‘Beat the Haze’ with Kechara!
Dear friends,
Two nights ago, in Kuala Lumpur and many parts of south Malaysia, the haze was extremely terrible… it was visibly bad and many people were seen in pharmacies getting face masks to protect themselves and their loved ones. There is burning of forests in nearby Indonesia and the haze from the smoke drifted from over. Two of my students were doing the same thing, when it dawned on them that many of the homeless and urban poor may not have masks also. Masks were also sold out in many pharmacies and so tourists and many Malaysians didn’t have access to any. They quickly found a face mask and eye drop supplier AND sponsorship to buy 4,000 face masks and 3,200 vials of eye drops – so that they can be freely distributed in Kuala Lumpur!
A group of youths in Kechara then got together and started to prepare everything – the signboards, choosing the distribution spots etc. At around 6pm, a group of my students and myself, went out to distribute these face masks and eye drops to the homeless and urban poor in our Kechara van. The van was recently sponsored by Edwin Tan… and it turned out to be really useful for the night! Hehe
It was a great night, and many of my students had a great time distributing these items… I like it when young people engage in meaningful activities such as helping those in need, I really encourage that. Our activity caught the attention of local news agencies and they decided to interview my students and myself on NTV7, Malaysia’s national news channel.
The whole event was Jean Ai’s idea, and Vinnie found the sponsorship. Thank you Jean Ai and Vinnie for being so caring… it is because of your care that many people on the streets are protected from the haze. Take a look at some of the photos from last night, these young people really put a huge amount of effort to benefit others, I love them very much for their selflessness and caring attitude.
Tsem Rinpoche
Watch the “Beat the Haze” video below!
Preparing the banners!
At Tsem Ladrang, our people are preparing the signboards to be carried around town.
Karen is very artistic, here she is designing and drawing on one of our signboards
Everyone, chipping in their effort so that we can all make it in time for the distribution
Almost done! Jean Mei very happy that she can be part of the designing team… hehehe…
Eye drops for distribution!
On our way to Kuala Lumpur to distribute eye drops and masks!
Me and a few of my students riding in our Kechara van…
blog.tsemtulku.com!
Look at it.. the haze is really bad…
Interview by NTV7!
Jean Ai being interviewed by NTV7. Jean Ai conceived of the whole idea and I am so proud of her as a young Kecharian who is active, caring and gets things done and fast!!
Dato’ Ruby expressing how happy she is that her clients will be safe from the haze
Me being interviewed by NTV7
Distribution time!
Me and a ‘Beat the haze with Kechara’ signboard hehe…
Dato’ Ruby Khong and myself in front of the Kechara van!
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It is an honor to be able to distribute these needed items.
My students: Distributing to everyone they see!
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Our eyes were watery and throats itchy from the haze.
Supper at a local porridge place in downtown KL! I took everyone out to eat…
Happy Kecharians who are happy doing good works for the public!
Distribution in Bentong, Pahang!
The morning crowd is bustling!
Joy walking up to a truck driver to hand him a mask…
Sarah explaining to the nice old lady how to use the eye drops!
Jean Ai handing out masks and eye drops to a lovely couple…
Joy and a recipient of the mask hehe
Jean Mei and Bryan speaking to a lady selling red spinach in the morning market!
Who’s the latest member of the Red Warriors???
May all of the children in Malaysia be safe from the haze.
Jean Mei handing out masks to 2 morning market shoppers!
Handing out masks to the school guards. They stand outside all day…
Jean Ai and Justin distributing masks to a few men having their breakfast before work.
All motorcyclists are directly exposed to the haze.
Vinnie handing out masks…
Joy giving eye drops to the local barber…
Even those working in the office should be safe from the haze!
Media Coverage
BREATHE EASIER: Soup kitchen volunteers brave the choking haze to distribute the essential items to city folk, especially the homeless
KUALA LUMPUR: CITY folk awoke on Friday to a dismal sight — the city enshrouded in a foul-smelling fog.
Since the haze arrived in Malaysia last week, the Air Pollutant Index (API) has increased dramatically, reaching 750 in Muar, Johor, where a state of emergency has been declared.
