for Pak Mie but he has faith and positive of what his going to do he able to get all the help to take care the dogs..
Irregardless of race all humans should be very caring to animals.
狗和人是一样有生命的所以我们应该爱惜生命， 保护动物。
公德无量！赞！赞！赞！
看了狗的故事后。我觉得这位老公公非常伟大。所以我们应该向他学习。
What a wonderful couple. To be able to do something like this its shows that they have such a big heart, so compassionate,so kind and generous. I believe its not an easy task – so much patience, so much time and strong motivation. To have two person and not just one to believe and support each other in caring for the dogs.
This show that no matter who you are, there should be no barriers for showing kindness and compassion.
Dear Rinpoche, Thank You So Much for sharing this touching video with everyone! _/\_
Pak Mie loves animals eversince he was little. And what amazes me is that his love for animals is consistent…it never change and despite that he needs to make a living but he tried his best to shelter these stray dogs and take good care of them.
In developed countries like Malaysia and Singapore, its not a common thing to be able to see people like Pak Mie to rescue and take care of animals. Rather sad that animal abusers are growing high in singapore, the singapore goverment statutory board is taking action against these abusers. http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1257266/1/.html
“It’s ok if you dont like animals, but at least dont hurt them.”
wow!!!! it is amazing that Pak Mie has so much compassion towards the care of animals especially dogs. This is so rare in Malaysia. I am very happy to read and watch about Pak Mie “movement”. Animal sanctuary/movement or rescue work in Malaysia has been difficult, it has not been easy. But I am amazed with his dedication towards the dogs.
Little does Pak Mie knows that whatever effort he has put towards the animals has in a way inspire many to do the same and for those who are already involved in animal rescue, a hope and motivation to continue on.
Dear Rinpoche,
This story on a Malay couple saving a total of 700 dogs so far really brought tears to my eyes.
It is just amazing and wonderful how this poor couple have been sacrificing a lot of their time and money to raise hundreds of innocent dogs that has the right to live and not die.
How wonderful to know that above all the arrogant and abusive to animals people in Malaysia and around the world they are still people like Mr Pak Mie and his wife who is a Muslim and yet they still go beyond the restrictions of a Muslim wheres you are not allowed to touch dogs especially stray and unwanted dogs as they are known to be dirty and filthy.
I am also touched by the way he thinks like for example how he thinks that when people do bad things thus causing natural disasters and such.
It is wonderful that there are a lot of sponsors like the rice sponsors Mr Wang who not only sponsors hundreds and hundreds of KG’s of rice but also the way he thinks is also similar and as wise as Mr Pak Mie himself.
It is no surprise that Pak Mie has found such nice sponsors to sponsor him rice as well as chicken to feed his 700 dogs because it is not very often that one would come across a couple so inspiring to get down to eating the cheapest meals like Nasi Lemak so that every ringgit saved can go to transporting the food as well as buying other necessities in order for the dogs and cats to always be comfortable, healthy and all the good stuff.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this truly touching video!
Love
Jutika
Mohammad Azmi and wife story touch me very deeply , to me they are hero because of their unconditional love towards dogs and cats. How many of us can really do something like that ? both of them never get anything in return by sacrificing their normal life and they will continue to do so until their last breath… i respect them a lot !
Thank you for sharing Mr Pak Mie story to us !
This video makes me feel very emotionally happy and at the same time ashamed about many times when I choose to ignore problems other beings faced.
Pak Mie sees a problem when he saw a dog being abused and did something about it. Unlike many of us who sees many wrong doings in the world but choose to sit there quietly consumed in anger while resuming to our daily lives with mundane activities. In other words, we close one eye. Not an inch moved to fix wrong things right. What more give up our comfortable life like Pak Mie and his family to be part of the solution.
“Don’t be the problem, be part of the solution.” This is an example story that reflects this quote by Rinpoche. Don’t join in the discrimination with the others who have negative views on dogs and animals, but to be the solution and help for those in need.
Malaysia is lack behind when comes to animal welfare. Animals like these stray dogs are often neglected, abused, forgotten and most of the time they are treated badly and are put to sleep by the authorities as these animals are considered a nuisance. I’m surprised that Pak Mie of all people took these path and sacrifice his own comfort and gave all he has for the sake of these dogs. Pak Mie as a Muslim may have difficulty handling the dogs as they are forbidden in the religion. Most people will not take this path especially when the comfort and luxury has to be sacrifice and so called makes them unhappy. Well by watching the video, Pak Mie is happy and compassionate to continue benefitting these dogs. Pak Mie has the heart of gold and willing to sacrifice everything for the sake of benefitting the animals.
Mr.Pak Mie and wife have a very kind heart, their uncondition love towards stray dogs whom nobody want are uncountable. They concern about dogs’s wellfare more than theirs. They stay as simple in order to save money as much as possible to help in expenses for dogs and its a true love and real compassion to beings whom unable to give anything back to them.
Race and religions never limit or stop human to do good deeds as such the muslim couple, Mr.Pak Mie and wife.
They live their lives by giving new life to others whom unable to help themself like stray dogs.
Pak Mie is a great example of how just one individual can make a huge difference in the lives of others. He embarrasses us into realising that we do not need organised charities in order to do our bit for the lives of animals around us.
Reading that he has rescued and saved more animals than many animal sanctuaries is an eye-opening fact indeed. Whats more, he does so quietly, without the need for recognition and fame.
Just like Tsem Rinpoche says “Don’t wait for the light. BE the light”, Mr. Pak Mie lives and breathes this example. We should all take a leaf out of his book.
The Kechara Animal Sanctuary project is now in its infancy, but as it grows and achieves Rinpoche’s vision of saving the unwanted, abused and abandoned animals, I hope it will be a tribute to all the wonderful animal people out there like Mr. Pak Mie, who have given their lives for the animals they love.
What amazes me is that they are Muslims whom I have been brought up to believe cannot even touch dogs, let’s not even talk about rescuing them, sheltering them and caring for them. Above it all sacrificing for them. Such human kindness is rare today especially with these 4-legged friends.
I look at this video and am so happy to see the animals healthy and the environment conducive. I was also glad to the hear the Kedah Muslim clergy supportive of Pak Mie’s kindness in terms of the spiritual aspect. At least they will not not be scrutinized. Then again, who knows what support Pak Mie will get from the government… much better chances from the public.
Dear Rinpoche,
it is amazing how compassion has no barriers, language, culture or religion.
Pak Mie breaks stereotype of Muslim against caring for dogs. Muslims who do not understand the actual Islamic purpose on dogs.
As what the rice supplier said, all animal souls are pure [despite being born into the lower realms, that was the previous karmic causes, and this life, their souls would have been pure].
The video also further educate and supports Pak Mie’s idea of caring for dogs. He sends a very strong message to all communities and religion.
It is heart warming to see how one can give up their luxuries and tend to animals. Mr & Mrs Pak Mie can actually go without food in order to feed the 500+ dogs and 100+ cats.
There is something deep that i will need to contemplate on.
Thank you, Rinpoche.
Dear Rinpoche,
Thank you for posting the video on the blog. This is truly amazing about Pak Mie and his wife. He has shown to us what is compassion and love towards the animals with selfless actions, determination and hard work. Pak Mie’s care and love for the animals resembles our loves towards our children, that shows us again Pak Mie has been taking a good care for animals as equally like his own children. His great works makes me feel shame as i did not do much to help the stray dogs on the road side.
There are heroes in our lives, those un-sung heroes. They can be very hard to find, because most of them preferred to stay out of the limelight, they just want to do what they feel is right from their hearts.
People like Pak Mie and his wife are truly kind beyond words. Putting aside the fact that they have taken care of more than 500 dogs and 100 cats since the first day they started this lonely journey, I am touched by the fact that they do what is out of the norm – being so close to dogs – the animals that most muslims will shun away from due to religious reason.
They are truly inspiring, teaching me that being selfless is the beautiful thing. Their life philosophy is so simple and yet beautiful. They may be dirty on the outside due to their daily responsibility with the dogs and the cats, but they are our truly angels in our world.
I greatly enjoyed watching this video, thank you Rinpoche for sharing. The story of Mr Pak Mie brings me joy but sadness at the same time, i cannot believe someone who has so little has given up so much for abandoned strays, protecting and feeding dogs and cats. Its such a beautiful story to learn that there is faith in humanity and that his compassion and love for animals has inspired so many people. He and his wife has looked beyond race and species and only viewed all as just living beings and knows even animals need love and care.
