Amit Kumar Singh, a 37-year-old professional from India with a master’s degree in business administration, specializes in renewable energy, environment, and social development. His work often involves collaborations with government agencies, private enterprises, and non-governmental organizations. His life took a significant turn when he encountered Tzu Chi, leading him on a path of profound personal growth and dedicated service.

A new path in Bodh Gaya

In November 2023, Amit Kumar Singh was introduced to Tzu Chi through Kee Hong Sio (蘇祈逢) of the “Buddha’s Homeland” team. At the Tzu Chi office in Bodh Gaya, Amit Kumar Singh met with hotel owner Md Ansar Ali to discuss renewable energy and environmental projects. This meeting marked his first introduction to Tzu Chi and became a pivotal moment in his life.

As a Buddhist, Amit recounted, “Brother Sio shared Master Cheng Yen’s original intention in founding Tzu Chi, starting from the Bamboo Bank Era, with the belief of ‘repaying the Buddha’s kindness with Dharma and relieving suffering with compassion,’ bringing the compassionate wisdom of Buddhism back to India.” He was deeply moved by Tzu Chi’s four missions and the spirit of the Bodhisattva path, realizing that Buddhism extended beyond theory to practical, compassionate action.

Amit observed that Tzu Chi empowers volunteers to engage in “self-cultivation” while helping others, fostering fulfillment and Dharma joy through mindful service.

I decided to dedicate my free time entirely to Tzu Chi as a volunteer. Whatever is needed, I am willing to participate.—Amit Kumar Singh

Education and environmental action

Leveraging his strong English proficiency, Amit primarily assisted with translation work, including translating Tzu Chi’s Year-end Blessing videos into Hindi and proofreading the Hindi version of the Sutra of Infinite Meanings. Through these efforts, Master Cheng Yen’s teachings resonated deeply within him.

Later, Sio invited Amit to join Tzu Chi’s education team. He visited the Niranjana Public Welfare School in Bodh Gaya’s Bakraur village, collaborating with volunteers from ABM (Akhil Bhartiya Magasvargiya). Together, they taught students and teachers to create handicrafts from plastic waste, promoting environmental protection and recycling.

That experience made me deeply realize that Tzu Chi’s education is not just about imparting knowledge; it’s about sowing seeds of compassion and good thoughts in children’s hearts. —Amit Kumar Singh

Growing through service

In 2024, Amit began his training to become a certified Tzu Chi volunteer. He found joy in charity distribution events, learning leadership and experiencing the satisfaction of volunteer work. He understood that Tzu Chi’s approach was not just about material aid, but about offering “sincere love and respect, making recipients feel the warmth of family, and inspiring their inner strength and hope.”

Amit also faced challenges, particularly with time management, inspired by overseas volunteers balancing service and family. “Through Tzu Chi’s training, I learned to adjust my pace, be punctual, and disciplined. I also learned to distinguish between what is urgent and what is important.”

He noticed many impoverished families lacked Aadhaar Cards, preventing access to government benefits. He proactively assisted care recipients in applying for these documents, enabling children to attend school and receive medical care. “For example, with my assistance and Tzu Chi’s introduction, one woman finally obtained her identification card, improving her entire family’s life,” he shared, expressing joy at the positive outcomes.

Another instance involved Gaina Manjhi, who needed a passport for certification in Taiwan but lacked the necessary documents. Amit stepped in to help. “Despite the arduous process and conflicts with my work schedule, I still insisted on completing it. This experience deeply taught me that helping others is also an opportunity for self-cultivation and accumulating blessings.”

Inspiration from Taiwan

In 2024, Amit was accepted into Tzu Chi University’s TEEP (Taiwan Experience Education Program) for Chinese language learning. While volunteering at the Hualien recycling station, his expertise in energy led him to observe Tzu Chi’s significant role in promoting environmental protection.

Living at the Jing Si Abode, he witnessed Master Cheng Yen and the monastics’ dedication, learning that “daily life is spiritual practice, and every task is a training ground.”

This learning journey deepened my understanding of the Jing Si Dharma Lineage and the Tzu Chi School of Buddhism. It strengthened my resolve to continue Master Cheng Yen’s aspirations in India, spreading great love and practicing the Bodhisattva-path.—Amit Kumar Singh

The joy of certification

On November 10, Amit Kumar Singh was certified by Master Cheng Yen. As Master De Hang (德杭) from Jing Si Abode placed prayer beads on him, he was visibly moved. “Today is a particularly wonderful day for me, just like all volunteers, I dreamed of one day becoming a Tzu Chi Commissioner.”

For me, meeting Master Cheng Yen here is like receiving her blessing. It gives me the opportunity to better understand the Dharma and Master Cheng Yen’s teaching of ‘purifying people’s hearts.’ Certification is a process, but it’s a meaningful milestone. I will follow Master Cheng Yen’s teachings, continue to grow in community work, and progress spiritually to become a devoted and thoughtful disciple.—Amit Kumar Singh

As he spoke, Amit Kumar Singh’s eyes welled up with tears of emotion.

The melodious tune of “Seeds of Remembrance” filled the hall, as over a hundred newly certified volunteers returned from afar to meet Master Cheng Yen. The profound emotion of this special connection will resonate in their hearts and minds, cherished forever.

Written by Ying-Hsiu Wang (王瀅琇), Boon Tiong Tan (陳文忠)

Translated by Mindy Chen (陳敏理)