James and Me in Hubli
Many years ago, while I was living in Gaden Monastery, India, I would often travel to Hubli every week to buy supplies for my Guru, H.E. Kensur Jampa Yeshe.
I was very young at that time and India was still a very foreign place for me… but I managed to get by and after a while many of the storekeepers became my friends. I would often buy thousands of rupees worth of necessities and pay them back the following week… and they would be okay with it. They trusted me a lot.
During one of my trips to Hubli, I met a very nice rickshaw driver named James. He is an Indian man, very small built with moustache. He was of the Christian faith, and had a Muslim wife and a young daughter at that time. James was very kind to me, he would take me around Hubli every time I was in town… and would help me carry a lot of the items that I had bought for the monastery… I really appreciated his help very, very much.
When I first met James, it was just a meeting by chance. I needed a ride to get around Hubli and I happened to get into James’ rickshaw. After he brought me around Hubli to buy whatever I needed, I asked him “How much is the fare?” James replied, “Any amount.” I was skeptical at first because, here, is a poor man that barely earned enough to make ends meet and he’s saying that I can pay him any amount that I can afford? I thought it was a plot to get more money! So I gave him some rupees and left for that day. The following week when I went to Hubli, James told me the same thing! This time, I really felt that James was sincere and so I gave him a little more money than I did last week. That was how our friendship started, back and forth – meeting each other whenever I was in Hubli. We remained friends for a very long time until I lost touch with him in 1997, when I left India for Malaysia.
All these years, I have always worried about James… Back when I saw him every week, I took care of both him and his family… I would give him money, buy his family lots of necessary food items… like salt, dahl, rice etc, and anything that helped both him and his family’s overall welfare.
So when I left so abruptly… I was very worried for James. There were many times when I went back to Hubli, I would try looking for him, but I could not find him… The other rickshaw drivers would tell me that he had passed away… So when a few of my students went up to Gaden about a month ago, I sent a message to one of my personal assistants, Beng Kooi, to let her know that she must find James. I felt that he was in dire need of help right now. I gave Beng Kooi a brief explanation about James and she started to look all over Hubli for him. Finally after searching for so many years, Beng Kooi managed to locate James for me through one of James’ friend, Ibrahim. I was so relieved that they found him… he was a good friend back in the days when I was all alone in India.
James has aged so much since I last saw him… he is now undernourished, has a very bad case of diabetes and is visually impaired due to his diabetes. He met into an accident a few years ago, which left his rickshaw unusable. Unable to buy a new one, he started renting rickshaws on a daily basis. He told my students that on most days, his expenditure would be more than his income! His wife and children left him, and he now stays at his sister-in-law’s house…
While my students were in India for about 2 weeks, they managed to arrange for him a doctor’s visit, got him lots of medication, a new pair of glasses and filled his belly full of food! We also managed to get him a good 2nd-hand rickshaw rather than renting one, for him to support himself financially.
I am so glad that I managed to connect back with James. Even after so many years of me being absent in his life, he remembers me very well and told Beng Kooi lots of stories while we were together in Hubli. James is the type of person who will stick with you through thick and thin…
Below is a write up from Li Kheng, who was with Beng Kooi at the time James was found. Exciting… I have also included some photos and a video of the conversation I got to have with James!
Tsem Rinpoche
Phng Li Kheng’s Experience
The first time I heard about James was when I was en route from Kuala Lumpur to Munggod for a pilgrimage with fellow Kecharians. In this message requesting students to find a gentleman called James, Rinpoche mentioned how James had been very kind to Rinpoche during Rinpoche’s time in Hubli. Typical of Rinpoche, Rinpoche never forgets anyone’s kindness to Rinpoche. Thus, since we will be in Hubli the coming days, we are to find James too ensure he is well and, if now, see what we can do to effectively help make things better for James.
When we first took on this quest to find James whom Rinpoche had lost contact with for 10 years, nobody had a clue as to where to start looking. However, as having faith in your Guru goes, the group asked the right person (another autoricksaw driver)) who knew where James was and brought 6 of us to James’ home.
From this find, things just flowed and we discovered that James has been going through a difficult times with deterioration in his health as well as wealth. He was, at one point homeless until he was taken in by his brother-in-law. Rinpoche spoke to James over the phone and it was hopeful to see some brightness return to James’ face when he conversed with Rinpoche. To James, Rinpoche was God based on Rinpoche’s consistent kindness to others.
