No arms, no legs… FULL OF LIFE!
I recently blogged about Qian HongYan, a girl who used a basketball to substitute her absent legs. Many people around the world were inspired by her, and sent in other inspirational stories. Sharon Saw sent in an article about a man named Nick Vujicic.
Nick was born with no limbs, i.e. no arms and no legs. When he was younger he suffered from depression and had suicidal tendencies… until he himself was inspired by another man living with disabilities. He then decided to opt for a better outlook on life and started his own non-profit organization, Life Without Limbs!
I have always admired people who are selfless and although faced with obstacles, pushes themselves forward to live a positive and beneficial life. He could have stayed in his comfort zone, have his parents serve him every day and depend on the generosity of others – but he chose to do more instead. He knew he was to face tremendous challenges but that did not stop him from actualizing his dream, simply because he knew that his life story would bring benefit to many people.
I wish there were more people like Nick out there. The world would be a better place for sure. I am truly humbled by Nick Vujicic. Do take a look at the article prepared by the Blog Team below, and ask yourself, “What’s stopping me from doing more with my life?”
Tsem Rinpoche
A motivational speaker, writer and founder of a non-profit organization and motivational speaking company, Nick Vujicic stands tall with his ability to influence others even though he has no arms and legs since birth. Diagnosed with tetra-amelia syndrome, a rare disorder characterized by the absence of all four limbs, Nick struggled throughout his younger days having to cope with his condition and bullies at school.
At the age of eight he got into depression and attempted suicide. By the age of ten, he tried drowning himself but pulled back as he could not leave his parents, the ones who gave him hope in life.
The turning point in Nick’s life was when his mother showed him an article about a man dealing with disability. Nick then knew he was not unique in his struggle and eventually realized his accomplishments in life can inspire others. Since that day, Nick decided to go all out to use his disability to inspire others.
At the age of 17, Nick started his own non-profit organization, Life Without Limbs. The organization supports Nick’s activities around the world.
Today, Nick has traveled the world, spoke to 3 million people, using his life story to motivate others. There is no giving up for him, and as they say, the sky is the limit. Nick has written motivational books and through his determination cultivated a special talent, to sing. Entitled Something More, Nick personally sang his life story in hope to inspire others to a live a life with no regrets.
On his personal life, Nick recently married his fiance Kanae Miyahara. Together with his wife, they live an ordinary life like others but with something more, courage, determination and spirituality.
Nick’s condition is not a special one but the way he lived his life is. Although without all four limbs, he is still able to wake up every day with a smile on his face telling others, life is more than just this. Not only did he not lose hope, instead he used his impairments to give hope to others. Nick is truly an inspiration to all.
Nick Vujicic: Life Without Limbs – CBN.com
Or view the video on the server at:
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videos/life-without-limbs.mp4
Nick Vujicic – “Something More” Music Video
Or view the video on the server at:
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videos/Nick-Vujicic-music-video.mp4
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Inspiring story of Nicholas James Vujicic is an Australian-American Christian evangelist and motivational speaker with Tetra-amelia syndrome, a rare disorder characterized by the absence of all four limbs. He is also the founder of a non-profit organization and have inspired many with his true life story in hope to inspire others to a live a life with no regrets. Through his foundation, Life Without Limbs, he works tirelessly to support and empower those in similar situations, spreading a message of hope and resilience.
Thank you Rinpoche for this inspiring post.
Inspiring story ……Nick Vujicic an Australian Christian evangelist, entrepreneur, and world renowned motivational speaker born with tetra-amelia syndrome, a rare disorder . His love for his parents prevented him from contemplated suicide . Eventually coming to terms with his disability, after reading an article of a man dealing with disability . Despite the many challenges as he is growing up, he was able to overcome them all. All credits goes to his family’s love and his positive attitude .He founded his non-profit organization, Life Without Limbs. He has been traveling around the world bringing inspiration and hope to millions. Wow…Vujicic has spoken to more than three thousand audiences in more than 57 countries. He shared his life story, and on varies topics such as bullying, inspiring positive change, persistence and determination. Wherever he goes and he will communicate one core message that is no matter whatever circumstance one face, one can overcome without fear. Beautiful message .
