Good Karma Music Stories

My son turned one a few days ago. And we were thinking of how best to celebrate his first birthday. Through some coincidence, my mom got a contact of a nearby Home for special children who cannot be taken care of by their families (“Chembur Children’s Home, Mumbai”. Inspite of staying close to the Home, we never knew about it all these years. We instinctively decided to celebrate by going there and offering them some snacks and ice cream. When we went there one Saturday afternoon to distribute the food stuff, it turned out to be a moving experience. The first response was a something like a shock to our systems – we felt so lucky and privileged looking at them that a feeling of gratitude overwhelmed us. Gradually, we overcame the superlative flow of emotions and saw how happy they were to eat stuff they loved (who would not like an unexpected icecream on a humid Mumbai afternoon?). In the end, we felt lighter, more grateful and inspired enough to go there again (maybe each birthday of my son?). It was a moment of grace.

After an inspired weekend with some kindred spirit, I stepped into the airport shuttle. The shuttle driver offered me two seat options: the shot-gun seat or the seat way in the back of the van. I said, “You know what, I’m going to take the back seat. That way the next person could enjoy the front seat.” Instantly, he did a double take and smiled. As I got in, he public a public announcement to the four others already in the van: “This man took the back seat just so someone else could have the front. What a nice guy!” Then, he looked at me and said, “Welcome aboard, Sir.” It turns out that John, our driver, has been a native to Santa Fe. His ancestor, dating back to 1800s, were all based in the Native American communities locally. “Yeah, I could tell you anything about Santa Fe,” he joked as we drove to rural landscape and talked about Frito Pies. 🙂 A happy spirit, John served all of us with a full heart and joy.As I got out, I looked in my wallet for John’s tip. I saw that I had twenty dollar bill, so I just turned to him, put his hand on his shoulder and said, “Hey buddy, can I ask you a favor? I’ve got a twenty here. Can I give this to you, and ask you to pay it forward, do something nice for someone else? I just came from an inspired meeting, and I want to dedicate this to them.” As I stuffed the $20 in his fist, he looked at me and said, “Thank you, Sir. Thank you so much.” And he repeated that three times almost. Despite being the “nice guy” who took the back seat, he was surprised at my little act and smiled radiantly as we parted.

Today I spent a very happy time cleaning a Buddhist women’s vihara.

Today while driving through Eugene, Oregon with an Airstream in tow, I had a moment with a bus driver that could have ended up terribly. I looked in her eyes and couldn’t help but smile at her in hopes she would receive it….she did! What could have been a possible traffic frustration turned into a moment where two people connected.

Sam, a visitor from US have party in Veganhut where 5 five people attend.

For many years my husband and I enjoyed Friday night suppers out with my widowed father-in-law and his companion. Dad’s companion was a widow that he met at church, who remained a faithful friend while his health and memory deteriorated until his eventual passing two years ago. In gratitude for her many kindnesses and in honor of my father-in-law’s memory, my husband and I continue to treat her to Friday night suppers to this day.

My cousin was diagnosed with stage IV cancer in 2007. Since then I have been in their home helping to raise her two young children. It has been long, and living without income is not always easy. Every so often someone will tell me that I should move on, get a job, make money so that I can be happy… But I am happy. I’ve learned much about impermanence and compassion and I can only hope to pass it on to the children as they continue to grow.