Dear students and friends,

In January, I blogged about a group of Young Adults and Kids from Kechara, which we fondly call the YAKs! Every 2 months, on a Sunday, from 10am to 5pm, the YAKs will set up their stall at the Amcorp Mall flea market where they sell various interesting items to the Malaysian public.

Through their own initiative, they collect resell-able items from their family and friends, they bring all of the items to the mall, they set up their own stall, they learn how to sell and promote their own stall and even keep tabs on their own accounts!

Their consistent weekly efforts to sell at the flea market has not only helped them to develop valuable qualities such as consistency, gratitude, and hard work… but their efforts has resulted in them being able to help an orphanage! With the amount that they raised, their “Big Sister” Ms Sock Wan, arranged for them to purchase 4 trolleys worth of necessities at a local supermarket… and in the 2nd week of March, they visited the Taman Megah Center for Disabled Children to spend their time with the children there, as well as deliver food provisions.

I rejoice for them being able to help others. This group of Young Adults and Kids (YAKs) ranging from the age of 12 to 20 show us by example how if we care enough to help, we’ll always find a way.

I am very proud of these young, educated and kind children that we have in Kechara. I hope that they would continue their good community works and inspire many young adults to follow in their footsteps. Life is more that just having fun and going out with friends, there is also meaning in helping the less fortunate and I’m glad that these children have found meaning in carrying good works such as this initiative. Do take a look at the beautiful pictures below, as well as the write up done by Ms Sock Wan, and one of the YAKs, Beatrix Ooi.

Tsem Rinpoche

Happiness can be so simple ~ Kechara YAK’s visit to Taman Megah Center for Disabled Children (Pusat Penjagaan Kanak-Kanak Cacat Taman Megah)

By Beatrix Ooi and Wee Sock Wan

On the 14th March 2015, Kechara YAK visited Taman Megah Center for Disabled Children (Pusat Pejagaan Kanak-Kanak Cacat Taman Megah) located in Petaling Jaya. The center is founded by the very compassionate late Mr Manikumar in 1997 and it is registered under the Department of Welfare in Malaysia as a non-profit organisation. The late Mr Manikumar was not a rich man, he was a handicapped individual himself. Perhaps due his own disability, he was determined to help those who were like him or less fortunate than him, which made him inspired many people to look beyond themselves to help others.

The charity home have to raise funds themselves to provide accommodation, food, medication as well as hire caretakers amongst many other tasks for the residents at the center. There are about 110 residents living in the center, with ages ranging from 5 to 50 years old and 32 staffs. Most of the residents here are slow learners, physically handicapped and abandoned by their families. About 30 of them are normal children who are attending schools. Apart from the staffs who are managing the day to day operations, there are also 3-4 professional physiotherapists who takes care of the bed-ridden residents. Come June 2015, they will be moving to a bigger premise with better facilities that can accommodate up to 400 residents.

Prior to the visit, we had a fund raising day at  Amcorp Mall flea market for the purpose of raising funds to buy some groceries for the center. The day before the visit, with the funds we have raised, we headed to Tesco to buy some groceries for the centre. There was a lot of planning done before the actual purchase itself. Edward had to go to the supermarket to find out the prices of different items and Beatrix had to plan for the quantity to purchase so that our shopping would not exceed our budget. Then we had to arrange the logistic. When we arrived at Tesco, there were quite a lot of items we wanted to buy, so we divided ourselves into 3 groups, with each group in-charged of getting different items. Good planning really helped to reduce the amount of time needed to complete the tasks. It only took us about 30 minutes to finish our shopping! It was definitely a whole new experience for most of us as we had not done such extensive grocery shopping prior to this – as shopping were usually done by our parents! We have learnt a lot, from making sure that products do not exceed their expiry dates, to comparing prices and masses of the products. We got the hang of it and become more efficient as we progressed! We bought 4 cart loads of items for the center including milk powder, various canned food, rice, toiletries, and spices amongst others. Apart from the groceries, we also catered lunch from Kechara Oasis Vegetarian Restaurant for the residents in the center.