A very inspiring and touching story. Nick was born no arms and no legs. When he was younger he suffered from depression and had suicidal tendencies until he himself was inspired by another man living with disabilities. He then decided to opt for a better outlook on life and started his own non-profit organization.I have always admired people who are selfless and although faced with obstacles, pushes themselves forward to live a positive and beneficial life. He could have stayed in his comfort zone, have his parents serve him every day and depend on the generosity of others, but he chose to do more instead. So much courage and fighting spirit and never gave up in life! And Nick sings very well too?? . Thank you very much Rinpoche and blog team for sharing such an inspring story on Nick Vujicic ???
A very inspiring and touching story. Nick was born no arms and no legs. When he was younger he suffered from depression and had suicidal tendencies until he himself was inspired by another man living with disabilities. He then decided to opt for a better outlook on life and started his own non-profit organization.I have always admired people who are selfless and although faced with obstacles, pushes themselves forward to live a positive and beneficial life. He could have stayed in his comfort zone, have his parents serve him every day and depend on the generosity of others, but he chose to do more instead. So much courage and fighting spirit and never gave up in life! And Nick sings very well too?? . Thank you very much Rinpoche and blog team for sharing such an inspring story on Nick Vujicic ????
It is very nice to see him so happy, even if he has no legs and no arms. I think it is very difficult to live this way, but he found a way to be happy and he has nice people around him who support him and he supports others with the same problem.
This is very inspirational. Is it possible to get this Video in Hindi so that this can be shown to differently able kids in India
Hi I had only watched the video today and I was in tease because I could not of believed my eyes in what I was seeing and it must of been very hard to do things in Nicks life.
I just have to say that it must of been hard to stand up in front of a lot of people and tell them his story.
From Henry
Dear Rinpoche, I have watched one of his videos before in my primary school. I forgotten most of the things he said but I kind of remember that he said a chicken drumstick (his leg) is enough for him and he also shared a few funny experiences. He showed us about never giving up.
Nick Vujicic is very inspirational to everyone because he has spends his life of misfortune and disability with a joyous outlook. I like how Nick Vujicic doesn’t really blame anyone for his predicament but he chooses to not give up and live on!
This post tells you to do things even when having difficulties.
Nick did things as if he had everything he needed and that is so touching.
He is not called amazing because he lives like he had arms and legs… But because he has courage.
This is a very inspiring post.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this great post.
He has less but he gets more. This is what cross my mind when I know about Nick. We always think that we don’t have enough to do more to get more(results, success and etc), but we are wrong. Nick has so little in his physical form but he can do so much and get so much of results, love and respect.
To do more and get more is nothing to do with our limitation, it is about how we break through our limitation. We should switch our focus, from focusing on how much limitations we have, to how to break through our limitations. Nick really reminds me of this.
Isn’t he amazing? getting a life without hand and leg? When we face bit of difficulties, we want to give up, we take it like end of the world. But look at Nick, look at his condition, he is much much more unlucky than anyone of us here, but he never give up his life, in fact, his mind is so fabulous where none of this unfortunate can bring him down, in fact, his life is even more colourful than us.
I like what he say here, “God has a plan in my life, to give hope to other people through my story.”
Do you know what does this mean? it shows you how tough and positive he is, whatever happened to him, it became one of his tool to benefit others, to inspire others.
The first time when I heard about Nick was from a school assembly. They played videos and slideshows about him, taught us not to give up so easily. I really cannot imagine life with no limbs. Although he didn’t have hands and legs like most of us do, he chose to be happy and continued living a hapy life. He is so inspiring, I will never forget the kind of spirit he has in his mind. May he always be happy.
Thank You for sharing Rinpoche.
Love, beatrix.
谢谢任波切分享Nick的故事。他的故事很感人，他的人生道路非常艰苦，充满障碍，过着非一般人的童年，没有四肢的他并没放弃自己反而更加乐观，开心，努力的生活。现在他已经像普通人一样娶老婆了。
很肯定的从他身上可以得到很多启示。接受自己的缺陷，改变想法，珍惜现在所拥有的，那样子会快乐很多。
The way Nick is living his life puts many of us who are able-bodied to shame. Despite his difficult childhood and attempted suicides, Nick is now an inspiration to everyone. Nick not only motivates the disabled but everyone. I am full of admiration of Nick’s work and achievements. And his wife Kanae Miyahara is a woman of substance who does not find Nick disabilities a hindrance to their relationship.
