Good Karma Music Stories

On my 21st birthday, I went to a bar. It’s practically tradition in America in this day and age to do so. I decided not to drink, as alcohol is poison to the human body, mind, and soul. So instead, the ten dollars I would’ve bought beer with, I kept. I went to my great grandmother’s house for the evening.I decided to walk down to the boardwalk, which was not far. Upon getting there, I saw a man laying on a bench asleep. Seeing this, I couldn’t stand it. I don’t like to see people suffer. It hurts. So I slipped those ten dollars into his pocket and walked off. Never said a word of it to anybody until now. How I felt.. I simply felt that I had done the right thing. What I felt any compassionate person ought to. I needed no inspiration. Helping somebody in need was all I felt that I needed to do.

Deng Bi An, another name, Dharma Realm Guan Yin Sagely Monastery has a large crowd whenever there is a Dharma assembly. There are a few old people around. So when it is the meal time, we will walk in file towards the Wu Guan Tang. While walking, an old lady walking unsteadily and slowly and I decided to guide her. Before I know it, everyone else was over taking us. By the time we reached the Wu Guan Tang, I found her a place where someone will take the food for her. Then it was my turn to look for a seat among the assembly for myself and I was expecting a seat way back behind. Surprise of surprise!! There was an empty seat a few tables away :DD. Amitofo

During one of the Dharma assembly in Deng Bi An (DBA), I was sitting across an old lady. At the end of her meal, she stood up to leave to wash the plate, and I happened to look up, I saw there was still some food left. It was the spicy “sambal”-a kind of chilli sauce that goes with rice. On that day the kitchen happened to cook a very spicy and hot “sambal.” I guess she could not eat it. So I stood up and went after her, and said “Amitofo, you do not want the sambal? I like it, I can have yours.” Thus no food was wasted. Amitofo.P/S: Please note, the email above is the email of a Dharma friend in China, whom I am giving the Dharma songs as a gift. Amitofo

I donated some money to help Zen Center of Las Vegas find a new location where they can continue their practice. Being surrounded by casions and world entertainment, I thought that it is important that this center is able to continue its dharma work. I understand that they are having an issue with its current location. After being in its present location for many years, they have to move out suddenly due to issues with the property owners. I have learned from this issue and I hope every other Buddhist centers learn from it, that even if the owners are presently students of the Master, and lets the center use it for free or for some payment, it is best to have a written agreement regarding the property. You need to put it down in writing whether it is operating lease, financial lease, outright purchase, etc. Spell out the terms. You never know that people can have a sudden change of heart. Then you may face a problem with your current location.

I just helped a partially sighted old lady cross the street in safety.

I gave way to an elderly lady to make sure that she can board the bus first and manage to find a seat before I proceed to move to the rear of the bus.When I do my visualisation exercise, I’ll not forget to send them white flowers to wish them good health and I’m always ready to share whatever knowledge (eg. health issues) with them to ensure everyone can stay healthy.

Sungai Buloh Leprosy Centre, a legacy of the British government, was built in 1930 to cater for the leprosy victims then. It catered specifically for those suffering from leprosy, which at that time was considered an incurable disease. After some 85 years, there are sill 70 to 80 victims staying in the dilapidated centre. On 15 Aug 2015, Sungai Buloh Settlement, as it is also known, will be celebrating its 85th anniversary. An open day will be organized on that day. In my small way, I had purchased some coupons to the celebration. My dear friend, a Mr. Lim would present the coupons to an old folk’s home and arrange for these senior citizens to the fun fair.I hope this little effort could in a small way be a reminder to the society of the forgotten people, who are in need of assistance.