As always, Rinpoche went into action to help James. Rinpoche arranged for James to receive medical attention with the support from Beng Kooi and Su Ming. At the same time, Rinpoche arranged for James to receive some financial help to relief the pressure that seem to have put a constant worry on James’ face. To protect James in his job, Rinpoche will find a good and sturdy autoricksaw for James to replace his worn out unit.
When Beng Kooi announced these aid that Rinpoche has arranged for him, he looked like he could not believe what was happening. At the same time, James gave me the impression that he does not want to take from Rinpoche who has been more than kind enough to him already. James is not a man of many words, but in observing his facial expression, I sense that he is so very grateful for the God-sent gift of hope. It is this type of impact on others that reminds me that purpose of working to serve others under the guidance of Tsem Rinpoche.
The next afternoon, Su Ming, Edwin, Colin and I met with James to arrange for his eyes to be checked and spectacles to be prescribed and made for him. Along the day, I noticed how kindness can be contagious. The optician and eye specialist we went to was very nice to James after being inspired by the fact that we are reaching out to someone in need.
Throughout the day, James began to relax although he made consious effort not to be a further “bother” to us. He does not make a fuss or try to fight our offer of support by receiving graciously. Similarly, James does not try to take advantage of the kindness extended. Although reluctant and hesitant to receive at times, James accepts what we want to offer without taking this opportunity to tell more sob stories to benefit more from the situation. One can be surprised how some people expect to be helped…think that their “poor me” condition entitles them to take from others who are more fortunate. In fact, their “appetite” grows with every opportunity they have. James is not like that at all.
The worry on James face only leaves when he talks about Tsem Rinpoche. He brightens up when he shares stories about Rinpoche. He remembers how Rinpoche loves to buy big, red flowers to offer to Rinpoche’s Gurus. He also fondly remembers how Rinpoche loves to feed people.
James is a very gentle person, which I perceive to be rare as he drives daily in the wildness of hubli streets. I also appreciate how James try to return Rinpoche’s kindness by being helpful as well. He does not have the attitude that he is the weak one, so he can just take, take and take. James try to give back in effort when he can.
Before I end, I want to thank Rinpoche and James because throgh this adventure of “saving James”, i learnt so much about what it means to help someone. Helping someone is about going all the way to relieving the other person’s pain. It does not matter that we had to run around to a few places and use several hours just to get a pair of spectacles for someone because I know now that this gesture of kindness is the precious memory someone will have in their darkest hour…and it will be no surprise if this memory gives hope and can actually save someone’s life. This leads to another learning that helping others also results in helping myself.
Phng Li Kheng
Video of our conversation after 16 years!
Photos of James
My students met James for the first time… this is the first picture I saw of him after 15 years. I am speaking to him on the telephone. James is pictured with the phone.
James was very happy to meet my students
Su Ming took James to get an eye test because his eye sight was not very good
Having some tea with James in Hubli
James telling them stories about the time when I would go to Hubli every week
I’m so glad to be able to help James again… Helping kind people like James is never a burden
Su Ming kindly select a good spectacles for James
Looking at more options!
James and his new spectacles… hehe
This was where they found James… I’m glad Beng Kooi looked for him
In the spectacle shop
A few of my students volunteered to help James… I’m glad they came forward to offer their help to this kind person
James and his new rickshaw! He looks very happy and much healthier now
Proud with his rickshaw, I’m glad that there were many people helping him to look for a good quality one
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We have never seen or heard of anyone like you Rinpoche before this grand blog was published. We wish all sentient beings will know of the loveliest Buddha like you and we actually and truly transform in your honour and remembrance. You were a major legendary lama guru of this era. How cool and amazingly full of great qualities you are. You are supremely perfect. We simply and humbly bow below your feet in awe and obedience. 🫶✨🧡💛✨🙏🙇♀️🥳
Thank you for the inspiring sharing. I really admired the generosity, compassion and kindness of seeking to reach and to help someone who is really in need. I believe all these good values can be practiced and we are not only making other’s life better, with a strong and good motivation for our generous act, it will benefit to discount our karma as well.
https://bit.ly/3tVPzzL
James was a friend of Rinpoche from those long ago days when Rinpoche was in Gaden Shartse Monastery . He had been very kind to Rinpoche , taking Rinpoche around when he had to do a great deal of shopping for his guru in Hubli.James never took advantage of people.He never took advantage of Rinpoche .Back in those days when he took Rinpoche around on his trishaw, he just let Rinpoche pay him whatever Rinpoche would pay for his fare. Even now, when he was destitute and Rinpoche’s students had taken him to get his eyes checked and to have him fitted with glasss for his poor eyesight. He was not demanding at all. H did not want to trouble people.He was gracious in his gratitude.