500 dogs and 100-200 cats’ lives are in danger as Pak Mie and his wife may lose their land in Alor Setar. Please someone who is able to help with the authorities, please help them. Do you have a piece of land? Use it for a very good cause, to be the home for hundreds of very special beings.
Not all can be a “Pak Mie”.. but each and everyone of us can support Pak Mie to help many.
SImilar to Rinpoche’s kindness which is unlimited… we each can do our part to contribute towards and support Rinpoche’s compassionate works.
Pak Mie and his family has demonstrated real compassion and kindness in the simplest form with no barriers. Being a muslim himself, regardless of religious restriction he understands the most basic of human kind – help those who are in needs and that is what religion is all about, to practice compassion and kindness. He demonstrates to us the true act of selflessness whereas put others who are in needs the priority than himself. I believe he faces a lot of challenges before people recognize his work but his determination is simply admirable. Only because he recognized there are other beings are more in need than he is.
I am very happy that people have come forward to help him in his cause. With that he can help much more. I am glad that the authority has recognized his work and assist him. There will be more to come, he will continue to inspire much more to be like him. A true living example of good cause and kindness indeed.
Pak Mie is like Mother Theresa to dogs. Although his religion doesn’t not permit him to go near dogs, Pak Mie’s compassion to rescue the dogs from being put to sleep by the local council is truly admirable. He rather not eat and use his last cent to feed the dogs.
Even the Muslim Cleric said that in his opinion, “a person who helps God’s creatures be it animal or human is a noble act in Islam”. Wow! This is the first time I hear of any Islamic authority endorsing a Muslim being close to dogs.
Pak Mie is truly a hero!
This is an amazing story of a muslim couple, Pak Mie and his wife who take care of stray dogs and cats different from their religion belief. They spend all their time and money to provide animals a shelter and home. They love these animals so much that they sleep in the car around them to make sure that they are safe.
They take care of a family of over 500 dogs and cats and they call their son in to join them to make sure their good work continue when they are gone.
I wish them long life for their noble work.
Thank you Rinpoche for showing another beautiful video.
The story of Pak Mie confirms one thing for me that compassion exists in everyone irrespective of race, religion and social backgrounds. Pak Mie is a muslim and in Islam, compassion is taught. What he has done is a noble deed in the view of all religions. The good deeds of Pak Mie reminds me of one of the dharma talks that rinpoche gave. He said that if you put a true Buddhist, a true Hindu, a true Muslim, a true christian in a room, they would all get on because all religions teach tolerance, acceptance and compassion.
Thank you Rinpoche for the sharing. Pak Mie and his wife is a truly compassionate and generous couple.Nobody could do or sacrifice so much like him for creatures that could not cry out for help or love. I had tears in my eyes as I was watching the short documentary.I certainly hope he could get more sponsors and government authorities to help him out for his noble cause.
Pak Mie and his wife are exemplary beings of mankind. Despite all the odds they face daily, they have shown true courage,passion and belief in what they do. Personally I feel what Pak Mie is doing is a reflection of repaying what dogs have done for mankind. It is a little known fact that during the Ice Age, when man struggled to survive in hash conditions and was starving to death, dogs helped man search for food, protected man from predators and gave companionship and comfort to man in need. It was because of dogs that man has survived the Ice Age. So to put it simply, we humans owe our lives to dogs. Thank you Pak Mie for doing what all of mankind should be doing, repaying kindness with kindness.
Thank you Pak Mie. You’re a man with simple words but weighted so much because of your actions which spoke from what is close to your heart, love of other sentient beings who are neglected.
Pak Mie and wife is very courageous to do what is right for the dogs even there is a stigma in the society that discourage the care and protection of such beautiful creature. They placed feeding and taking care of the stray dogs more than their fear. And they do it to the most extreme, compassion to the max touching the people around them who gave him and his wife the support to continue his work to saving more dogs and cats. You don’t need have a rocket science to be compassionate to other living beings. You only need to have an open heart. And Pak Mie shows us what we can do. His old age and frail body do not deter him and even how he spend the night. He doesn’t need a reason not to love others.
Watching this video made me cry. Pak Mie’s kindness shows on his soft face, and his compassion and ability to see beyond what is “clean” and “dirty”, and help another being because it is a life really moved me. Clearly Pak Mie’s son trusts his father enough, and believes in his father’s work enough to quit his job and join him.
I found it funny that the SPCA lady was shocked. Yes she should be shocked because he is a Muslim helping dogs (ZOMG a MUSLIM helping dogs?! Hahaha), but I also think that SPCA has never been able to assist so many creatures at one time…Pak Mie, a simple Malay man, and his wife puts all these organised groups to shame.
Very very inspiring…we who have so much have no excuse not to do more!
when I first heard about Pak Mie, the thing that came to mind was how loving and compassionate this man is together with his beautiful wife. Real compassion comes with the feeling of unable to withstand the pain of seeing others experiencing suffering in their lives. I believe this feeling is spread across all walks of life that we are able to feel and care for others welfare.
This post and video has moved me to tears to see how this couple is able to sacrifice their comfort zones in order to be of service to these dogs who are unable to express thanks in words to them. They are so selfless in their giving that in this world of materialism, they shed light of love and care. Certainly something for us to ponder and think about!
Dear Rinpoche,
Thank you for sharing this inspiring video. Pak Mie and Mak Intan is with a big heart. Not many souls will go to that extend in order to help those strays dogs moreover Pak Mie and his wife is a Muslim. Really rare to have this in Malaysia as the dogs are consider “not clean” in the religion.
Thank you Pak Mie for your bravery even you are perceive as to go against certain authorities but what you are doing and practicing are really what all religion teaches us, be compassionate and to love.
Pak Mie is certainly a role model for everyone, in that he is having a big heart to love and to help all the abandoned and stray dogs. He continued to pursue with his mission even though there we some talks from his community about him going against his Muslim faith of handling dogs which were prohibited. Now that the Muslim Department head have mentioned that Pak Mie is doing the right thing on helping one of God’s creation, I hope Pak Mie would be able to get more help and support from those around him. It is not an easy task to feed and care for more than 500 dogs, yet Pak Mie does so happily. He even trained his son to take over his noble duty as he realized he will die one day. May Pak Mie be able to continue caring for all his furry friends without much hindrance from the local council.
Wow! Like what the lady from SPCA said, speechless…shocked. Pak Mie is a living testimony that compassion knows no barrier. All religion teaches us to be kind, to fellow human and animals alike. We read stories of many trying to set up animal shelters and some often failed due to all sorts of problems – lack of funds, shortage of workers, not enough space, etc, etc and yet this one man could do it without having much at all. Why? To me the answer may be simple enough – simply because he truly cares. His motivation is pure, his kindness is genuine. And that makes him successful in what he is doing because it is not a burden but a joy for him to be able to rescue and shelter these dogs and cats.
This wonderful story must be spread and shared. It inspires in so many different aspects – compassion towards animals, act of kindness is the heart of all religion, anyone (regardless of race, religion, age, financial status) can make a difference…
I am so overjoyed that someone has discovered the great selfless deeds of this good man and his lovely family. Man should learn how to practise selfless love to maintain real peace and his own salvation. Just as suicide kills physically, selfishness kills spiritual progress. Loving-kindness is neither emotional or selfish. It is loving-kindness that radiates through the purified mind after eradicating hatred, jealousy, cruelty, enmity and grudges.
His selfless love for these strays have brought inspiration to many around him. It is people like him that brings back humanity! One man’s compassionate actions brought a dominic impact to many around him. How many people can you say that would give up his house, savings and much more for strays. I am astounded. Those strays are not..pets. He treats them as one of his own, as equal to any human being. They are his friends and family. WIthout meeting him, I would still help him in anyway for he has earn many of our respects for the work he has bravely done.
It’s really a WOW!
This is very special and wonderful video.
I love every single word that Pak Mie says.
I’m impress with Pak Mie actions. He’s a Malay that has no problem with dogs and in fact he sees dogs just as normal beings that need so much care and love.
Pak Mie gives everything compassionately for these unfortunate beings and even nurtures his son to continue the legacy. From the Muslim religious point of view his action is virtuous and I respect that very much.
Pak Mie makes the different to the world and shows a very noble example how he can help so many strays with his limited resources but with a big and great heart as a compassionate being.
Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing which it’s really inspiring and it’s definitely a different view that we can see how a Malay citizen show his cares towards the animals.