It was in these conditions that Elena Khong, 27, of Kechara Soup Kitchen came up with the idea of distributing free face masks and eye drops to the Malaysian public.
In the comfort of her air-conditioned home, she realised that not everybody could afford clean air, which has become a luxury in these hazy times.
For many, outdoor work would continue as usual and for the homeless, whom her mother Datuk Ruby Khong served, there would not be a home to find refuge in.
Khong rallied her friends to hit the streets, at a time when most Malaysians were withdrawing into their homes.
In one afternoon, the team raised the funds and purchased 4,000 masks and 2,400 individually-packaged eye drops.
Led by Tsem Tulku Rinpoche, the spiritual guide of Kechara, and Khong’s mother, the young volunteers braved the choking conditions to distribute the items.
Each recipient received two face masks and two sets of eye drops.
In one night, the team covered Cahaya Suria, Chow Kit, Masjid Negara, Pudu and Jalan Bukit Bintang.
The homeless were especially grateful for the supplies, being unable to afford them themselves.
“We need to look out for one another,” said Khong.
“The elderly and young children are most at risk as their respiratory systems are more easily affected by the haze. Watch out for symptoms such as cough, fever, sore throat and sore eyes, and seek medical treatment if it persists.”
With the haze set to continue for another week, the government has issued notices urging people to stay indoors, avoid strenuous outdoor activities and drink plenty of water.
As cloud seeding operations commence, it is critical that Malaysians take the necessary precautions.
Visit www.kechara.com or the Department of Environment website at www.doe.gov.my, for details.
Tsem Tulku Rinpoche helps the volunteers to give away face masks and eye drops to folk out in the streets.
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If you are in the United States, please note that your offerings and contributions are tax deductible. ~ the tsemrinpoche.com blog team
1984 Los Angeles-Left to right: Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen, His Holiness Kyabje Zong Rinpoche, monk assistant to Zong Rinpoche and the 18-year-old Tsem Rinpoche prior to ordination. Read more- https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/category/me
View
A poem inspired by seeing a picture of my teacher, Kyabje Zong Rinpoche…
In the sport of correct views,
all that is correct is just a view,
without permanence or substance.
As long as we hold onto views,
our sufferings are gathered
to be experienced without end.
Without the strong methods of emptiness
and compassion, bereft of merit,
we sink deeper without respite.
To arise from this samsara is but
a dreamscape on the deluded mind.
Therefore seek the guru, who confers the yidam,
hold your vows and fixate on liberation
free of new creations. Free of new experiences as
there are none.
~ Tsem Rinpoche
Composed in Tsem Ladrang, Kuala Lumpur on July 7, 2014
This is a great idea to help the homeless. Especially people who have sensitive eyes, eye drops is very important. I have very sensitive eyes and when the haze is bad, it irritates my eyes even when I am in indoor. So can’t imagine those who needs to be outdoor most of the time.
Thank you Pastor Jean Ai for the wonderful ideas and cares for the people.
I was walking past a second hand shop on Western Ave selling old things. They had a Japanese-style clay Buddha which was beige in colour on the floor, holding the door open. I thought the shopkeeper would collect a lot of negative karma without knowing if he kept such a holy item on the floor as a doorstop. So I went in to talk to him, but he didn’t look like he wanted to talk or that he even cared. So I asked him the price and he said US$5. I purchased it so he did not collect more negative karma. I was 17 years old and that was in 1982.
I escorted my new Buddha home and washed it lightly and wiped it. I placed it on my altar and was happy with the Buddha. I would do my meditations, prayers, sadhanas, mantras and prostrations in front of this shrine daily. When I left for India in 1987, I could not bring this Buddha along and gave it to a friend. It was a nice size and I made offerings to this Buddha for many years in Los Angeles. In front of the Buddha I placed His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s photo. I remember I was so relieved that the price was affordable. But US$5 that time was still expensive for me but worth it I thought. But I was happy to have brought the Buddha home. Tsem Rinpoche
https://www.tsemrinpoche.com
Tsem Rinpoche at Kechara Forest Retreat, Bentong, Malaysia
It is very nice to read that Kecharians care for the community and help everyone within their reach to beat the haze back in 2013. There is lots of care and love within the Kechara family, hence, love and care spill over to everyone they come across; from the client under the care of Kechara Soup Kitchen in the KL area, to folks in the Bentong district where Kechara Forest Retreat stands. There is no missing of Kecharians in action in every season, doing something for the community and giving back. Thank you Kechara, thank you Rinpoche.