You could see he cared for Rinpoche. His face automatically lit up when he spoke of Rinpoche’s kindness in the past, of how Rinpoche loved to make big red flower offerings to his Gurus and how he loved to feed the poor.
Rinpoche always taught by fine example how to remember the kindness of others and to repay their kindness.James was such an example. Rinpoche was meticulous in this respect and taught his students to be as meticulous.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing the story of James.
Rinpoche had always stressed on us practising generosity and kindness. He showed us an example here by taking care of this person whom he met many years ago. When Rinpoche left India 10 years ago, he had lost contact with James. However, Rinpoche still have James in his mind and constantly worried of his welfare. When Rinpoche’s student finally located James, Rinpoche showered him with care and kindness by providing him what he needed the most at that time. By going out of our way to help a person that we will probably not get any in return is true kindness and true compassion.
Thank you Rinpoche for his valuable lesson.
Humbly ,
Chris
we should always remember the kindness that others have gave to us and never forget to repay others back like Rinpoche did!
Thank you Rinpoche and Li Kheng for write up and story.
When I read the post, it made me feel so touched and happy that it brought tears to my eyes. After all these years, Rinpoche did not forget and keep insisting to look for James. It must be very hard for James for all the happenings in the past years but I am very happy that he is taken care of now. At least he can get back on his feet and work. And James can remember so much about Rinpoche and still address Rinpoche as Sir. I hope that James will have better days ahead…
What a lovely story from Hubli. I can feel how happy James was. first surprise was a few people were standing in front of him and telling him that they are Rinpoche’s students. Next, followed by many more surprises that could possibly changed his life. I can see from his eyes that was filled with joy and gratefulness.
I must say this is all about the merits he collected when he met Rinpoche and took care of Rinpoche when Rinpoche has nobody else. Whatever he gave to Rinpoche many years ago, now turned into Rinpoche’s kindness to him in many times more.
Rinpoche is a very grateful person. Whoever helped him, took care of him or even close to him in Rinpoche’s life, Rinpoche will always remember and grateful, even finding ways to return their kindness. Imagine how great the merits when we have the chance to be able to take care or serve our Rinpoche by doing something or offer him something. The merits is huge and I believe it carries on to our next generations too.
Thank you Rinpoche for the sharing.I am glad that our dear Khecharians manage to locate James through the blessings of our Guru.Without doubt those assign to locate James had the help of the Protector to speed up the process in such a vast and foreign land.
For James ,I am glad that he manage to meet up with a long lost friend and found solease in the reunion. James was sincere in thoughts and action as he was happy with what ever assistance that was rendered to him without any agenda in mind.
May James be blessed with the reunion with Rinpoche and may his luck improve from now onwards.