My folded hands to Pak Mie.
This is so touching and inspiring. Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this. Pak Mie and his family is truly a Malaysian hero. They have rescued 600 stray cats and dogs and put them in a shelter. Pak Mie said that although dogs are lowly in the eyes of man, they are in fact closest to mankind. Although they are Muslim but they treat dogs same like other animals.
This story about Mr. Pak Mie and his wife are really inspiring and touching. In this degenerate age, it will be difficult to find people who are so caring and selfless.
Despite being a Muslim whereby dogs are considered to be filthy in his religion, he is willing to face the objection from the local religious authority and is willing to scarify all his wealth and time to recue animals and give them proper shelter, food, medical and personal care. Mr. Pak Mie even encouraged his son to continue his mission if one day he is no more here to take care of the animals. He is a great person.
It is amazing to note that he has recued 500 stray dogs and 100 stray cats. I hope more helpless animals in Kedah will be rescued by Mr. Pak Mie and his wife.
I wish that more Malaysian will support Mr. and Mrs. Pak Mie in their noble mission of recuing more stray animals on the streets everywhere in the country.
Thank you for sharing this inspiring story Rinpoche. It is very heart warming to know about Pak Mie and his wife’s great work in saving so many strays that the number even beat any registered shelter in Malaysia.
It is surprising (and also inspiring) to learn that Pak Mie and his wife also help dogs as it is very rare (especially publicly) that Muslim friends are being “open” to dogs. It takes so much courage for them to do this also and especially I was like “wow!” When I learnt that the couple
sacrificed their luxury for these stray animals!
They are an incredible and a living Bodhisatva!
I just love this story! Pak Mie and Mak Intan are such shining examples of love and compassion. Although many of his Muslim brothers would not even go near a dog, he has shown that a life is still a life and it does not really matter if it is in a form of a dog. He sees past the physical form. He has taught me more than just kindness and compassion towards animals. Pak Mie has taught me to look beyond the physical form and treasure the life inside it.
我们给自己很多的接口，理由去照顾、去爱一个不可能再继续的恋情。而且非常的有勇气、坚决。觉得自己能够不顾一切去爱这个人。听起来非常的伟大。可是仔细想想还是为了自己的利益。
Pak Mie夫妇, 不顾宗教、不避嫌，真心的照顾一群不会记得他们的生日、不会买玫瑰花给他们的的流浪狗狗和猫儿，无微不至，这才是真正的无私的爱。
It is very touching to read of Pak Mie’s story and to watch the video. Pak Mie undoubtedly is a Hero for he sacrifices his all to save, feed and care for the strays dogs.
Unlike many people who will say they love animals but will set limits in how they will help the strays, Pak Mie just go ahead and do it without fear although he is aware of the challenges he will face from his fellow Muslims and the community.
Pak Mie and his wife had showed us what a real Compassion is… to care for other sentient beings without limit, without conditions…
Pak Mie and his wife are true bodhisattvas.
This story is very inspiring. He sacrificed his life just for pets. He adopted 500 dogs for their well being.
It is very rare that you find people who adopt 500 cats and dogs. Mr Pak Mie is not rich but he can support 500 dogs and cats. He has to feed them every day and make sure that they were well.
This person is the kindest guy that i know. It is really amazing that such poor fellow can help 500 cats and dogs.
Everyone should read this post
My heart feel so warm watching this video. The compassion and generosity of Pak Mie towards the animals is beyond words. It is so powerful that a couple can bring hopes and joy to 600 lives because of their unconditional love.
What the Muslim Cleric said is true that a person who helps a God’s creature, be it animal or a human being, is a noble act in Islam. No religion should condemn any living being.
It is so nice what this man is doing for animals. He is doing what i wish everybody would do to animals. He shows that he cares for them and that he loves animals. I wish that one day, i could join him in doing this and caring for these animals. And i would just like to say thank you so much to this man for doing such kind things for animals.
Thanks Rinpoche for sharing this inspiring video.
Pak Mie is a example of Compassion, and Compassion lies within the heart, and not dictated by race or religion.
Thank you Pak Mie for taking care of God’s creatures. May God bless you both.
Pak Mie is someone with a big heart who cares for animals without any prejudice. It is all out of love for the soul. No matter what other people say or even is is not in line with his religion, he still saves dogs from the streets and takes care of them. This kind of love is pure because the animals will not be able to say thank you to him or even repay his kindness. They give more to the dogs than to themselves, even the basic need of having a home is not important to them which can be seen where they sleep in their car.
If we have more Pak Mie and his wife in this world, definitely the world will become a better place.
I feel ashamed when watching this video, I also amaze by both Pak Mie and wife kindness towards the other living beings.
In local society, a lot of people will against Pak Mie’s act to save stray animals (especially dogs) due to whatever Pak Mie is doing seems like is against his religion belief, i could see all the trouble that Pak Mie facing.
But even though Pak Mie facing finances, society problems and etc, but he over come all the difficulties because 600 life is much more important than his ego.
This story also told us how important to have an animal sanctuary to helps all the animals that been abuse, hurt, and some put to death.
Rinpoche have this wish to have a Kechara Animal Sanctuary, a place to bring happiness, no suffering to animal, who have total right to enjoy their life too…
more video here:
http://www.tsemtulku.com/projects/gallery-projects-charitable/kechara-animal-sanctuary.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9WGlAaUwMGs
thanks
bryan
The world should have more Pak Miesss!
The fact that there are so many strays out there is because of the irresponsibility of those people who buy pets as ‘toys’ and after they are bored of it, they literally just throw them out. and mind you..it isn’t just one or two people doing so but into the thousands and on a daily basis.
But thank goodness there are people like Pak Mie who dedicates their life to save these stray animals. Pak Mie said in the video even if we have hundred dollars we should use it for the benefit of the animals. This is the extent he is willing to go for them…a true inspiration to me and I believe many people out there!
This is a very touching and inspiring story.
When I first watched about Pak Mie’s youtube in early Feb, I am so shocked to see a muslim can be so nice and loving to dogs. He treats them equally, no bias at all although in his religion, dog is considered as “dirty”. However, he just lovingly treat them with love and care, feed them with food, shelter them although he and his wife only stay and sleep in a car. They have no money, no house but still can take care of 500+ dogs and 100 cats! The food for the dogs will cost RM500 a day! However, they just go all the way to save the dogs, give them medication, food and shelter. Most of all, give them love.
Even the Kedah Muslim Cleric agreed to what they have been doing and said they he does good deeds to the God’s creature, i.e. the dogs and he will be rewarded by the God. A person who helps the God’s creatures, be it animals or human, is an noble act.
It is compassion and equanimity! I learned so much from them.
I sincerely hope the shelter will be ok and will not be forced to moved by the local authority. I hope more people will support them and they will inspire more to be kind and loving to animals.
Thank you Rinpoche for giving us the amazing story of Pak Mie to inspire us all to be more caring to animals.Through his act of compassion, you show us that nothing is impossible.What is needed is transformation of the mind to be courageous and selfless so there is no barrier to acts of kindness.
Pak Mie’s intense love ,care and compassion for these animals have inspired his wife and son to follow him and his son’s desire to especially want to continue the legacy of caring for these stray animals.Through his gallant deeds, I’m sure more people will go the extra mile to save these helpless furry animals.Furthermore, his act of kindness is known among the Muslim clerics in Kedah who have relayed around to support him. Now we hope that more Muslims will come to love and care for dogs thus defying and erasing conventional cultural beliefs and practices that the dogs are the untouchables.Hopefully too the suppliers of food to help Pak Mie feed his dogs will inspire more people to care for more unfortunate abandoned animals.
Thank you once again Rinpoche for sharing this wonderful story to make us realize how important a caring society is.
With folded hands I bow to you.
.
Dear Lama
When I watched the video, I could not control the tears that came to my eyes. I think all of us should watch and be informed about inspiring people like Mr. Pak Mie, who is genuinely kind without expecting any reward. I feel that he is much happier that most people that I am meeting on daily basis. Deep down in my heart, I wish to be like him, so free and do what he feels right without actually afraid of the challenges – he must be a very happy person.