The next morning, we arrived at the center at 10:30 am and was welcomed by the person in charge, Mrs Menon. After unloading and arranging the items we bought, Mrs Menon gave us a very detailed tour or rather background of the center and also ] shared with us the stories of some of the residents in the center. After the tour, we started to set up the dining area as it was lunch time. We had ordered some really delicious vegetarian food from Kechara Oasis Vegetarian Restaurant. YAK were the waiters for the day where we individually served the food to each resident and made sure they were fed and full. The residents were very well trained and disciplined, they came out from the center in a very orderly manner and sat down quietly, waiting for the food to be served. What amazed us was that some slow learners who were more capable would help to feed the less capable ones before they ate their food. They would help to clean their faces, wipe their mouths, and lead them back to their respective resting areas and would then come back to eat their lunch. They would eat slowly, keeping the table and their clothes as clean as possible. It was especially heart-warming to see how they take care of each other even though they are completely not related at all.

The visit did not end here as we also prepared some fun activities to interact with the residents. Since we did not have any prior experiences of arranging activities for the slow learner, we asked a Kecharian friend of ours, Anna Tan who specialize in teaching individuals with special needs to guide and help us with the activities. She evaluated the condition of the residents and designed some activities for them. The activities were very simple but they were designed to stimulate the movements of their limbs. We prepared some nice music to dance with them, played ‘ball-throwing’ games and we also played a game called ‘passing the ice bag’. The residents enjoyed it very much, they were all joyously smiling and laughing throughout the time. Even though it was only a 1.5 hour session,  it was really meaningful as we brightened up their day.

When we were leaving the center the residents came up  to give us a hug. They were not able to use words to express their appreciation  so this was their best way  of saying “thank you”. We were really touched by their gestures. It was a day well-spent with these wonderful human beings. We will definitely not forget about  our precious day spent here. We made a promise to the residents that we will visit them again.

Through spending time with the residents, we found that what really warmed their hearts and made them happy was the time that  we had spent interacting with them. This was when we realised happiness does not necessarily come from having material items. For us, knowing that we made someone happy,  it made us happy too. Happiness can be so simple!

On 13th March, Kechara YAK went to the Tesco supermarket together to purchase the groceries for Taman Megah Center For The Disabled. This was the first time we’ve purchased so much items and managed the payment at the check out

Ba Qin and Edward were sorting out the items before putting them in the bags

These were the items we bought, there were rice, canned food, milk powder, sugar, spices, cleaning products, and many other items on the orphanage’s wish list

On the 14th March, we arrived at the center in the morning to deliver the groceries

We took everything out from the plastic bags and arranged them nicely by category so it would be easier for the center to do inventory record

YAK from the bottom of our heart would like to thank all the sponsors for contributing to us… due to their kindness, we were able to purchase so much items to the center

We have also brought some toys to give to the children in the center. There were toys for both boys and girls. Happy!

Mrs Menon (on the right), one of the caretakers in the center, gave a short introduction about the center to YAK members

The residents in the center have different kind of disabilities, some were mentally challenged while some physically disabled

For the welfare of their residents, the center hired a few professional therapists who would conduct physiotherapy treatments and massage the limbs of bedridden residents

We also catered lunch from Kechara Oasis. It was wonderful that we had the chance to serve the residents as well as the kind staff in this orphanage

Delicious vegetarian food from Kechara Oasis

The residents were glad to have lunch with us! We did not do much, but they were happy that someone actually thought about them and would organise a nice lunch for all of the residents. Look at how closely knitted this community is… everyone helps each other, those whom are physically able would help physically challenged residents to walk

Beatrix (second from the left), Jutika (third from the left), Edward (forth from the left) and William (fifth from the left) were making sure everyone had their share of food

Everyone was enjoying their food. We were so happy that they liked the food

The residents showed us what it means to be a close and harmonious community, as they clean up the tables after their meals. They would put the empty plates and cutleries back to where it belonged

Game time! William and Anna were preparing the props for the activity. One of the children was very excited to play

Looks like YAK members were enjoying themselves too!

The residents in the center loved music, they would start to dance whenever they hear the music and would ask for an encore when the music ends!

The dancing activity was not only fun, but a great exercise session for the residents in the orphanage

Everybody loves gathering in a circle to play toss the ball! We’re so glad to be able to be part of their lives, even if it was only on one occasion

This was the ‘passing the ice bag’ game. It was a hot day, holding a cold icy bag was refreshing. The residents enjoyed it very much

Anna Tan guiding this young girl on what to do with the ice bag

Julien and his new found friend. He was very happy to be part of YAK and to participate in activities that brightened up this boy’s day. Giving brings happiness to both giver and receiver, beautiful

Music cheers people up, it doesn’t matter if you’re older or if you’re sitting alone on a chair, it still makes you happy!

