Not sure if it counts
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
submited on 2010-06-13 02:30:39 by Intranaut from Gold Coast, Australia

Thank you :-)
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!
submited on 2010-04-12 17:36:13 by JC from KH, Taiwan

Thank you :-)
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. :-)
submited on 2010-04-11 22:40:15 by J.C. from KH, Taiwan

Garage Sale
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." =)
submited on 2010-04-11 17:16:55 by Nancy from Long Beach, USA

Offering Hope
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.
submited on 2010-02-09 18:29:28 by Liz from New York City, USA

sandwich of choice
Leaving the grocery store one day, with my groceries and a fat sandwich from their deli, I encountered a very thin, bedraggled woman rumaging through the trash can for discarded soda cans. There was a collection center on the other side of the parking lot where she turned in her finds for a bit of cash. I walked past her to my nice clean car, loaded my purchases and set my sandwich on the seat next to me. Suddenly, I'd lost my appetite and begin to wonder when she last had been able to make a choice about what she got to eat--not just dining on whatever the shelter was handing out--or worse, cheap unhealthy fast food. I walked back, took her into the store and let her pick out whatever she desired from the deli inside. Later, at home, I did enjoy my sandwich afterall.
submited on 2010-01-26 12:34:44 by Chris from Vallejo, USA

Helping out in a Charity Fair
Recently, a Buddhist temple needed some performances for their Charity Fair. I helped to present some Buddhist songs and got in touch with 2 other Buddhist singing groups to join in, too. We had a great time performing and the audience, besides being entertained, got to hear some Dharma too.
submited on 2009-12-22 01:06:41 by Chong Su Lim from Petaling Jaya, Malaysia

sharing
today i didn't give money to the homeless guy i pass most days although i usually do give something. today i bought some sandwiches and sat down beside him on the street and had a chat for just 10 minutes. it seemed to mean much more to him that someone was listening to what he said. and what he said taught me something too. we'll have many more chats.
submited on 2009-12-20 20:15:34 by Steve from belfast, n. ireland

Strike!
I was waiting for the bus this morning when a stranger pulled up and told me that bus drivers across the city had gone on strike. Later, as I was driving to work I saw another commuter unknowingly waiting for the bus in the rain. Inspired by the random act of kindness shown to me earlier, I stopped and passed on the news of the strike to this person. Just as anyone else would have done given the same situation!
submited on 2009-12-17 22:49:16 by Upasa from Sydney, Australia

New dimensions
Meeitng with and listening to Rev. Heng Sure's musical way of teaching the Dharma as well as other topics at the "Council for a parliament of world religions" in Melbourne recently gave new dimensions to ways of teaching. Religious teaching tends often to be bone dry and as a result many people - especially young ones - loose interest. This musical way I believe can open their hearts and minds to a better world.
submited on 2009-12-16 04:25:47 by Ming Bao from Malmo, Sweden