There are several things that crossed my mind when I watched this video. Firstly, having come from a Muslim country myself, I knew how usually Muslims treat dogs. I lost an employee because she could not stand what the neighbors said about her taking care of my dog. Many of my acquaintances gave up their dogs because their servants threatened to quit. A dog shelter belonging to my friend got a lot of threat and problems because they are taking care of dogs. However, Mr. Pak Mie, a Muslim himself, is able to see deeper that dogs and humans are actually the same. Same in the sense that they want to live peacefully and be happy too. Humans may be more powerful at the moment because we have the intelligence to survive and care for ourselves. However, these are all temporary. Human too will become sick and old and helpless, not much different than the dogs or other animals. So I do not understand the reason why we should ignore others’ sufferings if we too one day will become like that and depend on the type of kindness that we are currently neglecting. I think Mr. Pak Mie is able to see deeper and analyze what is more important than a mere custom. The simple actions of kindness that he is doing, made government officials questioned the general Muslim custom that dogs are disgusting, and came to conclusion that dogs are actually beings just like human and blessed by God.
Some of the customs that I knew were made long time ago due to the condition of the time and became obsolete when the condition is no longer exist. For example, it may have been the case in the past that we should not go near the dog because of rabies. But now, with the existence of rabies vaccines, the reasons not to go near the dogs are no longer valid. If only more people can think progressively and analyze about what makes sense and what does not make sense in the current time regardless of religion and apply some compassion and kindness in their thinking, I think the world will be a much better place.
Secondly, he does not care about what he owns. He acknowledged that money is important, but his life, his happiness, and his identity are not defined by how much he has in the bank or how many houses, or what kind of car that he owns. I feel that he has more freedom than most of us – much happier too. Many people around me often said that money is the most important thing in the world, without it you lost respect and you will suffer. But, look at Mr. Pak Mie, he does not have much personal asset, but he has more respect than many that I know.
Perhaps, not all of us can take drastic measures like giving away our wealth and comfort for others at this moment. But if you look with keen eye, there is always something that you can do to benefit others – without sacrificing so much. A little food for stray cats and dogs that you meet on the street, little donation for your local shelter can make a lot of difference.
I really wish that all beings will be appreciated and treated well regardless of what form they are currently taking.
Valentina
I cannot help tearing to watch this video of Encik Pak Mie. Encik Pak Mie and his wife are truly a beautiful and unique couple on this planet Earth. Certainly their kind and generous being will greatly be blessed.
罕默德·阿兹米夫妇的善举实在令人感动，这是第一次我看到穆斯林同胞没有因为宗教的限制收养了600只的流浪狗,他们夫妇俩真的是一个好榜样,把自己毕生所有的储蓄都用来拯救被人嫌弃的狗儿。
从这个短片中看得出穆罕默德·阿兹米夫妇对动物的真情流,完全不理会别人的眼光只为了把爱传播给这些不会开口说话的动物。甚至夜深时候他们夫妇俩是睡在车子里,时时刻刻确保他们拯救回来的狗狗过着安全的生活,不被受伤害。
他们夫妇俩树立了一个好榜样给予他们的孩子真正的慈悲与爱是不应该受到限制,唯有了这份真正的慈悲与爱才不会枉费人生。
Pak Mie and his wife are truly inspirational and the perfect example of compassion at work. Some of us struggle to be nice or polite to a stranger on the street let alone 600 “strangers” as in the case of Pak Mie.
What is truly heartfelt and touching is the complete selflessness in literally putting the lives of these animals above his very own and without any remorse or even a second thought.
I certainly hope Pak Mie’s endeavours will get more support… If we cannot do what he does, the least we can do is to help him in anyway we can…
谢谢仁波切的分享这么美丽的故事..他们是我见过最令人敬佩的马来同胞，他们无私的付出，对这些动物的爱，让他们变得很美丽，也让我深刻的感受什么是真正的大爱！！感谢你-Pak Mie和妻子~~我们需要更多的Pak Mie,也需要更多更多的意识，让所有人知道，这些流浪狗猫不是义务被我们看低，遗弃，甚至虐待！！他们也可以拥有更好的明天！！
我祈愿Pak Mia和他的妻子健康快乐， 也希望当地官员不要采取任何惩罚行动，因为这是很伟大的行动，付出，也不是每个人可以办到的！！
Dear Rinpoche,
Thank you for highlighting this story on the blog to us.
To know that there is someone like Pak Mie and Mak Intan makes the world a better place. Their hearts are gentle and their souls are blessed with compassion and kindness. It brings tears to my eyes to see their passion and love drive them to do all that they can to make sure that the animals are not neglected in any way possible. For them, they would rather “neglect” themselves than the animals. They do not care about what society, religion or their peers think, they just want to help the dogs and cats, for they are special beings and are the closest to human. What difference is there between a life? A life is a life, be it what physical form that life takes birth in.
Malaysians aren’t big on the animal rescues, care and love, that is why when there are Malaysians like Pak Mie and Mak Intan who makes a difference in their stance, it shocks society. Like what V Devi from the SPCA said that it is unique for Malaysians to go all the way do this much to saving animals. And I’ve got deep respect for them that Pak Mie and Mak Intan have chosen to do just that.
Animals should be loved even more, because their reciprocation in love towards humans is unconditional, loyal, and forever. They should be cherished for how they cherish us. They are indeed special beings, who will help and save your life, even if you don’t save theirs. I have no means to donate to Pak Mie and Mak Intan, but what I can do is to bring awareness to this story.
Thank you,
Carmen
Thank you for sharing this story Rinpoche. It is heartwarming to know that there are people like Pak Mie and his wife who devote their lives to provide shelter, food and care to 600 beings daily.
There are many pet lovers in Malaysia, but only a handful of animal lovers who take care of strays and injured animals on their own. Pak Mie and his wife are real heroes, providing for the animals to their last breath when crowded shelters are putting animals down.
Pak Mie and his wife were discriminated for caring for “filthy” animal due to incorrect religious bias, I am glad the Mufti clarified that “helping a God’s creature, be it an animal or human being, is a noble act”.
How inspiring to hear things like” sanggup tak makan tak apa, asalkan bagi depa sihat, bagi depa tak lapar” – we are willing to not eat, as long as they are healthy, as long as they are not hungry. Wow! The willingness to give up one’s well being for others without expecting anything in return is really an act of a Bodhisattva. I am glad that Pak Mie and his wife are great examples of animal lovers in Malaysia and I pray that real life stories like this will inspire more people to help and contribute towards animal welfare in Malaysia, and may Kechara Animal Sanctuary arise soon to assist the work of inspiring people like Pak Mie in this beautiful country.
Dear Rinpoche, thank you very much for this inspiring story. My respect and salute to Mr. Pak Mie and his wife. It is truly a very very touching news and inspired to many of us. Compassion without agenda!! Mr. Pak Mie and his wife show us the true compassion, He totally put religion aside and help on those animals that need love and care. I was tearing when I watched the video. Imagine 600 of stray animals to take care of and they are not financially supported!! I thank Mr. Pak Mie and his wife for saving so many lives!! Thank you!! May both of them always be blessed!
Pak Mie’s action really Nobel and touching especially Malay do not get close to dog, out of great compassion& kindness, Pak Mie and wife take care and rescued the stray dogs and cats. Even though have to live in simple life, Pak Mie did not complaint at all , and whole heart is thinking how to make the dogs and cats have place to stay and food to eat.Hopefully local council will not stop his action .
I totally agree with adeline states “It is so beautiful and inspiring to see a Muslim taking care of stray dogs that are classified as forbidden animals by the religion authority. Pak Mie is a true Muslim practicing the religion correctly. There is no discrimination, dos and don’ts but love in his spiritual practice”.
Shame on the local council that always have the intention to destroy or put stray dogs and cats to sleep.
We must all EMBRACE compassion and it got to start from us first, so that tomorrow will be a difference world!!!!
Pak Mie has challenged all our fixed beliefs that has become our excuses to operate within the confines of social limitations. Many a time, we tell ourselves this is not how things are done…societywill not understand or accept…we may be looked at in a negative manner etc.
With these thoughts and (wrong) view, we stay within our comfort zones and make little impact on the lives of those around us as well as ourselves.
We may think it is easy and comfortable to live within these invisible confines of our fixed beliefs and social standards. However, more often than not, when we near the end of journey, we look back at an uneventful life.
Pak Mie shows us we can be different and despite the difficulties we may encounter, the sacrifices we may have to make, live is without regret.
Pak Mie and wife’s kind and compassionate action is so infectious that now his son joins him in this good deeds, the rice provider Yang is surely another kind heart who supports the good cause with action. I like how Pak Mie expressed his view about the importance of money. If money is used in a proper and beneficial way, it is important however it’s not about getting rich for selfish reason. Breaking through the barriers set by society is another brave act that is inspiring. Compassion conquers all. Pak Mie may live a very simple life, but in the eyes of those who appreciate this hero, he is larger than life.