Some children are in the orphanage not because they were handicapped but due to difficult family circumstances. These two girls has no disabilities but lives in the center. We’re glad that we got the chance to brighten up their day too!

Lending a helping hand

William turned back the clock and relived his childhood with the other children

Michelle showing the girls how to blow bubbles. A simple game like this brought so much joy to these special people

Happiness can be very simple

Finding the treasures in the water

Mrs Menon (lady standing in blue floral blouse), Mrs Manikumar (lady standing next to Mrs Menon), Kechara YAK and the residents. It was a very enjoyable and wonderful day for us and for the residents. We will be back!

Some of our thoughts:

Edward Ooi

Dear Rinpoche,

Hope Rinpoche is well. Thank You Rinpoche for giving me this opportunity to visit the orphanage. This is an eye opening opportunity to make me realized how lucky I am to be able to move and think properly without any problems, have a family that loves me a lot.

It made me feel really sad when I first saw the kids and adults that are disable. It also make me very frustrated to know that some people would just abandoned their child because they are physically disabled and mentally disabled. Some people would even abandoned their child even though they are not physically nor mentally disabled. If they want to have kids, they have to take care of the child no matter what, because it is their responsibility. They are the ones that brought the child to this world. I wish that anything that has to do with hurting an animal or a person will stop now. Thank You Rinpoche once again.

Love,
Edward

Pavara Lam

Dear Rinpoche,

Hope Rinpoche is well.

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to visit the orphanage.

I feel a bit sad that these kids can’t do anything and it makes me think how fortunate i am not to be born with disabilities. It also tells me that since i am not disabled i must make full use of my life doing good things so that i will not be born with disabilities in my next life. Humans can sometimes be bad and sometimes good, if your parents are bad they might abandon you at birth or do worse things to you. If they think they are not capable of taking care of kids they should not have kids as they can’t even balance their daily life without kids to take care of. These kind of cases are more serious when the child has some disabilities, as they have a higher chance of getting abandoned.

It is sad to see that the people there can’t live their life to the fullest due to their mental/physical condition. However it does not give them a reason to be sad or have any emotional feelings. Yet even when we are not disabled we still request so much things and if we can’t get it we become angry and so and so.

It really is a mind opener as it tells me that we are really fortunate not to be born with disabilities or get abandoned at birth. Even though given the precious human life they can’t do any good deeds whatsoever. They go through each day not able to do anything, they can’t even do good deeds to ensure they don’t end up in the three lower realms or get a bad rebirth. This tells me we must do good deeds and continue to help the orphans so that we will not end up like that in our next life.

This also says that we have to treasure what we have, we are really fortunate to have this and that but that does not mean we must ask for more.

It was good to see that they would do things with us as if they were our good friends. They did not look like they were different, they are just like us. Even without the pleasures that life has to offer, they acted like they had everything in the whole world and that they had no disabilities or hard times in life. They played just like how we played not a single bit different from us.

The last thing i have to say is that we must treasure and look at everything as though it was diamonds, think how fortunate you are to have no mental or physical problems, so be happy. Remember how lucky you are that your parents did not abandon you or were drug addicts. Others aren’t so lucky as I am. And it is good to know that that even when the orphanage can’t make ends meet they do not give up and send the childrens away. Which tells me that nothing is impossible and that even when you have disabilities you can help others( the founder of the orphanage had polio).

I hope that people will stop abandoning kids and forcing them to fend anything on their own. I hope Rinpoche has a great afternoon.

Love,
Pavara.

Jutika Lam

Dear Rinpoche,

Hope Rinpoche is well.

Thank you Rinpoche for giving me the chance to visit and help out a orphanage. 

It was a real eye opener for me to see children and adults alike having to suffer so much.

It is a real pity that despite gaining the precious human rebirth they still can’t do much because of their physical / mental disabilities and it is really sad to see them having to go through each day helplessly with nothing to really look forward to.

However,  it was great to see that they enjoyed what we planned today for them and it was wonderful to see them dancing and playing and generally being in high spirits despite how bad their life actually is.

It is good to know that the people who manage this orphanage are very kind to care for the orphans.

It isn’t easy to take care of so many kids especially when most of them need special care and then still having to raise money to buy  groceries and to pay utility bills.

It was great to see in the end, all the happy faces of the children.

Thank you Rinpoche.

