In the serene region of Lumbini, Nepal, a unique initiative is transforming lives, one bar of soap at a time. The “Zao Fu” (皂福) blessings soap, whose name is a homophone for “creating blessings” (造福), are more than just cleansing products; they represent a beacon of hope and empowerment for local women. As the Chinese New Year approaches, the Jing Si Soap Workshop in Lumbini is bustling with activity, diligently preparing a special order that carries wishes of prosperity and well-being.

Crafting blessings, empowering lives

Each “Zao Fu” blessing soap is carefully wrapped in red paper, adorned with festive lanterns, and inscribed with a Jing Si Aphorism: “Speak kind words, think good thoughts, do good deeds.” A QR code on the packaging leads to a message that encapsulates the project’s essence:

Rooted in nature, empowering women, from Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha. Village women gather under the neem tree, sharing a common vision. They collect neem, coconut, olive, shea, chiuri, and sunflower oils, along with lemongrass, to learn soap making. Not for profit, but to rebuild lives, regain dignity, and foster craftsmanship, empathy, and harmony among people.

Hong Siew Ling (方繡凌), a Malaysian volunteer overseeing the workshop, explains that “Zao Fu” signifies both a “blessing soap” and the act of “creating blessings,” echoing Master Cheng Yen’s teachings. On October 30th, as the deadline for a significant order from Malaysian businesspeople loomed, the team—comprising Hong Siew Ling, Chakra Jyoti Shakya, Reshma, Sangita Shakya, and Annu Upadhyay—worked calmly and meticulously in their small space above the clinic. Their commitment to quality remained unwavering, regardless of the intricate manual processes involved.

Hong Siew Ling shares her delight: “Chiuri butter offers deep moisturizing benefits, olive oil provides a natural fragrance, and neem, a tree unique to this region, is also incorporated into our soaps.” She adds, “Malaysian businesspeople, who previously purchased our soaps, highly praised their natural ingredients, prompting them to reorder for their festive gifts.”

Chakra Jyoti Shakya further elaborates on the product’s distinctiveness: “Nepal has various soap brands, but our uniqueness lies in using natural ingredients. Our soap can be used to cleanse the entire body, even hair.” Pointing to the image of a woman embossed on the soap, he notes, “Each of our colleagues has their own unique story of empowerment.”

Stories of resilience

The workshop has become a sanctuary for women seeking to rebuild their lives. Reshma, for instance, resigned from her teaching position after her mother became paralyzed to dedicate herself to her care. During her free time, she began learning soap making at the Tzu Chi workshop. As her mother’s health gradually improved, Reshma transitioned to a full-time role at the Jing Si Soap Workshop. She also embraces volunteer work, expressing gratitude: “I am grateful to be able to visit and care for my neighbors and relatives in the villages after work.”

Annu Upadhyay also found a new path through the workshop. Having faced estrangement from her parents after her marriage, she learned the skill of soap making. Now, she not only contributes to the workshop but also uses her newfound knowledge to maintain cleanliness in her own home.

The Jing Si Soap Workshop in Lumbini embodies a vision of self-reliance and community upliftment. Through the collective efforts of these women and the compassionate guidance of volunteers, the project aims to alleviate generational poverty in Nepal, enabling residents to live with peace and dignity.

Written by Anish