I was torn by Nick story when i first read about his story. Nick story tell us about a man dealing with disability. Nick then knew he was not unique in his struggle and eventually realized his accomplishments in life can inspire others. Since that day, Nick decided to go all out to use his disability to inspire others.
I always believe everyone have different ability to inspiring others. As long we are confident who we are and have correct attitude. Eventually we can help each other. In-completion of our body is not the big obstacle to stop us to achieve what we want to do in our life. The most of important is having a kind and caring heart, will make our life more useful and meaningful.
“The best way to develop yourself is when you are challenged with difficulties. Not when everything is easy at your fingertips”- Tsem
Rinpoche
Nick is a great example of Rinpoche’s quote. It is not easy to live without limbs and to face this disability. Nick story is truly inspiring. Even though he does not have limbs yet he is full of energy, lived a positive life and full of confidence. He challenged himself and turned his disabilities to inspire and touched the lives of many. It was not an easy task but he persevered and he is now stronger than most able bodied people. It is when we go though the difficulties that we realize our potential.
Thank you, Rinpoche, for sharing.
3 year back i got to know about Nick Vujicic in a company meeting, where they show a video of nick, and i was a surprise seeing a man naturally born without limbs, living a life full of obstacles, an obstacles which is not form outside forces, but rather an obstacles of the physical self and emotional self.
Nick live through that life of despair because of his disability, but that imperfection makes him more stronger emotionally and spiritually stronger to live his life, and uses the imperfection he have to inspire and motivate others, and not giving up and uses what we have to motivate and help others.
Thank you for sharing this wonderful story of Nick Vujicic.
I watched this video quite some time back http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ciYk-UwqFKA
Motivating the younger generation and letting them know there is much more to look forward to in life.
In his music video ‘something more’ has a powerful message. I may have a bad day or time but there are many out there who are suffering much more and it makes me think that, its not that bad after all. Be grateful and thankful for all I have and not complain, disappointed nor give up. For him to be able to accept and look forward to life is something that all of us should be inspired with and be better.
Nick’s determination to help others through his body is very strong,even stronger than people who are normal and have all 4 limbs. This is what Rinpoche always says that when we focus out, our problem become small and we have more strength because we are helping others.
I believe for Nick to go around the world and give talk, it’s not easy for him. But still you can see after every talk, he still stay back and gives hugs to the audience one by one. I really admire him, even with such inconvenience, he gives warm and hope to as many people as he can.
May Nick have a fantastic and happy life and continue to light up the hope of life for others. Thank you Nick!!
The first time the term Nick Vujicic came into my life was when I was around 12 years old. My school had an assembly talking about him and his feats! Despite not having a helping hand, he still lived up and realised that the sky is not the limit. He lived! All people should learn from him and live life to the fullest. People should not be despairing for what they lack, they should be happy for what they have. I am sick and tired of people crying and pouting over not buying the new iphone. They should be happy with the iphone they have now… even if they are still using a Nokia.
Dear Rinpoche,
Thanks for sharing. I had read his book Life Without Limits..I am ery touched and inspired with his stories..it has taught me many things. He is my role model.
Regards,
Venix
This seems like a clip from “Pay it Forward”. Nick Vujicic was inspired by another disabled man, and he in turn was inspired to inspire others. One good action leads to another – the disabled man who inspired Nick must be collecting a lot of merits.
Nick shows us how even if we hit rock bottom, there is a way out if we choose it. He proves to us that if we really wanted to do something, we can – and the only thing that’s in the way of us and success is the bulls— we tell ourselves!
I’m inspired by Nick because he uses his life; his body, his spirit and his speech to inspire others. He is living his entire life for others. It reminds us about how there are many different types of selfless people out there, and why should we not be the next person in the “Pay it Forward” phenomena? 🙂
I have watch his video and story before, Nick is really amazing and his ability to does things seems impossible for his condition. His works also inspired many around the world.
在还没接触仁波切以前，我是一个蛮会埋怨的人，整天怪这怪那，从来都不知道自己有多么的幸福，比起现在这位仁兄，我就幸福的多了。当我看完这一篇报道了以后，我自觉惭愧，我有手有脚，四肢健全的人都时常在找借口，现在好了，可以让我自己能全力以赴的去做每一件事情，再也没有理由与借口在怨天尤人，谢谢仁波切与我分享那么美好的一段故事。
Because Nick knew nothing more hence he had to “trust” a compassionate being – Jesus Christ… I wondered if he knew Buddha Dharma, what answers he would have gotten. I am sure his mind would probably blow and his “whys” would probably be answered earlier and in a more logical way. I am not saying Christianity is not a beautiful religion, just wondering how he would have turned out if he knew Dharma?