Love
Jutika

Julien Roth

Dear Rinpoche,

I would like to thank Rinpoche for giving me the opportunity to visit the orphanage today. It was a wonderful experience for me and I had an amazing time meeting new people ☺️. I would definitely go again and again. They could use all the help they can get.

During my time there I learnt a few valuable lessons.

I learnt that we do not need luxuries and other attachments to be happy. The people who were living at the orphanage have so little, and yet they are so happy. They always have smiles on their faces despite the fact that they have disabilities. This is an important lesson for all of us, we must learn that it’s not the items we have that make us happy, it’s the moments that we spend with other people that brings true happiness inside and out.

I have also learnt that by helping others less fortunate, we also help ourselves. When I served food, danced and played games with the people in the orphanage, I gave them a reason to be happy, and in return I was happy. I felt good about being compassionate and helping others. Everyone should have this feeling. More people will be kind to one another, and the world will become a better place.

The last, and probably most important lesson, is that I must cherish the things I have in my life, especially my parents. Many of the kids and adults in that orphanage were abandoned by their parents or their parents were not able to raise a child. I remember from today, one orphan was taken into the orphanage because her parents were drug addicts and did not take care of their daughter. Basically what I am trying to say is that I am lucky to have such kind and loving parents who love me and have care for me. Many people are not as lucky as me. We must never forget the love from our parents, no matter where we end up in life.

Again, thank you Rinpoche so much for this life changing experience.

Love,
Julien.

Lucas Roth

Dear Rinpoche,

When I went to the orphanage, I realized and saw three main things .

I saw that these kids and, adults too, are happy and they play with each other even though they have some problems and a less fortunate life. It showed me that people with all the good things in life stress about their things and  need more and the people with less can actually enjoy more. It showed me how attachments can affect our lives. They were friendly to me especially one boy, we played games and had fun.

One other thing i saw was how they were and how they acted because they were all different. I saw how each of them were and I realized that they are just like us, they are different from me, not in a sense of who is more fortunate or not, in a sense that all people are different from each other because they enjoyed playing games like usg and enjoyed company like us, so they are just people like us but they are different but everybody is different. So I saw that they were just like us.

I felt sad for some of them that had major disabilities. It made me thank and appreciate how fortunate I was and I felt bad for them. I felt sympathy for them because they missed their lives due to a terrible disability. So I realized that I must treasure what I have and don’t just demand for more, but instead of demanding, I must help the people that don’t have what I have in whatever way I can. Going to the orphanage was a real eye opener for me.

Those were the main things I saw. Please rest well Rinpoche.

Love,
Lucas

Michelle Chua

Dear Rinpoche, 

Hope you are well.

A visit to the taman mega disabled home was an eye-opener today. There were different types of mentally disabled individuals from varies ages and also orphans. They were all very welcoming and friendly but today, I’ve learnt to put down my ego, put myself down to their level and see things at their perspective.

It also requires lots of patience and compassion as they are not like us who are able to do everything (some of them can’t walk, talk properly, etc). However, it also taught me to be grateful for what I have – my parents who have the ability to raise me by themselves and give me food, shelter and education, a healthy body which allows me to learn the dharma. There is so much to be grateful for and be content with what I have now.

Thank you Rinpoche for giving us the chance to visit such a place, it has taught me a lot and I hope to visit this place again in the near future. Once again, thank you Rinpoche for the opportunity.

Love,
Michelle

Beatrix Ooi

Dear Rinpoche,

Hope Rinpoche is well.

Being at the orphanage today has been a whole new experience for me, even though I have visited a few homes in the past. It is sad to see these people suffering, I don’t think I will ever understand the pain they are going through every day.

We met a little boy, around 5 – 6 years old, his name is Harris. His is the youngest member of the orphanage, he’s completely normal except for the fact that his parents abandoned him when he was still an infant. I couldn’t help but keep thinking why would someone abandon such a cute little boy like him…

One of the things I’ve learnt from this trip is that we must stop complaining and learn how to be more appreciative. These people didn’t even complain about their lives, and I thought to myself that, who are we to complain? We all have  our parents living with us and everything has been provided for us since young.

I would like to thank Sock Wan for taking her time to plan these activities for Y.A.K, she is indeed a very helpful and kind lady.

Thank You Rinpoche for such an amazing opportunity and experience.

Please rest well Rinpoche.

Love,
Beatrix

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