看了这篇寻人启事后，心里是暖呼呼的。在文章里描述仁波切和詹姆士从相识至深交，都是那么的历历在目，也同时可以感受仁波切对詹姆士的牵挂并不是三言两语可以表达的。文章里读着仁波切如何叮咛着学生们要把詹姆斯寻获，以及之后一连串的安排都让我看了热泪盈眶，心里深深感动着。在这里也让我觉醒，原来结缘和供养都是随时可以做的。心里想着有着这样一位良师，心里默默许着愿生生世世跟随上师，也愿生生世世随时充满欢喜心做供养和布施。
仁波切就是会这样做，他的慈悲和照顾是很全面的，是从一而终的。仁波切亲口跟我们说了好几遍：只要他还活着的一天，他都会一直照顾詹姆斯。
仁波切非常念旧，也非常感恩詹姆斯过去的帮助。虽然仁波切和詹姆斯本是主仆关系，但仁波切依然照顾詹姆斯如同亲人。而且，仁波切在离开印度10多年之后依然把詹姆斯放在心上，这一次还特别叮嘱弟子一定要把他寻获，单是这个用心，我们很多人都做不到了。
像你所说的，仁波切一样提醒了我，行善，就在当下。也谢谢你的分享 🙂
Its really amazing how after so many years without any information, the quest to find james may have seem quite impossible but beng kooi managed to find him, and I’m so glad in the right time too. James must have been through so much that most of us cannot imagine. Its so beautiful how this had turned out. Rinpoche’s compassion towards others is infinite and never forgets someone who has behaved out of kindness. Rinpoche’s kindness only breeds more compassion from others. Im so glad things came together and Rinpoche helped James and is now able to take care of himself again. I hope things would only get better for James and that he’d be with his wife and daugther again. I rejoice for James’s health and well being and Rinpoche’s never ending compassion. Thank you for sharing this beautiful story Rinpoche. I hope to learn from this to not only continue to be kind towards others, but also to never forget a good deed done by a good person.
Rimpoche la…u jus brought tears in my eyes…and i rejoice ur good and kind deeds..really appreciated…May all sentient beings be freed from this samsaric worries…
In deed this is a beautiful touching post on James. A few of us were there in front of Rinpoche when Rinpoche was talking to James. It really was a very touching conversation as we hear Rinpoche inquiring about James and his well being. It was if Rinpoche knew that James was going through some tough times and just suddenly had a feeling that He had to find James and instructed Su Ming and Beng Kooi to find him by hook or crock and tadah… they sure did and it was effortless. It was as if Setrap helped also as it was too coincidental to have just stepped out from the place they were and stumbled upon Jame’s friend that took them to James, the rest is history! This type of feelings/premonitions Rinpoche has is classic and very common..and always accurate!
The thing with Rinpoche, he never forgets anyone and all those who have helped him along the way… it doesn’t matter who you are, rich or poor, kindness and loyalty is something Rinpoche always remembers and will go out of the way to help you the best that he can. I don’t think James have ever encountered anyone like Rinpoche, hence he served Rinpoche beyond an ordinary rickshaw driver. He is so poor yet so generous, trusting and respectful. He served Rinpoche like as though Rinpoche was his Guru with honour and humility. Something we can all learn from. I am so happy Rinpoche reconnected with James and so glad another man’s life is benefited.
It is an amazing story of connection across the borders of countries and ocean. Firstly, James being a Christian in marrying a Muslim had shown religious tolerance and acceptance. Next, he had shown true respect and appreciation by helping Rinpoche, a monk in Buddhist robes. In helping Rinpoche, he had established the connection and over the course of serving Rinpoche, this connection must have strenghten. James did not just view Rinpoche as any customer needing transportation.
This reminds me of the Wheel Of Sharp Weapons where good deeds begats good deeds. Its through this connection that Rinpoche reach out to James in his time of need. This goes to show that Rinpoche’s Buddhamind is without boundaries. Most importantly, all those still in doubt should really start to establish their sincere connection now and not forever waiting on the sidelines, waiting for more. Time is never on our side!
Looking at the way James folded his hands all through his conversation with Rinpoche, I am deeply touched and filled with a sense of awe at this man’s sincere and great devotion to Rinpoche.
That Rinpoche can feel such a strong need to repay the kindness of a man with whom he had lost touch for these many years, is a strong reflection of the compassion that Rinpoche embodies.
Martin has said it. We have received so much more than James from Rinpoche, through his patient and compassionate guidance and care of us and His Dharma teachings. Yet, we cannot make ourselves repay His kindness. All that Rinpoche asks of us in return is that we transform our minds. And that itself is not for him but for us – to benefit us. How is it that we don’t even try to get out of our comfort zone and begin to do this?
This is a touching story but we should no longer be surprised at how incredibly loyal Rinpoche is to all who have helped him even in the slightest way and how endless Rinpoche’s kindness is. How many people would remember casual friends whom they met over a decade ago who may have helped them? Not many and indeed less would search unceasingly for a long lost friend who may be in need. This particular story highlights Rinpoche’s extreme compassion which is always there regardless of whether this story is told or not. We are just lucky to be a witness to the story.