However, his faith and trust in “God” pushed him and motivated him to become better and not to focus on his pain and tragic situation, is actually the real beauty and essence of the teachings. I don’t think “God” ever answered him but I think through his own deep faith, he used the object of a “God” to help him pull through and find courage and strength which is main important thing.
It is really another example of life and what we choose to make out of it is really up to us. Nick is someone that chose to live and inspire many through his own experience of being arm and legless… he could have chosen to take his life instead… but he chose to rise above it and this shows any problems we face in life is not the end of the world and that we definitely can rise above it… if we choose to do so.
“If you don’t get a miracle… Be one!” WOW! This one phrase at the end of the music video says it all… We be the inspiration for others and not wait in “poor me” mode and wait for others to help… we are more than capable in helping ourselves… Nick Vujicic is the perfect example of that. He rose above all “odds”, the so called odds or barriers we put upon ourselves.
His faith in GOD is commendable… to have such devotion and trust in order that he may bring himself up, be an inspiration and not blame anyone for “disability”. I think most of us are more disabled than Nick WITH all our limbs…
Truly an inspiring and a lesson in believing in oneself!
Andrew, I really like what you said! And yes, the quote “If you don’t get a miracle.. Be one!” is truly inspiring.
I like how although he has his down time when he was younger… when he have so much questions about why he was born such a way, which is what all people born with disabilities would ask and wonder why … but he never let that thought control his future and made great effort to nurture himself to be what he is today.
I also think the people around him is truly amazing to give him so much hope and not ‘give up’ on him. I know many people that have ‘disabled’ children and they tend to overlook the needs of their children that by the time they noticed how wrong they were at ignoring these children, it was already too late to rectify the problem.
We all have our “questions” when we were younger. We are all different and we tend to compare ourselves to others… the disparities, the differences, the similarities even and above all, why we are actually here… The trick I guess Nick is telling us is to look beyond that… we all have our differences and weaknesses, we need to celebrate our strengths and move on… that I feel is such a key empowering note!
What an inspiration! I think it is amazing that this man, who has no limbs was able to overcome his tremendous handicap. Just watching him struggle to get onto the couch was enough proof of the struggles he goes through on a daily basis. Yes, through adversity he was able to accept everything and work to help others instead. I am not impressed with his belief in God but I am impressed that his belief in God led him to have this level of acceptance. With it, he use it to help others and that’s how he interpret his disability.
It’s amazing that someone like that is able to stay positive through adversity and was able to draw strength from his acceptance and able to use his adversity to benefit so many. There’s no way you are not convinced and moved by this guy because he has no limbs and just the struggle of moving about is a living proof of him overcoming his struggles along with the smile and effervescent smile on his face. This is just such an amazing person that he gives hope to all of us who think our problems are big. Most of our problems are nothing compared to what he goes through on a daily basis. He’s just an inspiration through and through.
wow, i heard of this guy before and he is AMAZING. he can do so many things and he is still happy and cheerful, so full of life.he is a true inspiration. have a long and happy life Nick.
What a profound tale and Nick’s testimony is something we have learned in the Dharma and Nick has applied it to his life better than most people. In that sense, Nick’s “disability” is in fact an advantage as he had to look inwards to find his true self, not his physical self and he found happiness by giving to others. It is very true what Nick said that there is no point being whole on the outside when you are broken on the inside. The proof that is that there are so many people who are physically complete and in fact beautiful than most or stronger and faster than most and yet they too are broken inside. So it is not the packaging that we come with but the substance that becomes us. In the end, the packaging all end up the same way, in decay and rot.
Why someone is born whole and others aren’t, why is someone born attractive while others are born deformed is all due to karma and Nick’s story is proof that we can alter the course of our own lives by our own realization of what is truly important and what is superficial, by our decisions and by the actions we take. We all have “deformities” mostly inside and even some outside and we spend so much time fixing the outside but that fail to attend to that which is crucial. In Nick’s case, because he came to terms with himself and chose to use his life to benefit others, he became whole. Frankly, after you hear him speak you cannot help but admire and respect him and suddenly you don’t see his handicap but instead you see his greatness through his kindness and his faith. This is something for all of us to nate note of and learn.
