by May Wang and Boon Tiong Tan 
 

Transforming Lives Through Kindness 

On November 17, the area around the Mahabodhi Temple, the place of Buddha's enlightenment, buzzed with activity. The mix of religious fervor and market hustle was palpable as Tzu Chi volunteers moved among the shops, ready to spread the message of love and compassion. 

The volunteers had just attended a training session led by volunteer Vikash Kumar, who explained the importance of promoting the bamboo bank initiative. They also watched a video of Master Cheng Yen, explaining the true meaning of giving, comparing it to a sincere heart, like a drop of water merging into the ocean, never drying up. Their mission was twofold: to collect donations from previously placed bamboo banks and recruit new "Loving Shops." 

Gaina Manjhi's Inspiring Story 

Apprentice volunteer Gaina Manjhi shared his moving story. In the past, he begged for a living at the Sujata Temple in Bakrour. With Tzu Chi's aid, he transitioned from relying on others' charity to becoming a volunteer who helps others. 

"I love saving money in the bamboo bank. Even a single rupee becomes significant. It's a way to aid the poor," said Gaina. "Donating to the bamboo bank brings me joy and happiness because it helps the less fortunate. Tzu Chi's support transformed my life, and I am now part of Tzu Chi, doing good deeds, which makes me feel really good." 

Arman Kumar, a shop owner who signed up to become a Loving Shop, was deeply touched by Gaina's story. "The bamboo bank is wonderful. I can donate one rupee, two rupees, or even five rupees every day. A small drop can eventually form an ocean, just like daily contributions can accumulate into a significant amount to help others," Arman said. He pledged to donate regularly and encourage his customers to do the same. 

At another shop, the owner Kundan Kumar initially misunderstood the volunteers, thinking they were fundraising for Gaina. However, after careful explanation and receiving a Jing Si Aphorism, he understood their good intentions and agreed to join the Loving Shop initiative, placing a bamboo bank in his shop. "It means true love for someone, even if I don't fully know you yet, but I believe you are doing good," Kundan said. 

Receiving the Jing Si Aphorism "To forgive others is in fact being kind to ourselves," shop owner Ajar Chaudhary agreed, saying, "If you forgive someone, you'll feel happy." Understanding the purpose of the bamboo bank, he added, "It's excellent, really helpful." 

Spreading Love and Light 

After an hour of fundraising, the volunteers returned to the Tzu Chi center to share their experiences and achievements. Shubham Kumar, a Tzu Chi youth volunteer, explained Tzu Chi's mission and shared the story of building Great Love homes in Silaunja Village to assist the poor. His group visited seven shops, explaining Tzu Chi's philosophy and providing bamboo banks. 

Inspired by the story of stateless children in Kampung Tidang, Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia, Tzu Chi computer teacher Mohd Manir Uddin led his group to familiar salons and restaurants, receiving positive responses. They also collected donations from existing bamboo banks, with restaurant staff contributing on the spot, knowing Tzu Chi's work for India's poor. 

Local volunteer Amar Kumar replaced old bamboo bank covers with new ones and shared his perspective, "Small contributions can do great good. The bamboo bank offers everyone a chance to give. The challenge here is gaining trust, as there have been many scams." 

He emphasized the importance of explaining the bamboo bank's purpose, its operation, and the reason for promoting it. "It's not too difficult, but not easy either. We need to explain well, and once people understand, they are more willing to participate and donate." 

By November 2024, there were 107 shops that had joined the Loving Shops initiative around the Mahabodhi Temple. Every small act of kindness adds a bit more light to the world, spreading the power of love from the site of Buddha's enlightenment.