当我看到穆罕默德•阿兹米每天用500 零吉养收留的流浪猫狗，我同时想到这世个世界上，每天有很多人花RM500购买由动物皮制成的产品，以满足他们的欲望，然而他们的行为一直的在不断鼓励别人杀死的动物，也许他们认为动物是低等的。
佛陀教导我们以平等心对待所有众生，穆罕默德•阿兹米做到了，穆罕默德•阿兹米对这些流浪猫狗动的爱是无条件的，他们甚至选择睡在收容所旁边的停车场，以确保没有人会在夜里来伤害他们的动物，这种爱是我们大部份人都做不到，身为佛教徒的我们应多向穆罕默德•阿兹米学习。
This is very compassionate and kind of Pak Mie and his wife. They gave everything to save hundreds of lives. I’m very surprised by their actions because in Malaysia, Muslims are not supposed to associate with dogs as they are considered ‘dirty’. Despite their religion prohibition, both of them chose to save the lives of over 500 dogs and cats. I really admire them for their courage and persistence. I read about them in the papers this afternoon. One of the things they were talking about was that, they even forgot how a bed looks like. Because at nights, the dogs will fight over each other. And also because of some other Malay kids living in that area will also throw stones at them. Pak Mie was too worried, so he decided to sleep in the car which is parked in the shelter. His wife was also worried about his safety, so she decided to sleep in the car as well. Both of them have also been very supportive to one another, I really cherish that.
I just asked my mum if we can visit them one day, she said yes. I don’t expect that she will say yes because she never liked dogs. Therefore I know from the bottom of her heart, she really respects Pak Mie and his wife.
Thank You for sharing such a wonderful article Rinpoche.
Love, beatrix.
Although Pak Mie and his wife are Muslims, they treat dogs like other animals. He would quit his job and spend most of his money in order to feed and buy medications for the dogs and cats. He spends about RM500 just for buying foods for dogs and cats. I hope that no more animals will be left in the streets or put into sleep.
Local daily has Pak Mie’s story (http://www.chinapress.com.my/node/398653) also. From the report and the short documentary I learn that Pak Mie’s mother always asked him to feed stray dogs, and he loves animals especially dogs since young.
Openness of his mum, who sees dogs as animals need love and care as other beings, not limited by her religion or her community, this is so inspiring. Pak Mie inherits this openness by seeing things, doing things and treating another being with love, not by his limited and sometimes contradict perspective.
I admire Pak Mie’s courage to do things not agreed, approved or encouraged by his community or most of the people. His passion towards dogs or saving abandoned and sick animals is to the stage of ensuring his son takes up his role/responsibility after he dies.
From the feature, Pak Mie shares that he refuses to sell or give away any of his dogs/cats, because whoever wish to keep a dog/cat can always get from the street! There are so many stray dogs and cats out there…He wishes that he is not the only person who will save strays dogs and cats but a whole batch/a group of people who love dogs/cats as him and his wife.
米伯肯定是这择善固执的人，固执到坚持他的儿子继承衣钵。他在受访时，说到地方当局射杀狗儿的那段话时，没有激动，没有愤怒，只是不解，只是惋惜。他的确是一个有一颗滚烫的心，流着热血的人。
他没有家财万贯，也没有名声显赫，不过他肯定是其中一个全世界最富有的人，因为他有一股超越一般社会藩篱和愚昧眼光的勇气，还有一颗滚烫的爱心。
谢谢仁波切的分享。 向穆罕默德·阿兹米夫妇，敬佩和敬礼！
这对夫妇真的是穆斯林教里的少数民族！ 他们不会因为一些偏见放弃爱护与保护有需要的小动物，令我领悟到 (有个好心态，才会有个好人生).
So compassion goes beyond religions.
正确世界上最美丽的人，就是对小动物存着关心及爱心。他们自费收容过500只流浪动物，还包括狗！，他们其实是一对穆斯林夫妇？正真拥有大爱，有慈悲心其实是不分宗教，不分种族的。。。
一颗至高如此美丽的心，外表已经不重要了，感谢仁波切分享这个美丽充满人性的真实故事，我看后心中充满感触，我忠心希望这件伟大的事迹让每个社会上的善者能够大力宣扬出去。出钱出力去帮助穆罕默德阿兹米。。。完成他的使命！
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this inspiring story.
I saw Buddha in Pak Mie for him who cares about other beings so deeply. He must face a lot of stress from the society as he is a Muslim and dogs are considered filthy for them. But creature is creatures, I like what he said it’s all from the creation of God, which leads him to be a wonderful person.
I am glad also he has the support from the religion side for this kind act. The real religion is encouraging more love not more hatred.
May Pak Mie lives long, may his good act inspire more kindness in human beings.
Pak Mie and his wife’s show of love and compassion is truly unconditional and boundless. Against the wide belief of Muslim cannot keep a dog (especially in Malaysia), they choose to practise kindness and dedicate their lives towards the dogs. What more, they are asking their daughter to continue this legacy of love. Truly Dharma in action.
All Malaysian should support Pak Mie, Malaysian Government should give 100% support to Pak Mie.
Pak Mie is doing the right thing creating a loving and caring society. I cant imagine anyone would go against his good deeds.
We need to support good people like Pak Mie, we must give our helping hands knowing Pak Mie is a very kind and selfless person.
This really is wonderful and I am so glad that Rinpoche has blogged about the incredible works of Pak Mie and his wife. It’s especially heartening to know that this is happening right here in Malaysia, a place where very little respect is accorded to animals and where stray animals are considered ‘pests’. I’m really glad to know that he is also courageous enough to even overcome religious stigmas against Muslims helping animals, and sees the larger picture of compassion instead of just getting stuck on very small religious ‘rules’.
This sets a fantastic example, which proves that if something like this can be achieve in Malaysia, where there is very very little support for animal welfare, then definitely it can be replicated and achieved elsewhere in the world too.
Mr Mohammad Azmi is very sincere, he doesn’t have much theory to say, but just focus on doing what he thinks is right base on genuine care. I think this is what touches me the most.
A true care for any living beings can never be wrong. No matter what others may say. I believe this is what makes his family so supportive of his work although it doesn’t bring them any material gain.
He earned my tremendous respect.
I am speechless after watching this video. On one hand we have compassionate beings like Pak Mie rescuing strays and giving them the love they so deserve yet on the other end of the spectrum, there are those who abuse and dump their dogs. Worse still, they are euthanised by animal shelter homes if a stray is not adopted within days upon entering the shelter. Legislation also needed to be changed as stray dogs fall under pest category hence it is legal to kill a stray dog!OM MANI PADME HUNG.
Thank you rinpoche sharing out this warming article and video to all of us.
Mr. Park Mie unconventional love toward animal inspiring many of Malaysian and who every read about this article. Watching the short video on his interview, most touching part is his not just sacrifice his our wealth and comfort to safe all the animal. He try to protect the dog sleep inside his car near the shelter to guard the animal he safe. Mr. Pak Mie even train up his son to take care all the animals he safe. When he pass away, all his effect will not wasted, his son will take care this animal shelter.
The honourable Pak Mie and his compassionate wife truly represent the role model that are absolutely necessary in today,s society; otherwise as shown and displayed in many videos, cows, chickens, sheep and many other animals will continue to be abused in factory farms all over the world….! Animals who can feel pain and fear, just as you or I do, and who were born of loving mothers solely, so that one day, they will be killed and eaten. Billions of animals are violently killed for their flesh every year, whilst others spent their entire lives confined, tied-up in filthy, cramped conditions where they are forced to produce endless supplies of eggs or gallons of milk. If only meat-eaters could watch these abuses over the videos, would they themselves honestly ask and truly answer this question themselves: would I continue enjoy eating the flesh of these animals, or would I go vegetarian? These animals are actually their brothers and sisters drowning in their own blood, screaming painfully and hopelessly for help!!!!! What say them?
It’s amazing to know Pak Mie has rescued 500 dog & 100 cats to date. He even used his life saving and sleep in the car with his wife to care after the strays. Kudos to the chicken head & rice supplier effort to help the strays too. 🙂 Even the Muslim cleric in the video agreed that everyone will rewarded by god for the good deeds.
Such amazing and touching post! Thanks to Pak Mie and his wife for their loving care and kindness towards the animals. Their care for the animals are without boundaries.
