Story By Pai-Chiu Tsai | Nepal

On the early morning of May 11, Tzu Chi volunteers gathered at Siddhartha Plaza in Lumbini Park to rehearse the recite the Sutra of Infinite Meanings for the upcoming Buddha Day Ceremony on May 12. | Photo courtesy of Chi-Kung Ku | Lumbini, Nepal | 2024/05/11

Early in the morning of May 11, amid the fresh morning air with streets mostly empty, Tzu Chi volunteers gathered at the Siddhartha Plaza in Lumbini Park to practice reciting the Sutra of Infinite Meanings in preparation for the Buddha Day Ceremony on May 12.

LEFT: Volunteers from Singapore and Malaysia brought ten-kilogram glass Buddha statues for the ceremony. To bring the statues into the venue, volunteers worked in synch to pass them forward one by one. RIGHT: To prepare for the upcoming Buddha bathing ceremony, everyone worked together with utmost sincerity, making thorough preparations. | Photos courtesy of Chi-Kung Ku | Lumbini, Nepal | 2024/05/11

Resourceful Collaboration

Organizing a large-scale event requires a lot of personnel, but the travel costs for teams from Singapore and Malaysia to Nepal are high. To be cost-effective, the number of volunteers was limited to a bare minimum. One of the items they brought were ten-kilogram glass Buddha statues, which volunteers worked together to carry into the venue in a relay.

With limited manpower, each volunteer had to take on multiple roles. After moving the statue, they became receptionists, accompanying visiting Dharma masters during the Buddha bathing rehearsal. They discussed the event schedule and venue setup, with local volunteers stepping in to help and prevent exhaustion in the hot summer weather.

Local volunteer Rakesh (left) is well acquainted with the local community as he often assists in organizing temple events and inviting attendees. This time, he invited local Dharma masters to attend and volunteers to help with the Buddha Day ceremony held by Tzu Chi in the International Conference Hall. | Photo courtesy of Chi-Kung Ku | Lumbini, Nepal | 2024/05/11

Rakesh Tripathi: A Pillar of Support and Community Engagement

Local volunteer Rakesh Tripathi, familiar with the local community from frequently organizing temple events, played a crucial role. For this Buddha Bathing Ceremony, which also celebrated Mother's Day and Tzu Chi Day, Rakesh invited local Dharma masters to attend and volunteers to help with the event.

Two hundred local students around 18 years old participated; 150 of them joined in sign language performance and 50 served as event support. | Photo courtesy of Chi-Kung Ku | Lumbini, Nepal | 2024/05/11

Rakesh enlisted the help of 200 former students, mostly around 18-years-old, who eagerly responded to the event. Among them, 150 participated in the sign language performance, while 50 served as event support. Their guidance on the Buddha bathing ceremony aimed to create a joyful and serene atmosphere for all attendees.

In 2015, during the Nepal earthquake, Rakesh collected rice in his village and took it to Kathmandu for disaster relief, where he first encountered Tzu Chi's aid efforts. Touched by their work, he has since been dedicated to supporting Tzu Chi whenever needed, offering his full assistance.

When Rakesh learned that Tzu Chi was coming to Nepal again, he proactively reached out to them, offering his full support: "Whenever Tzu Chi needs assistance in any area, I will do my best." Rakesh's willingness to shoulder responsibilities has provided reassurance to Tzu Chi members, ensuring that many activities run smoothly and successfully with his help.

Collective Efforts Leading to a Successful Ceremony

Eighteen-year-old Palak, participating in her second Tzu Chi event, believes Mother's Day is significant because her parents have given her happiness, education, and health. She plans to repay them in the future.

LEFT: Eighteen-year-old Palak was happy to take part in the sign language performance, participating in her second Tzu Chi event. RIGHT: Joining Tzu Chi three years ago, Binod, 29, has been passionate about volunteer work since he was fifteen. | Photos courtesy of Chi-Kung Ku | Lumbini, Nepal | 2024/05/11

Binod, 29, has been involved in volunteer work since he was 15, driven by a strong sense of karma. He joined Tzu Chi three years ago to participate in Tzu Chi’s medical, educational, and social services in Lumbini. For him, helping others brings inner peace and warmth. Entrusted by Rakesh, Binod led the student volunteers. Although he had a tour scheduled for that day, he prioritized the rehearsal, recognizing its importance for a solemn and successful event.

For volunteers to bring the Buddha statues for the second time from Malaysia and Singapore to the Lumbini Garden Convention Center for the Buddha Bathing Ceremony is no easy feat. | Photo courtesy of Chi-Kung Ku | Lumbini, Nepal | 2024/05/11

To prepare for the upcoming Buddha bathing ceremony, everyone worked together with utmost sincerity, making thorough preparations. Their efforts culminated in a solemn and successful ceremony on May 12.