Gaina Manjhi, a 65-year-old single man from Bakraur village in Bodh Gaya, India, once lived a life of begging. His journey took a profound turn when he encountered a group of volunteers who ignited a spark of change within him, leading him to a path of dignity and service.

A Turning Point in Bakraur

Gaina's first connection with Tzu Chi began on April 9, 2023, at the Sujata Temple in his village. He observed Tzu Chi volunteers diligently collecting trash and plastics, promoting environmental protection. Witnessing their dedication, traveling from distant lands to quietly contribute to his community, deeply moved him.

"If they can do environmental work like this, why can't I? I should also do my part!" he thought. From that moment, Gaina began joining the volunteers in their clean-up efforts, forging a bond that would redefine his life.

Soon after, volunteers visited Gaina's home and recognized his challenging living conditions. Starting in May of that year, Tzu Chi provided him with monthly living supplies and financial assistance, offering guidance to help him improve his life and regain confidence. This care made Gaina deeply feel the love and kindness between people, much like a warm bowl of milk porridge nourishing the soul and illuminating hope.

A particularly impactful experience for Gaina was when a volunteer was injured by an agitated buffalo during a home visit in his village. The volunteer suffered severe injuries, including broken bones, and was rushed to the hospital. Gaina was deeply saddened and prayed for her recovery daily at the temple. This incident solidified his resolve to protect the volunteers. Now, whenever volunteers visit the village, Gaina proactively accompanies them, carrying a bamboo stick to ensure the safety of both the volunteers and the village's cattle. He hopes that no one else will be harmed while serving the community. This experience deepened his understanding of the volunteers' selfless spirit and inspired him to safeguard them and the animals, fostering peaceful coexistence.

Earning with Dignity

Gaina, a vegetarian himself, found that Tzu Chi's principles of simplicity, health, and kindness resonated deeply with his own lifestyle. He expressed immense gratitude and a desire to dedicate his time and effort to Tzu Chi and Master Cheng Yen. Whether it was environmental work, charity visits, or participating in the "One Village, One Team" program, he felt joy and honor. Being part of the Tzu Chi family and helping those in need in his and other villages filled him with pride.

In his past, Gaina had begged and shared meals with a blind man and a blind woman, enduring immense hardship. However, his life transformed after encountering Tzu Chi and receiving their support. One day, holding the bowl he once used for begging, Gaina stood before the Buddha at Sujata Temple and made a sincere vow:

From today, I will never beg again! I will work with my own hands, serve Tzu Chi, and become someone who can help others.

In that moment, his heart was filled with gratitude, and he felt he had reclaimed his dignity and strength.

Tzu Chi not only helped Gaina leave his life of begging but also taught him self-reliance and confidence through their actions. When a fire ravaged his village on April 3, 2024, destroying his home and belongings, Tzu Chi provided him with essential supplies, clothes, and shoes, helping him rebuild his life and rekindle his hope.

Spreading Goodness and Compassion

Now, Gaina is actively involved in Tzu Chi's charity work, promoting "zero begging" and the "Bamboo Bank Era" in Silaunja and Jagdisphur through the "One Village, One Team" program. He also contributes to Tzu Chi's medical mission. He aspires to be a role model, inspiring more people to transition from receiving aid to helping others.

Among all Tzu Chi's initiatives, the "Bamboo Bank Era" deeply touches Gaina's heart. He sees the bamboo bank and a single coin as the starting point of countless good intentions. Even a small rupee, he believes, can become a force for warming others' lives. He often tells villagers, "Even if you are poor, as long as it's within your means and doesn't affect your livelihood, you can drop a coin and bring blessings to others." He practices this himself, finding joy in contributing a rupee to the bamboo bank, knowing it brings happiness to families in need and those suffering from illness.

Gaina's commitment extends to caring for his friend, Lakhan Manjhi, who was a recipient of Tzu Chi's medical care after breaking his leg. Gaina helped repair Lakhan's home, accompanied him, and assisted with his personal care and household chores for nearly three weeks. This experience taught him the true meaning of "service with love" and "patient companionship." He learned that Tzu Chi provides not just material aid, but love and care. Despite Lakhan's initial resistance to medical advice and his struggle with alcoholism, Gaina patiently encouraged him, explaining the harm of drinking and the importance of recovery. He hopes Lakhan will eventually overcome his addiction and join Tzu Chi to do good.

A Promise to Serve

Gaina is now preparing to become a certified Tzu Chi volunteer, an honor he views as a profound responsibility. He is committed to upholding Master Cheng Yen's teachings, learning and growing, and inspiring others to join Tzu Chi. He is grateful for the mobile phone provided by Tzu Chi, which helps him stay connected and continue his learning journey.

Gaina's transformation is a testament to the power of compassion. He believes that Tzu Chi's assistance goes beyond material aid, offering love, respect, and understanding. By helping others, he has also transformed himself, learning to let go, to be tolerant, and to approach people with gratitude and kindness. He hopes his life story will inspire others to emerge from hardship and confusion, becoming grateful and loving individuals who create value and spread light.

Gaina expresses deep gratitude to Master Cheng Yen and the Tzu Chi family for their compassionate guidance. He prays for Master Cheng Yen's continued health and longevity, so she may continue to spread the Dharma and inspire sentient beings, ensuring that her disciples always have a path to follow and love to share.

Spoken by Gaina Manjhi

Written by Tan Boon Tiong (陳文忠)

Translated by Mindy Chen (陳敏理)

Source: 甘滿季參與慈濟 走出乞討創造生命價值