Rinpoche compassion in action has inspire so many people to be kind, caring, giving, loving to others. Rinpoche skillfully uses different method, approach to bring Dharma to people, and also spreading positive vibe of giving and care to others.
The free mask and eye drops is a wonderful example of how Tsem Rinpoche Dharma, the sincerity of giving and care has inspired young people like Pastor Jean Ai to think of getting mask to the homeless and people in KL who are affected by the severe haze.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILtLVW06R0Q
Wow!!!!! This is such a good idea!!!!! I hope my Buddhist centre will do the same thing as Kechara.
感恩仁波切总是身与力行的，离开他的法座，亲自的参与所有的佛法工作，并与我们贴近的一起从事佛法工作，并给予我们直接的佛法教诲，开示，与鼓励
透过这样的活动，把克切拉佛法中心的爱及伟大的佛法教诲，无私的传播出去，给予任何每一位需要帮助的人，并在他们心中结下佛法种子
这一切的善举，全因仁波切的爱
That was a good idea as there are lots of people who dont have much miney and they dun wan to waste the money for it some dont even have money for it. There are also illegal sellers selling mask at a very high price. I wonder why people care more for money and not other people. They have no compassion towaed the poors and they should do the same as you all if they can.
Heard the haze coming back. Be careful
[…] 'Beat the Haze' with Kechara! (tsemtulku.com) […]
It’s was a real unforgettable experience, a group of people just gather together and help and contribute the society. It was totally impromptu, it’s all thank to Jean Ai, who always care for the unfortunate,and came out with the idea to give out free masks and eye drop for the needy, and our young volunteer Vinnie (Mei Mei) actually immediately raised the fund so we can purchased the masks and eyedrops.
I’m glad I’m part of this team to do something for Malaysia.
It was quite interesting, while we on the way to give away these mask and eyedrops, Seng Piow told us actually the haze was due to forest fires from Indonesia. The fire was highly suspected set up by a Malaysia’s company which based in Indonesia.
It’s how funny Karma works, when a Malaysia company set the fire, even though it was miles away but still we are suffered by the haze. Karma really come back to us real fast.
We are lucky the haze is finally settle down now, and I hope we, Kechara will have more resources to help whoever need help all the time.
宗教不是远离人群的，宗教是走进人群的，走入民间的。这个派口罩给民众的行动，是很好的证明：宗教不是属于寺院，属于僧伽的。佛教宣扬的利他、慈悲、仁爱，都是普及的概念。派口罩这个举动表现了用行动把抽象的关怀和爱的概念形象化。
＂打擊煙霧＂克切拉團體行善不落人後，積極在各處分發面罩和眼滴給群眾，並在適當的時機給人群應有的幫助和傳達煙霧對身體的傷害，讓群眾生活在煙霧的環境時可以保護自己。可見善行不在乎大小，只要是能幫助眾生，都應積極實踐。
It looks like a lot of fun! I’m so proud of Jean Ai coming up with this idea and everyone chipping in to help those in need who can’t afford face masks and eye drops. It was a very selflessness idea and quick reaction to get everything organised and hitting the streets straight away, an amazing job well done. Those people who received the masks looks so happy and grateful. Everyone in kechara has such a kind heart.
What a brilliant idea from Jean Ai for a good cause to distribute face masks and eye drops to the homeless and urban poor and Vinnie was so kind to get the sponsorship for these items.As i can see from those pictures here, these young and energetic Kecharians were so happy and enthusiastic in distributing face masks and eye drops to everyone they see. Even our Guru was so kind and took time off to join them.They were being interviewed by NTV7 and got the media coverage on that day, hope that more and more people will know about Kechara and come and join our activities in benefiting others.