Yes, what Rinpoche said it’s very true, it’s rare to have such kind people like Pak Mie and his wife now are days. Their compassion is inspired by many people. To me they are an Angels.
穆罕默德·阿兹米真的很伟大， 很善良， 既然可以放下世人的卑视眼光，救了五百多只流浪狗和猫。他大部分的时间都献给这些可怜的猫和狗，要养这么多的动物真不简单，需要很多金钱和精力，幸好他有一班朋友支持他。希望宠物的主人不要遗弃它们，不要因为满足自己的一时快乐而领养它，不要的时候就丢了它。
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing a beautiful story.
Mr. Pak Mie is a very honourable man & full of compassion and love for a animals.
It is so heartwarming to see Pak Mie, his wife and his son who are Muslim, devoting their lives taking care of these stray dogs and cats despite opposition from the local authorities. To them, there is no discrimination as their unconditional love for the strays transcends religion, culture and belief. This is truly a noble act in Islam.
They sacrifice so much, using their money and even sleep inside the car caring and protecting these strays yet the local authority sent them legal notice to evict the shelter.
The strays may be dirty outside but their soul is clean. Have mercy on them. Are they all going to be put to sleep by the local authority if Pak Mie and his family are evicted? I hope not.
It is indeed very inspiring true story. As Rinpoche mentioned, there are more and more stories like this are being reported because of technology like youtube, internet, etc, and all these technology also encourages people to do more short films like this.
Considering dog is a filthy animal in the eyes of Islam, what Pak Mie is doing is very courages. More so when Pak Mie is in Kedah, a state where the Islam influence is very strong.
I share the same view as Pak Mie that a lot of our natural disaster is caused by our own misdeeds. While we make other beings (both animals or human) suffer, we are creating the karma to be hurt as well.
May our local councils have a more liberal ways to deal with animals especially stray dogs. May our government also reward people like Pak Mie and give assistance in curbing stray animals.
This is another video on this bodhisattva couple in this video. Mak Intan recounts how she was saved by dogs when she fell into a river.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E63rSm1LFIc
Upon first watching this little video of Pak Mie, a few points struct out about him. This couple is muslim and they started a shelter for all animals including dogs. Despite religious and cultural taboo of having contact with dogs, he has taken on the care of stray dogs with a lot of love and care. We can see in the video, the dogs are all healthy and happy.
He doesn’t really care about money or of comfort but only of his passion and love for animals. He sleeps in his car and he knows there would be no rewards for his work. There are people who have donated to his cause and he used everything for the animals under his care. This is amazing because people are so attached to money and they only have money for themselves. This guy spends it all on the dogs and animals under his care.
This is just so lovely and kind of them and I really am amazed at his foresight of talking about his care and wish for his son to take over in the future and that it doesn’t stop after he is gone. His care extends to beyond him. I do wish him and his wife all the success and I am really inspired by what he has done. Truly amazing!
A big man with a big heart, a big heart of compassion, sometimes going without food so his charges are fed. His actions have moved the local folk, regardless of race and creed, who have pitched in to offer their assistance.
Pak Mie shows that compassion has no barriers.
Mr Pak Mie and his wife are truly amazing couple, they live their lives for others. They put their hearts and souls to save and help the helpless animals and also makes sure that their son will continue this noble work when they are gone. He is really a Malaysian Hero. Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this wonderful and heartwarming story to create awareness and to inspire people to practise compassion and unconditional love to all sentient beings.
Another link here – http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=E63rSm1LFIc
Compassion Knows No Barriers, deeply respect to Pak Mie, will pay a visit to Pak Mie shelter to learn more from him.
Thank You Rinpoche for the sharing.
Best Regards : Eric kksiow
Wow, such an amazing story about unconditional love towards animals. Pak Mie and his wife sacrifice their live to the good deeds, rescue stray animals with no agenda, he even preparing and training their son to take over this noble mission.
Pak Mie spends almost all his money on the animals, he said that MONEY IS IMPORTANT, BUT IS NIT IMPORTANT TO THEM, they spend money on saving animals’ life’s. In nowadays society, how many of us truly think that MONRY IS NOT IMPORTANT TO US?
May Pak Mie and his family live long and healthy, may many more people come forward to help towards their good deeds.
Dear Rinpoche, thanks for sharing such awesome heartwarming article for us…
Thanks Mr Pak Mie that be a role model for us to start generating more compassion to all mother sentient beings.
I salute to Mr Pak Mie and his family, may they long life and always got enough resources to fulfill their wish…
The love and caring is no barrier between you and me or even race. Pak Mie and wife has proved this by their action! It is not easy to take care of animals like dog and cat. You needed a lot of human resource and money and all kind of support from different level. But, Pak Mie also sent me a message that if we want to do, then something good will happen. That is no external obstacles, all the problem become a problem is from ourselves. Thank you so much of Pak Mie and his wife, they are a really good example for us to follow and learn.
To save the strays, everyone can do, to do good deeds, everyone can do it too, but how far we willing to go for serving others? Many people can only do based on their convenient timing, or it does not interrupt their leisure time or their benefit.
Pak Mie is different, he go all the way to save lives, he give up everything, not almost, not a bit, but everything. He give up his job, his time, his effort, his money, his nice warm bed, his everything, to protect the strays, he even sleeps in the car, now, how many people can do like what he’s doing?
Lives are lives, whether you like it or not, all lives are equal, so we must respect all life beings and to save them and serve them selflessly, this is the best way to gain happiness. At least Pak Mie does not looks like he’s not happy, in fact, he found his true happiness by serving the dogs, that’s why he can continue his act of kindness for so many years and never feel tired of it.
To Pak Mie, I salute and respect.
This man is a true hero ! Against all odds he did his best in saving so many dogs selflessly , we must also credit his wife’s support for him in his cause. His actions transcends all race and religion , making him a truly admirable and inspiring human being who is deserving of all our respect and support ! Thank you Rinpoche for posting .
All i could say is……Thank you Pak Mie!
For his actions and strong perceptions that dogs should not be abused in our Malaysia society, everything he did has bring tears to my eyes. Really, it just SHOCK all of us~ Blow our head off for a muslim like him to full time taking care of stray dogs. And even he just sleep everyday in the car just to protect this animals.
May i pray for Pak Mie’s healthy always, as i saw there’s injuries on his hand in the videos, malaysia need him to make people believes and be a role to others that animal should not be abused.
May i pray for our local authorities has a clear mind and to not give Pak Mie’s any charges or penalty, for him is doing the most greatest and selfless job in the world.
Dear Rinpoche,
Thank you for sharing this video. It is a very touching story.
1. What Pak Mie said is really true, money is not everything and it is not the utmost important thing in life except when it is used to help others.
2. Even though dog is considered a filthy animal in Islam belief. Even though Pak Mie is a Muslim, he believes life is a life, there is no difference.
3. I also like what the Muslim priest says. He says Allah says we have to love Allah’s creature and since dogs are also Allah’s creatures, we should also love them. There should not be a difference. He also says Pak Mie is doing what Allah is teaching and he will go to a good place when his time has come.
In short, compassion is to love and to give those that need, not by the labels.
Thank you Rinpoche for showing us another example of compassion in action. Its very heartwarming to know of such a person who can see the beauty of abandoned animals and put them under his care and compassion even though he is just a simple man earning a humble salary and what he is doing is usually against traditional norms. As the rice provider said they (the dogs) may be filthy on the outside [ and so can humans be sometimes 🙂 ] but the soul is clean and pure. i like that very much. I shall make a contribution to Pak Mie’s effort and legacy whihch he is creating. May many others follow his example.
谢谢仁波切的分享。 想要向穆罕默德·阿兹米夫妇，敬礼！
这对夫妇真的是穆斯林教里的少数民族！ 他们不会因为一些偏见放弃爱护与保护有需要的小动物！
在他们退休后，为了照顾小动物，他们不理其他人的眼光，还是且需收留他们。 风雨不改的照顾与爱护。让我非常的感动。
在反查他们的资料， 原来曾经由一次差一点在河边溺死， 是小狗把他救回的。
不一定， 人身才是至高无上， 品德才是最重要！小狗都有如此美丽的品德，那我们呢？
Pak Mie understands the suffering, hunger and pain that the animals are facing in the alley and abandonment.Thank you Rinpoche for sharing
This blog post really given me back the hope and faith that I lost in this planet as there are people who will reach out for reaching paws regardless of how society puts them down. Pak Mie sacrificed all he had for the happiness of others. Truly commendable and inspirational.