We see James in a certain state before Beng Kooi found him again, on Rinpoche’s instructions and we may perhaps think to ourselves that James is so fortunate to reconnect with Rinpoche and be immediately bestowed care and gifts from his true friend. James is indeed lucky but that quality of pure compassion, care, love and faithfulness is presented to us in its complete and live form before us, as our own Guru. The same embodiment of Bodhicitta has been available to us all this time and even accessible by us to receive knowledge, love, blessings and friendship from. Are we not more fortunate than James?
How much more have we individually and collectively received from Rinpoche and how do you even measure the value of the gifts of Dharma that we have each been given by Rinpoche. James received care, a new pair of glasses, a rickshaw with which to earn his livelihood and therefore it is more than the gift of a vehicle but a gift of life, dignity and independence. And what about us, his students? In truth we have received so much more. Not only have we been bestowed love, care, friendship and material benefits, we have also been invited to share in Rinpoche’s life and the legacy of a living Buddha. We have been offered an entire pure lineage that goes all the way back unbroken to Buddha Tsongkhapa. We have been invited to be a part of a heritage of kindness, that will continue on long after we are dead.
All our hardness and selfishness should be immediately broken on this realization alone.
Seeing the smiling face of James taking in front of his new autoricksaw, it concludes the purpose of making others happy you yourself is happier, helping others is actually helping yourself.
From Bryan and Li Kheng, you found the story of finding James is such a miracle. And miracle is life happens when we devote and faithfully trust your Lama, always follow your Lama’s instructions.
The story reminds me again do not forget others’ kindness, helping those in need by all means and go all the way.
Wishing James tuk tuk all the way happily in Hubli.
I was touched to tears when reading this. Rinpoche has shown us what is true kindness and compassion – benefiting those can not do anything for us back in return. Many may preach dharma but what is dharma when there is no gratitude or care to people who are around us in need of love and concern. My deepest admiration for the guru and the team who made all these good works possible.
At first, when Rinpoche asked the group to look for James, I found it a little strange why Rinpoche was so insistent that we find him. But those thoughts quickly left my mind because I have learnt that Rinpoche always has a reason for insisting on certain things, so just get the job done first then find out the reason later…and it was only later we found out that James was in such a state, he had basically given up on life. Rinpoche found him at the right time to step in and give him hope again.
I had the great fortune of being there when Rinpoche spoke to James for the first time in years. What I was fortunate enough to witness was how happy Rinpoche was to to have found James for no other reason than He can help him. That’s how much Rinpoche appreciates every little kindness that people show to Him – decades on, Rinpoche has never forgotten the assistance that James provided to Rinpoche (and indirectly, the monastery) and will still return to help his friend.
If our lama can be so kind to people from so long ago, we have to ask how come we cannot be so kind to our lama who is right in front of us, and showing us kindness presently and in every single moment?
I remember when I was young, I was told that if you are destined to meet someone, your paths will cross. In James’ case, he may have lost touch with Rinpoche, but I am happy that he got connected back.
Rinpoche’s kindness did not stop just because he left India and there was no more communication with James.
Yet another example of how Rinpoche never forgets a person’s kindness… A few students and I were very fortunate to be with Rinpoche when Rinpoche received the call that the students in Hubli had found James.
It was heartwarming and I had to fight back tears as Rinpoche gave instructions on what to do and get for James. After the phone call, Rinpoche proceeded to give us the history behind this man named James and how he had helped Rinpoche any years back, how Rinpoche had lost touch and had been trying to find him for the longest time till that fatefull day… and it was like a scene from a movie…
All I can say is, it is NEVER a dull moment with Rinpoche and always a wealth of lessons! Thank you Rinpoche!
Such a heartwarming adventure to find James! I really am amazed that Beng Kooi, Su Ming and co. managed to locate James in Hubli! That’s like finding a needle in a haystack. Congrats and good job guys!
Rinpoche touches lives thousands of miles away! This is not the first case that Rinpoche’s compassion transcends countries! Rinpoche is truly a Buddha that chose to take birth amongst us difficult monster students.. Inspiring would be the understatement of the century!
All these compassion and teachings from Rinpoche, yet Rinpoche wants nothing in return except for our mind transformation. This is how we repay our Lama’s kindness.