Well done Jean Ai and Vinnie for this initiative and everyone who went to help. I love the photos which show how happy and excited the team of volunteers was to prepare and go out and help. This is the compassionate spirit HE Tsem Rinpoche inculcates in his students and i hope that this will inspire others to go out and help others in the same way. What is wonderful is that this is not a one off event, because the Kechara Soup Kitchen, as inspired by Tsem Rinpoche, feeds the homeless everyday and sees what it can do to help. Volunteers and supporters are all welcome! Read more about KSK at http://www.kechara.com/soup-kitchen/ or on their facebook https://www.facebook.com/KSKPage
走入人群中的活佛，这正是我的上师的作风。他就是那么一位慈悲的活佛，每当人们需要他时，他将会是第一个走在前面的人，他也时常把他人的利益放在最重要的位置，处处体现了佛法的教育，是值得我们去学习的。像他那样具备功德圆满的活佛都需要那么实际的修行，更何况我们这些凡夫俗子，所以只要跟着师傅的脚步，假以时日必能在修行的道路上有所成绩。
Great ! Kecharian did the good job , Jean Ai come out brilliant idea to help our clients and Vinnie find the sponsor . Tsem Rinpoche very kind to distribution the eye drop and mask to our clients to redure the suffering of haze . Thank you Rinpoche sharing.
Kecharians are really kind and caring! Especially for those homeless who cannot afford to buy the masks and eyedrops. Jean Ai and Vinnie are really smart to have thought of this! To be able to find the sponsorship and find the supplier. Not only that, the homeless also get blessings from Rinpoche! How wonderful!
Thanks for the updates, this is a very meaningful activities to show care and need.it really good to have mask and eye drops during haze periods.
nice gesture!
Great job done, fellow Kecharians!You made sure that everyone deserve the precaution to prevent the effect of the haze include the under privilege.It was done with such speed and care .Wow!
ITS great and creative iead . I Really love this and rejoice Thank You for sharing Rinpoche.
This is a lovely idea that I know can only be done by Kecharians. The haze is a problem that has caused even the closure of schools. Only Rinpoche would do so much for other, even strangers.
I rejoice for all the participants. I wish I could have gone but I was told that it was only for 18 and above 🙁
This is quite a novel idea and it all came together because of the quick initiative of Jean ai and her friends in coming up with the sponsorship and the creation of these interesting materials. I think that it is a great idea and one that helped the homeless while KL was hardhit by the haze and pollution. I am sure Rinpoche loves the idea and came along in support of his hardworking students Mei Mei and Jean Ai. It was fun distributing the face mask in Bentong with them.
Kudos to Jean Ai for this brilliant idea and Vinnie for raising the funds for the face masks and eye drops. Because of these two fine young ladies, many people out in the streets benefited from this.
While most of us complained about the haze and remained indoor, Rinpoche and the Red Warriors braved the haze and were busily distributing face masks and eye drops to the folk out in the streets.
This is indeed compassion through action!!!!!
After reading and knowing Rinpoche and the Red Warriors in action, I really feel so proud that the young and energetic Kecharian are so creative, innovative and kind hehehe…Very sweet and thoughtful to benefit the homeless and the needy at this awful haze time! Rejoice for all of you and kudos 😉
Love and care in action!
This is what we learn from our Guru Tsem Rinpoche!
Stop counting what you cannot do, but count what you CAN do and start doing it. ~ Tsem Tulku Rinpoche
Dear Rinpoche, u are so awesome and fully compassion to others no matter who they are where they are. Rinpoche still going out to distribute masks and eye drops while Rinpoche tailbone still in pain…
Salute to Rinpoche and all Red Warriors, Kecharians always reach out peoples who needed helps in time…
Rejoice!!!
Really love this and rejoice, more so for the homeless who have to be outdoor even at night.
For those who have not experienced this haze, it is difficult to explain how severe is the problem. For me, I had watery eyes, running nose, itchy throat and coughing. You can wake up with burning smell.
May all be reliefed from this suffering. Thank you all especially Jean Ai and Vinnie!!
Even though the haze was terrible that night I am glad that so many of our young Kecharians went all out to distribute the face masks and eye drops to the homeless as well as to the people in the public who are not really aware how bad the haze is or maybe just couldn’t get their hands on a mask because it has been sold out everywhere.
I am happy to know that the homeless can now breath a sigh of relive to know that KSK has got them covered for the Hazy Days ahead.