I was speechless for a moment while watching it! Pak Mie, his wife and son are truly inspirational! Its REALLY hard to believe that there are such people. Like what Rinpoche mentioned, these people who do the impossible are truly inspirational! In a way, I was just watching with disbelief! I am sure its not easy for them yet they did what they believe is right and persevered. And because of their motivation to benefit the strays, they also motivate other people to do what they do..GIVE.
Instead of giving Pak Mie’s family a hard time, people should be encouraging and helping them instead. They may not need to touch the animals but help in other ways. Like sponsoring or asking people to sponsor or create awareness for them. Am I wrong or were they sleeping in the car at night? They gave up so much for the love of the strays and they did not even think of themselves! I really don’t know what else to say. I RESPECT them so much!
I pray that Pak Mie’s work will be smooth and supported by many!
Pak Mie and his wife are one in a million. It is very rare to come across anyone who would rescue and take care of so many stray dogs and cats. Besides using all their savings to take care of these stray animals, they even sacrifice by sleeping in their car at night to watch over the animals. The dogs look well fed and you can see that they are very familiar with Pak Mie. He cuddles and pats them and the dogs look happy. Very touching and my deepest respects and admiration to Pak Mie and his wife.
This is a very very rare couples. It is very rare because Muslims are actually forbidden to have dogs.
From the video, the way they treat the dogs and cats it is beyond imagination. Without income, sleep in the car, do not care about the fanatic people whom will used religion against them, scarify their time, even been treated as crazy or criticized by other people- they just do it.
From the latest source : “due to their over popularity, Pak Mie and his wife receive the legal notice and are forced to move out the home shelter by end of May, 2013. Nobody knows if the local authorities or government are also involved with the private sector to become greed and take action over Pak Mie’s land. – http://beforeitsnews.com/animals-pets/2013/02/pak-mie-animal-home-shelter-with-more-than-500-abandon-dogs-and-cats-in-malaysia-2445988.html.” From this comment, we can see when people busy caring about animals , some busy on “greed” or try to harm them to so call protect the “law”.
The love for animals made me think about those stray cats and dogs around the housing area. How good if they have the care too, I am going to treat more nice to the cats and dogs around me.
wow, i really love this guy! he devoted his life to those who do not have good ones. i love animals and i would never do anything to hurt one of them. i hope Mr. Pak Mie lives soooo long so that he can save many animals and bring joyful tears to peoples eyes.
听说马来人是很讨厌狗。认人佩服的是这位马来同,阿兹米，确救了600只流浪狗。真的不简单，阿兹米仁慈的对待一切众生，爱惜所有的流浪猫狗，阿兹米向我们展示了，仁慈与爱是无种族，宗教或国界之分。
This is truly touching because Pak Mie and his wife, and now his son has joined him, are living every day to benefit animals, which can never repay their kindness. Pak Mie says that money is important but it is to benefit others and not themselves and he would rather feed the stray animals than himself. He and his wife even sleep in their car What would we give up to help other human beings, let alone animals.
It was very gratifying to hear Syeikh Muhammad Baderudin Ahmad, the Kedah Muslim Cleric, endorse Pak Mie’s work with the dogs. This view is truly exemplary of the peaceful and loving Islamic religion which is unfortunately misinterpreted by some. The Cleric says that anyone who helps God’s creatures is a “noble act in Islam”, “But in our society, we tend to create a perception on things because we think that’s how it should be, without taking into account what religion has to say about it. We can’t do that, we have to see everything from the Islamic point of view.” If only more people would pay attention to this advice from this wise Cleric.
I was also happy to see Nizam, who is also another Muslim who supports Pak Mie, and Yang, the rice provider. I am sure that Pak Mie has no resources to provide for the 50kg of rice a day, but he has the good karma for people to support his work. In fact, when Pak Mie said “Natural disasters indirectly happened due to our own misdeeds”, it shows me that he understands karma.
We should all not just applaud Pak Mie but support his work and all other animal shelters who are looking after the animals which we humans have neglected. Especially if we are Buddhist and profess that we care for all sentient beings. If we cannot do what Pak Mie and the other animal lovers do, the least we can do is donate towards their cause and also be vegetarian.
Wow… This is such a good video to acknowledge people around. I just shared this to my sister and her bf. Her bf is Muslim yet they dun have any issue of having a dog at their place.
Pak Mie is so nice.. He still give them medical treatment and put eye drop for them too. He’s really treat them very very good.. I’m very happy to see this. I also like all the interviewers say, “it’s a life although they are stray dog and this is very unique happen in Malaysia. It really touch my heart when i watch how they treat all this animal.
In fact, Islamic can having a dog for security protection and they cannot having a dog just for fun. Here some sharing from my Muslim friend sharing with me.. Very good and gain my knowledge from their view. http://www.queachmad.com/2012/07/boleh-ke-umat-islam-pegang-bela-anjing.html?spref=fb
How wonderfully this 8-minute video speaks of the compassion of a man so pure that it overcomes personal and social barriers. To begin with, Pak Mie does not allow himself to be bound by tradition and his kindness transcends all levels of human prejudice. This is very important because it is our prejudice that shrouds a higher wisdom. Pak Mie said that although dogs are lowly in the eyes of man, they are in fact closest to mankind and I would take that to mean, closest to humanity. Similarly, by his selflessness, although the condition in which Pak Mie and his wife live in seem lowly, they are in fact very close to “godliness” by any religious definition.
Genuine kindness is infectious and by virtue of his sincerity, Pak Mie draws others into his circle of compassion and enable them to partake in the tremendous merits of saving lives. Kindness gives us wisdom and we see that wisdom clearly in Pak Mie who chooses lives of others over his own comfort. Imagine the tremendous merits he gains from that.
It is so rare to see this level of humanity in the world and I am very glad that Rinpoche posted this on the blog. What incredible Dharma Pak Mie and his wife practice without trying to appear Dharmic.
I admire his move. I understand that Muslim do not allow them to get so close to dogs . This is amazing.
.
Hi, In fact Muslim allow for having a dog. But there are some rules they need to follow. Please read this and share it out. http://www.hmetro.com.my/myMetro/articles/PenganutIslamdibenarbelaanjing/Article/index_html
OR
http://www.queachmad.com/2012/07/boleh-ke-umat-islam-pegang-bela-anjing.html?spref=fb
I would like to pay my deepest respect to Mr Azmi. It is beyond what normal people can give, fully dedicated.
The real life story of Pak Mie and his family shows the true meaning of compassion indiscriminately. A role model for sincere action of saving and loving the dogs unconditionally.
Pak Mie talks very very firmly, to me he is a stubborn man, but he stubborn for the RIGHT thing and in a GOOD way, his ‘stubbornness’ is to save lives!! Not for his own pleasure, not to justify, not to being selfish. Nothing and no one can stop Pak Mie from what he wants to do, he is so so determine. To him, there is no obstacles. From this I realize when we see obstacle as obstacle is because we let it be obstacle that stop us. Obstacle can be a stepping stone to get succeed.
It is so rare to see people in Malaysia treat animals nicely and well, case like Pak Mie is even rare as he is a Muslim. But he acts from his heart, not from the restrictions that what the norm/culture etc. He has the courage to do something different, he speak so firmly that he knows exactly what he is doing. He even plan to continue his legacy and train up his son to do the same thing. Even his death and aging/health condition are not the obstacles to take care the stray dogs! I admire how firm and courage Pak Mie is. To help others, we need this kind of ‘stubbornness’ to go all the way. This is true kindness.
Compare to me, I have every resources to help others, I have care and love, I even have the money to help. In fact nothing hold me back from doing so.
I find it beautiful when the Kedah Muslim cleric said that it is a noble act to help God’s creature no matter what animal it is. Kindness is the universal value.
Dear Rinpoche,
Pak Mie understands the suffering, hunger and pain that the animals are facing in the alley and abandonment. At his age, most old folks would consider to relax at their comfort, but Pak Mie chose this path of fostering the animals. He has also make sure that this legacy continues, by asking his son to take over when he is gone. May Pak Mie, his wife and family have long life, and the blessings Buddha. Thank you Pak Mie for this show of act of kindness, selfless and compassionate. You are an inspirational to me. OM MANI PEDME HUM.
Pak Mie and his wife have sacrificed a lot to look after so many animals that they rescued. They treat all the animals just like their family members. Pak Mie does not discriminate between looking after cats or dogs. In fact these animals are just their extended family.
