Compassion in Action
Compassion is more than just wishing well: without action we don’t improve the situation for others, and we feed our own feeling of being helpless. Who knows what unforeseen benefits will flow from what may seem like a drop in the ocean?
What can we do?
During his escape from Tibet, Akong Rinpoche almost died of starvation, and he made a promise that if he managed to survive, one of his activities would be to give food to whoever is hungry. True to his word, he launched projects to provide food to those in need in many countries around the world. He encouraged his students to set up “Soup Kitchens” throughout Asia, Africa and Europe, offering food to whoever asked, serving them with kindness and respect, expecting nothing in return.
In 2005, Vin Harris and a group of friends were on a pilgrimage in India which culminated in Bodhgaya. They were deeply moved by the magnificent Kagyu Monlam, an international prayer festival dedicated to peace and well-being in the world. They were also struck by the extreme poverty and suffering they witnessed on the streets of India. They asked themselves - What can we do right now?
They worked with a kind local hotel manager and offered food to the local people. Even though it was for just one day. From this small beginning the Akong Tulku Memorial Soup Kitchen became a regular event during the week-long international prayer festival and for many years now it has been offering nutritious hot food to the people of Bodhgaya.
Working together in the spirit of friendship
A team of local cooks prepare enough rice, dahl and vegetables to feed around 400 people per day. Everyone is made to feel welcome. There are lots of children (who really love the oranges!), rickshaw drivers, men on polio bikes, people on sticks and crutches, elderly women, mums and babies, dads with their young children too. All who come are looked after by volunteers from all over the world who are happy to have this opportunity to express their aspirations to benefit others through Compassion in Action.
It was never just about giving food. It was about showing friendship, respect and kindness to the people of Bodhgaya. The seeds of kindness and compassion are within all of us and the Soup Kitchen creates conditions for these innate positive qualities to flourish. Those who give and those who receive are all nourished by the experience.
Compassion In Action Work
Learn more about the Soup Kitchen and other Compassion in Action Projects that grew from the positive connections established by sowing seeds of kindness and learning to keep asking
"What more can we do?"