What you notice most when you watch Nick is not the fact that he doesn’t have any limbs – you notice most of all his energy, his big capacity to laugh, his confidence and positivity. So while most of us worry what people think of us, perhaps we’d be better off investing that time into developing the very qualities that draw us into people like Nick – that same confidence, positivity and hope that he brings to the people around him, no matter his physical disabilities.
Isn’t it strange how the opposite also rings true- that someone could have all their facilities in tact and have everything outwardly “perfect” – be extremely good looking, fit, healthy, wealthy etc but their rotten personalities make them completely unattractive and makes people not want to be near them in any way. Surely we have all known people like this – people whose attractiveness wears off very fast once they start talking, acting and showing just how “ugly” their personalities really are.
Which just goes to show really, that while there are billions of dollars going into an industry to “perfect” our physical appearances, to make us desirable (to whom??), the very qualities that actually attract people to us are completely free.
It’s not about the circumstances that we’re born in that determines who we are, but how we make use of the circumstances to be the best we can.
Nick’s story is truly inspiring, and I like his upright honesty and view of life, to bring meaning and inspire others out there… because he realizes that even people that are ‘perfect’ physically, is not truly happy in the inside.
Happiness comes from within, Nick showed us that it is true.
Thank you rinpoche this is an amazing story. And if a person who was born like Nick can feel hope, then everyone around the world should and can feel hope in their lives. Although we may not always want to compare to someone who seemingly in a worst state than we are but nothing wakes us up than when we do a real and honest comparison. Nick had disadvantages that most of us do not have yet he is able to inspire others.
Dear Rinpoche,
Here are my thoughts on the article.
Wow This story of Nick Vujicic is very inspiring, i is just amazing how he is not let down by his disablement and instead he is inspiring
people all around the the world.
It is amazing how he may not have hands and legs but yet he can still manage to swim, surf, skateboard and many other kinds of sports.
It just made me want to cry seeing his story being told on the video above.
This shows as an example that we should not say that we can’ do this or can’t do that because a man with no legs can even swim.
Thank You Rinpoche for sharing the very inspiring story!
Love
Jutika
“Where do we go when hope runs out, when we’re empty, when there’s nothing left” is the beginning of Nick’s song. How many of us think like that when we have ALL OUR LIMBS… when we look at Nick and see him shining with positive attitude, it is truly shameful when we complain over small things in our lives. Nick is truly inspirational and motivational. He is a sparkling personality regardless of his physical condition. Disability is all in the mind – those of us who are physically capable but don’t do anything with our lives might as well be physically disabled (and considering how capable Nick is, physically disabled isn’t so disabling after all!). i salute Nick for his faith and his strength.
Perhaps even the word ‘amazing’ is not sufficient to describe Nick for the courage that he has and the pain that he has to endure since his birth.
Hard to imagine one has to live without limbs, all our daily works from big to small we need to either rely on other people or spend a lot more time and efforts to accomplish them. Something that takes only a minute for us may require 1 hour for a physically disabled to get done. And the painful part is that they need to face this every single minute of their lives.
When we put ourselves next to them, we see how uncontended and fortunate we are.
People like Nick are inspirational for us for the inner strength that they have within themselves. They constantly remind us to feel contended about what we have, and teach ourselves not to look at what we dont have.
I watched the interview with Nick Vujicic and it brought tears to my eyes and a lump in my throat.
Nick has turned his disability to an asset , through his trust and faith in God. How many many lives he had touched – with his determination, tenacity, faith and most of all his love for life and in his belief. What a strong spirit he has and what a huge huge heart of love and inspiration he carries with him.
I found that the underlying message in this beautiful story is also a recognition of Karma and reincarnation. That Nick is born without limbs is perhaps based on the karmic connection of his previous lives and also the link to his parents. It was his mother who showed him the article of another disabled person that transformed Nick’s life.
It’s so amazing that Nick does everything a ‘normal’ person can do physically but he does even more – he inspires everyone that he comes across. What a great message he is relaying to the world.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this wonderful story with us, and thank you Sharon.