Thank you Rinpoche for being so compassionate to also get out there with the volunteers to help distribute the much needed necessities to the Public and the Homeless.
Great Idea Jean Ai
Great Job Everyone!
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing!
With Regards
Jutika
Kechara never stop to keep benefiting others, pround of Jean Ai and Vinnie, looking forward to help out other departments.
Thank You Rinpoche for sharing.
Best Regards : Eric kksiow
this is so thoughtful and caring, thank you aunty Jean Ai for being so thoughtful and caring for other people that could not get things like that. thank you Rinpoche for sharing this and for being there helping people too.
the haze is a disaster for many dwelling in Malaysia and Singapore but Rinpoche has instilled something different in us, to be more caring and look out for others. In the face of adversity, Jean Ai has thought about others and went all out to help those who are needy in the streets.
the whole team synergy was really cool as we laughed and enjoyed ourselves giving out masks to the homeless and members of the public, ensuring that they too get some love and care.
Thank you Rinpoche for guiding us and nurturing us to become people with genuine care for others.
Kechara is about CARE!
It was really good fun and Jean Ai’s little good samaritan activity became a full blown news worthy report. What’s even more awesome is that Rinpoche decided to come a long… actually this idea for Rinpoche to go out on the streets to give the masks and eye drops out came from Bryan Ho!
Suddenly while we were in the room with Rinpoche discussing if Rinpoche should or should not go… next thing we know, we are puting on the Red KSK T-shirts, Rinpoche is changing in to his robes and we are sitting in our very own 1st Kechara Van! What a way to spend our night and sure beats pretending to be something we’re not and screaming for attention the wrong way 🙂
Dear Rinpoche, This idea is so creative and because of this brilliant idea, many people are prevented from all kinds of sicknesses because of the mask and eye drops distributed by Rinpoche. Happy distributor + Happy receiver = BEAT THE HAZE(This is what I’m thinking right now,LOL)
I really appreciate for what Kechara is doing…they are always there to help at times of emergency…no matter where they are. Service the people who are in need of help with a kind heart always bring happiness to oneself and others. May Kechara always show great example to the whole world, how we can help each other for our own well being! And May H.E Tsemkultu Rinpoche live long in good health turning the wheel of precious dharma to all!
At times like this where people are just thinking of looking after themselves, the people who’re on the streets are often forgotten. What a thoughtful gesture from Rinpoche and Kecharians. Thank you Jean Ai and Vinnie for helping with the project. The friends on the streets will be protected with the masks and eye drops. How wonderful!
Thank you for your loving kindness always, Rinpoche! Inspiring as always!
This was an excellent idea from Jean Ai as well as Vinnie who raised the funds to sponsor the Masks and Eye Drops to distribute out to the homeless on the street and anyone else!
Hip Hip Hooray to these young Kecharians who shown the same selfless care and kindness to others. Dharma in Action indeed!
This action is truly meaningful to many people around the city, especially for the homeless people. i am sure all the participants, the local folks and those who have received the face mask and eye drops will always remember Kechara. Thank you Rinpoche, Jean Ai, Vinnie and many more for sharing the most essential face mask and eye drops at this point of hazy time.
Wow, this is so cool! Rinpoche is so kind to do this and give people masks and eyedrops for free. And Jean Ai was so smart to come up with this idea. Also, Vinnie was extremely helpful to be able to find the Sponsors for the masks and eye drops. I am sure that because of the kindness of Rinpoche, Jean Ai, Vinnie and everyone who was helping, many people have avoided pain and suffering from the haze.
I had a really fun time reading through the whole article as well as watching the video. It’s great to see people receiving these free masks and eye drops as the haze is getting worse within these few days. People’s health might be threatened if they do not wear masks to protect themselves. The people look happy after receiving the masks and eye drops, and it’s a really great thing to know.
Thank You for sharing Rinpoche.
Shelly tai on 25 June at 437pm
Rejoice for all the participants may all of us continue to have this oppotunities to serve others. Thank you Rinpoche for continue teaching us to be a better person.
Wow, that was such a wonderful idea and to get it executed in such a short time too… and remember, avoid fried foods.