Thank you, Rinpoche, for everything!
Rinpoche never forgets his friends and will always help them in anyway however way Rinpoche can. Even James is just a rickshaw driver, Rinpoche never forgets him and went all the way to find him and help him.
James story is amazing because RInpoche has not seen him for years and none of the students who went to Hubli has seen James before. Of the thousands of people in Hubli, it is a miracle to be able to find James and within hours from receiving instructions from Rinpoche. Now, James is doing ok and hope that he will lead a better life.
This is one of the most miracle experience in my life. Still remember when we received the instruction to search for James, we are all in shock. Because there are thousands of tuk tuk drivers in Hubli and they are all located at different part of Hubli, where and how do we start to find James ??!!
We have a monk who was sent by Gaden to follow and assist us in whatever way we need (aka Genla), Genla brought us to Ajanta Restaurant (Rinpoche’s favorite restaurant) in Hubli and just when we walked out from Ajanta after meal, Genla approached this Tuk Tuk driver named Ibrahim regarding James, and surprisingly Ibrahim replied he is close friend of James. In my mind I was talking to myself, it’s too good to be true and that’s too much news about con men in India, and we don’t trust what Ibrahim said, Ibrahim must want to get something out from us.
Beng Kooi asked Ibrahim to bring James to where we was (in front of Ajanta restaurant) since he know James so well, which also much safer. 10mins later, Ibrahim return with empty hand, he said he couldn’t find James at his usual hang out spot, this increase the doubts in us. But Ibrahim told us he know where James staying, he can bring us to James’s place if we want. After consult with Genla, who very familiar with Hubli, Genla said we should go and give it a try.
After 20mins ride, we arrived in this small housing area, Ibrahim’s tuk tuk stop at this simple looking link house and he said James is staying there. A 50 years old man come out from the house after Ibrahim informed him there are some foreigners looking for him. When we told him we are Tsem Rinpoche’s students, immediately he said YES YES !! Rinpoche is my guru ! I wasn’t believe that time, because everything is TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE, how is that possible to find someone out of thousands so effortless.
Beng Kooi asked James a series of questions to make sure this James is the real James, and James did reply with correct answers, he even remember the date when he last met Rinpoche.
We went back to Ajanta again and asked more questions about James, he told us, he was really down in his life, his wife and daughter run away from him, he’s temporary renting a room from his brother-in-law, which cost half of his salary, he’s suffering from very serious diabetic and many other problems. And the whole thing is so weird, because in the same afternoon, Rinpoche texted us that he felt James need help very badly or he will suffer very much, and Rinpoche would like to help him to solve his problems.
While I still wonder why the whole mission of searching James can be so smooth, Genla told me that Rinpoche must be very happy that’s why we can find James so easily. With the blessing of Lama, a strong guru devotion and a pure motivation of benefiting others, protector will help in whatever project we would like to accomplish. In this story, I truly experienced the miracle of our protector who is always there to help us.
Rejoice and really feel glad to be able to find James in India! He is a very modest man with a kind heart. May James receives many many blessings from Rinpoche.
Beautiful post about James.
I still remember how happy Rinpoche was when Beng Kooi found James in Hubli. I feel the excitement from Rinpoche’s messages, corresponding to the team that went to India.
I’m really glad that James is ok. Rinpoche mentioned that He had a strong feeling that James is in dire need of help at that moment, and true enough, when Beng Kooi found him… his living condition was not good, his family separated, he hardly had any money because he had to rent a rickshaw daily as the one he owned was trashed in an accident, and he did not have enough money to buy medication for his health condition. He also did not have enough money to get a spectacle! Something so important especially when his livelihood depends on it… as a rickshaw driver.
When I saw the video of James… I was so touched. Here, a man that only knew Rinpoche for awhile, and have been separated from Rinpoche for over 20 years… He is not well learnt… and yet, just by hearing Rinpoche’s voice over the phone is enough to make him fold his hands. He never, for one moment in his life, forgotten the kindness he received from Rinpoche. Such a nice and wonderful man with so much gratitude. The funny thing is, Rinpoche never forgotten about how James used to help Rinpoche to buy things in Hubli 20 over years ago lol! I thought it was really cute.
I’m realy glad that Rinpoche manage to reconnect with James, and I’m glad that James is alright now.