He has even thought about the future of these furry friends by asking his son to join him in caring for them.
I was surprised and at the same time felt a deep respect for this man, a Muslim, who has devoted his life to take care of stray dogs. Muslims regard dogs as haram (unclean) and most would not have dogs as pets let alone save the strays and care for them. Pak Mie’s compassionate attitude towards the dogs will inspire more people to be kind to animals especially strays.
Incredible compassion ,kindness and selfless are words to describe Pak Mie and his wife who loves animals unconditionally.Animals are often exploited and mistreated and Pak Mie is providing a voice for the voiceless with his compassion.
He is a Muslim who chose to take responsibility of animal care and well being.
Thank you Rinpoche,for sharing this heart touching video.
Dear Rinpoche,
Thank you for sharing the touching story about Pak Mie. It is amazed to see Muslim has such a strong connection with dogs. I believed this is something he has been doing for many life times to create such a strong karma to be able to love and care about all these dogs. Although so he strongly believe in God. He believed God is happy to see what he’s doing now.
So blessed that he has his wife’s support and both of them so committed and dedicated to protect and feed the dogs no matter what it takes as long as they are safe.
Pak Mie loves dogs like his own children and he showed me the true kindness of human’s heart. In his eyes, he sees life.
很意外的，马来同胞不讨厌狗！而且还救了约600只流浪狗。真的很让人敬佩.
穆罕默德·阿兹米，所做的很不简单，试问我们自己做的吗？他可真是个菩萨。如我我们能像穆罕默德·阿兹米的一半，就不会有那么多的流浪狗和猫了！
Pak Mie is truly a Malaysian hero. He loves what he’s doing… to the extent that he don’t even have a house for himself! (He and his wife sleeps in their car).
In the full video, Pak Mie’s wife mentioned how there was once, while she was washing clothes by the river, she accidentally slip and fell into the river. She is not good at swimming and the tide was quite high at that time. Fortunately, while she was washing her clothes, a few of the puppies they saved followed her to the river banks to play… and when they saw her fell into the river, the puppies bark continuously until some of the adult dogs noticed and rushed down to the river and pulled Pak Mie’s wife from the river… saving her life.
I like how this couple is so adamant in what they want to do in life, that they do not care how the community sees them. In Malaysia, it is ‘dirty’ for a Muslim to touch dogs, and many (but not all) Muslims will not take care of a dog… Pak Mie and his wife did not bend to society’s pressure and continued saving dogs eventhough they’ve been ostracized for the past 20 years.
It takes really strong will power to go through what they have gone through… the constant worry of how to feed the dogs, the lack of funds, being ostracized by some of the community… and even not having a house to live in… they never built a house for themselves, but they built it for the dogs… how amazing is that…
Watch a longer version of the video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjPSgIGG0iY
When I first saw this video I was amazed… what is so amazing is that Pak Mie’s kindness towards animals which is indifference beyond race or religion. In fact he shows us all what a spiritual person he is which is compassion for all beings. If God is the creator that creates all beings, then why would he create a being that is unworthy of love and compassion?
Pak Mie breaks all concepts when he rescue and care for these abandoned sick dogs that were shun by most people of his religion. His story is a true inspiration. These are true heroes on our planet worth celebrating. We need more souls like Pak Mie!!!
Pak Mie is truly the hero for these stray dogs and cats! It is rare to see a Malay Muslim in close proximity with so many dogs because in Islam dogs are considered filthy. Despite what their religion forbids, Pak Mie and his wife went ahead to adopt these lovely creatures giving them the necessary love and care tireless.
Pak Mie and his wife had used much resource to rescue, feed and care for these abandoned animals. Even the established non-government organisations like the animal shelters, SPCA, PAWS, etc. and the local authorities were pale in comparison with what Pak Mie had accomplished.
Thank You Pak Mie for your compassion. Please continue with your good deed!
What an amazing man Mr. Pak Mie is and what a wonderful family he has!
I had tears in my eyes watching the video, absolutely touched by his passion, sacrifice and courage that he has !!!
His actions had impacted many people – SPCA in Sungei Petani, the rice supplier, the chicken supplier and even the Kedah Muslim Cleric. The ripple effect of Pak Mie’s kind deeds will reach many more people. He opens up people’s hearts to be aware of ‘man’s best friend’.
His action in rescuing the strays transcends religion, culture, beliefs – it is pure unconditional love for another being.
Before my present Muslim driver started work with us, he told us that he cannot touch dogs and he is afraid of dogs. (I have 7 woofers). So in the beginning, we have to place all my babies in the enclosures and in their playpens when the driver comes to work every morning.
After several weeks, he started to warm up to them, and now after 2 years or so – his daily routine is to spend an hour or so every morning walking my dogs, training them, cuddling them and talking with them. It is really touching seeing him interact with all my babies and he refers to them as his “kawan” (friend). He actually said that he realises that dogs are the same as any living being, and that his past fears are totally unfounded.
It is so nice to know that there are more and more people who are changing their perception and attitude towards animals.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this wonderful video and story of Pak Mie with us.
What an amazing , inspiring and compassionate man Pak Mie is !
I will share this story with all my animal lover friends and raise funds for Pak Mie.
It is so beautiful and inspiring to see a Muslim taking care of stray dogs that are classified as forbidden animals by the religion authority. Pak Mie is a true Muslim practicing the religion correctly. There is no discrimination, dos and don’ts but love in his spiritual practise. He really grasp the real meaning of the Quran by realising that all beings are no different from himself. Therefore all deserve equal love and care with no exception.
The best thing is that he sees beyond this life and make sure his rescuing mission continues to function even after his passing. He has brought in his kind son to create this priceless legacy that will truly benefit others together.
Many like to make sure that their business, properties, all materials possessions are being inherited after they’ve passed away. It is more meaningful that what has been left behind are going to be of benefit of others. Pak Mie is one of them. He has shown it by example. He is the best father figure example to others.
I sincerely thank him from the bottom of my heart for taking care of the strays, for being the light in the dark, for spreading loving-kindness to the less fortunate, for being a true spiritual practitioner. I’m proud to be a Malaysian because of Pak Mie!
Mr.Pak Mie is a true example of human compassion towards other living beings. Moreover, his story shows us that compassion should and can overcome the social norms and stigmas placed on certain situations, in this case the way in which Malay culture considers dogs and other animals to be ‘unclean.’ It is all too easy to stay within the confines of what is socially acceptable but this story shows that we need to push ourselves away and embrace a more compassionate outlook in life to truly make a difference in the world.
In a way Mr Pak Mie shames me for my lack activity but more importantly inspires and motivates me to be a more compassionate person. An amazing example of compassion and love. Thank your Rinpoche for sharing this. He has started a very worthwhile endeavour.
It really surprises me so much to see a Malay citizen of Malaysia to be so caring to dogs in particular. They have always place dogs aside as pets due to their religion’s description about dogs in particular.
Through this video, we get to see how much one person can really do if they go all the way especially in saving strays. The pets that Pak Mie have rescued is even higher than what the local SPCA is doing and that even shocked them.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this video. This video have further strengthen my believe that all strays should eventually find a home which they know they can live safely without having the worry of themselves being put to sleep by the local municipal council.
Will try to reach out to them to do donation on a regular basis so that Pak Mie can continue to pursue his effort in helping and saving the strays. May the local municipal council approves his doing as his act is virtuous and something to be proud of by all citizens of Malaysia.
He is a very honorable man indeed
A most heart warming story indeed. Thank you Rinpoche for sharing it with us. It’s a story that bridges all barriers within and without. It’s a story that goes beyond creed or race, a story of great and borderless compassion.
Mr Pak Mie and his wife, have reached out, in great kindness and care, towards helpless furry beings. They have rescued 600 stray cats and dogs and put them in a shelter. Their concern for these beings has even prompted them to sleep in their car, outside the shelter,to watch over them at night so that they would not come to any harm.
Pak Mie and his wife have even braved opposition from the local authority, who only seek to destroy these furry beings.
Dear Rinpoche,
It bring tears to my eye watching the video that there are people who regardless of society’s negative perception and religion’s doctrine just reach out to other beings in need of help and care. Pak Mie sacrifice all that he has in the pursuit of lessening the suffering and the happiness of these dogs and cats. He has inspired others also to join his cause and we also should support his cause in helping others.
It reminds me that regardless of religion, what matters is our actions daily. This is what will be=ring ultimate happiness.