A Visit to Rachel House
Geshe Michael opens his talk with memories of Rachel House in Jakarta, a hospice providing palliative care for children living with HIV and cancer. Walking its halls and meeting the nurses, he felt the same “unquestionably good” sensation he experiences after teaching meditation in Arizona prisons: an uncomplicated, undeniable happiness that arises whenever we serve those in need.
“It’s so uncomplicatedly good.” — Geshe Michael Roach
Transformation Through Long Retreat
Five audience members had just completed a three‑year, three‑month, three‑day silent retreat. Their stories of bears breaking into cabins, a dangerous fire, and personal tragedy illustrated that deep spiritual practice is rarely comfortable. Yet those hardships, Geshe Michael suggests, are catalysts for genuine transformation—both for the retreatants and for anyone committed to serving others.
Wisdom at Sixty
Reflecting on turning sixty, he jokes that “it takes that long to get smart.” With age came a simple clarity: whenever criticism, discouragement, or logistical headaches appear, he now sees there is “nothing else to do” but return to helping. Three days of self‑pity give way to renewed action. The work itself is the answer.
Two “Good Businesses”
Quoting his teacher (Khensur Rinpoche Lobsang Tharchin), Geshe Michael shares a humorous lesson:
- Selling Alcohol – People drink when they are sad and when they celebrate.
- Being a Do‑Gooder – “You always have customers.” The world’s demand for help is inexhaustible, so meaningful work is always available.
The analogy underscores that service is not only noble; it is also sustainable and perpetually relevant.
Expect Obstacles, Welcome Them
In Tibetan tradition, sticking your head above the crowd invites obstacles—“head‑smashing,” as he puts it. Scaling from nine to twenty patients or training nurses in a new country will inevitably multiply problems. The antidote is anticipation and good humour:
“I was waiting for you… OK, there’s a tragedy; I’m ready.”
By greeting difficulties with a smile, we remain resilient and keep momentum.
The Pay‑Off: A Miraculous Life
Years of steady service yield profound personal rewards:
- Inner Happiness – A deep, durable joy that outlasts external praise or blame.
- Magic & Miracles – Extraordinary opportunities and people appear naturally.
- A Life of Meaning – Every event feels purposeful; nothing is wasted.
“Your life becomes like a miracle… there’s no other game in town.”
A Call to Relentless Action
Geshe Michael closes with a soldier‑like rallying cry:
Don’t pause. When challenges hit, say ‘let’s make it happen’ and keep moving.
For him, continual service is not a sacrifice but fun—a chance to experience life’s richest dimension. Those who avoid it, he warns, “miss a big part of life.”
Key Takeaways
| Insight | Practical Application |
|---|---|
| Pure happiness comes from helping without complication. | Volunteer locally or online; pick a cause and show up regularly. |
| Obstacles are proof you’re making a difference. | Expect resistance; plan for it instead of fearing it. |
| Longevity in service turns ordinary days into miracles. | Commit long‑term—months and years, not days—and track how your outlook changes. |
| There is literally nothing else to do. | When discouraged, shorten the gap between setback and renewed action. |
Watch the full talk: YouTube — “Rachel House Talk”
Serving others is, in Geshe Michael’s words, “the best thing to do.” Begin, persist, and greet each new obstacle like an old friend; on the other side lies a life that feels nothing short of miraculous.
