Good Karma Music Stories

I hope it’s not too much to say that I grew up always trying to help people. Given the inevitable thoughts and actions of selfishness as a human, I have consistently tried to conscientiously help others, save the lives of animals, and be mindful of my actions. I therefore take the time to go out of my way to help others whenever they need help moving an object, or if they need help with a specific task.With that said, I am left seeking a meaningful life where I can effectively help a large population. I know spreading the Dharma is probably the best route for helping others, but I am still somewhat uncertain as to the direction I should go. Therefore, I am continuing my academic studies until such conditions spur my decision.

I am a nurse in an ICU in Berkeley.A few weeks ago I had a patient who came from a nursing home. This patien had previously had a stroke and was weak on her left side and since she came by ambulance to the ER thence to ICU she had left at the nursing home 3 uppper arm and bilateral leg splints, her lower dentures, glasses and denture adhesive. She had only one daughter not too involved with her who was gone for the next several days. After work I drove to the nursing home and gathered the listed items and then drove back to the hospital to bring them to her. I hope that it helped to relieve some of the discomfort for her at that time. It certainly made me happy to be of help.Jackie

I’m not sure if it counts as a good ‘deed’, but there was a girl who I, for a while, had a bit of a thing for and acted flirtatiously towards, but in a bit of a moody way, I changed. I no longer felt attracted to her at all and rather rudely I basically ceased all communication with her, I only met with her on occasion through a youth program. I know she got over it, she saw other guys and seemed fine. But I felt like I had used her. So the other day, through the convenience of the world wide web, I began chatting to her again and apologised. As it turns out, I don’t think she even remembered. I asked her if she thought I had ever acted like a tool to her, and she said no. So I felt better about it and I imagine she went on with her life. So I’m not sure if that qualifies as a good deed as I’m not sure I helped anybody but myself to feel better. But I’m not actually sending this to add to my music library (as nice as your music is! [I first heard you on Stanford’s Spirituality and Religion iTunes download]) but more to get in contact with you.About a year ago, as a Christian, I began to seek ecumenical peace through understanding, so I began to research the religions of the world. Buddhism had always appealed to me, so I began to research it first. I still am. I’m not sure one can ever be ‘done’ exploring a religion, but I have to start somewhere. Eventually I began to lose my faith in the judgemental God of Christianity in favour of…I’m not even sure what yet (after reading up on Krishnamurti, I liked his non-adherence to any religion in particular). Now, being whatever I am, I think I’ll just say I’m Geoff Bonning, I feel the need for guidance both in my quest for knowledge and spiritually. I have many questions pertaining to both of these to ask somebody knowledgeable in all aspects of your religion and in spiritual development.I would like to say here that I do feel selfish and as though I am abusing your gift economy exchange here, but the Dalai Lama does not respond on his Twitter account and my questions are dividing me. I feel as though there are two ideals that, though they used to conflict I have tamed them to live semi-harmoniously. I feel as though there are two sides to me, one driven by passion and ambition and the other by an absolute disconnection from desire.Unfortunately I cannot yet donate to your programs, but your response would be greatly appreciated. :)Peace be with you,Geoffrey Bonning

Excuse me, I’ve described a story earlier, but the download link you sent me was not a valid one. Would you please send me again? Thank you so much!

Well, I really don’t like to mention things I have done of kindness because it is not a big deal and is merely my duty. As a Buddhist having taken the Bodhisattiva precepts, I should help others more and should not recall any of what myself has done. But, since you sirs request one, here it is. For many years I kept donating all the money I had to the charity. Although the amount was not much, I just truly wished the money could help people survive the sufferings of hunger and severe cold in the dark corners of the Earth. For me, I think money should be used in a more significant way like bring suffering people hopes, instead of just being spended on my personal meaningless need. Because to see suffering people get relieved and smile happily is the greatest happiness for me. I wish I will always be able to do this.Though I do not like to write it down, this is reminding me that I need to keep doing more things to help others. Thanks for reminding me by this request. 🙂

My neighbor gave me many boxes of things to sell at my garage sale and kept telling me that she didn’t want any money from my proceeds. I knew that my heart would not be settled with this. I gave her $75 from what I sold of hers at the garage sale and when I gave her the money she said “oh, you didn’t have to” but she smiled and looked very happy and said “I will do something nice with this money…it’s good karma.” =)

I recently started taking classes in a teacher leaders’ program. One of my instructors in the program found out that in a few weeks, she must have surgery for cancer, and possibly follow up this surgery with chemotherapy. She announced this to the class last week to inform us that she may be out for one or more classes, and perhaps even for the rest of the semester. We’ve only had 3 class meetings, but I already can feel that she is a genuinely caring individual. She also spent many years as a respectable principal of a NYC bilingual/dual language school. It was apparent in her voice and her words that she was concerned and nervous with all the uncertainty and gravity surrounding her predicament. In the hopes of offering her hope, I immediately shared with her and the class that my mother had the same surgery with the same follow-up treatment and that my mom was doing well after all of it. That evening, I also emailed her about Gilda’s Club, an organization I had heard about recently that provides support to cancer patients and their family members. I also informed her that she would be in my thoughts and prayers. She emailed me back with the message “THANK YOU!” My classmates and I plan to send her flowers after the surgery.