Gaina Manjhi (甘滿季), a 65-year-old man from Bodh Gaya, India, recently embarked on a remarkable journey to Taiwan. He was there to attend the 2025 Tzu Chi Overseas Volunteer Training Camp and receive certification as a Faith Corps member. This trip marked a profound transformation in his life, one he never imagined possible. Without his encounter with Tzu Chi, he believes he would still be living a life of begging near the Sujata Temple in Bodh Gaya.

A turning point in Bodh Gaya

Gaina Manjhi's life was once defined by poverty, spent begging for sustenance. His perspective began to shift when he witnessed Tzu Chi volunteers arriving in his community. "I used to beg at Sujata Temple. One day, I saw Tzu Chi people coming here, and I felt that if these unfamiliar foreigners came to help us, how could we not help each other?" This simple thought sparked a change within him.

The local Tzu Chi team in Bodh Gaya recognized his sincerity and included him as a care recipient. Inspired by their actions, Gaina Manjhi took the initiative to start collecting trash for recycling, contributing to environmental protection efforts.

Lay Hua Lee (李麗華), a Malaysian Tzu Chi volunteer who oversees charity work in India, developed a special bond with Gaina Manjhi during her visits. She observed his dedication and the challenges he faced. "He had given his original house to his niece, and then he built a small, simple hut by the river using thatch. Every time I went to care for him, I didn't necessarily meet him because he didn't have a mobile phone and was working odd jobs everywhere. He no longer begged at Sujata Temple." Lay Hua Lee expressed deep admiration for Gaina Manjhi's transformation after connecting with Tzu Chi.

Embracing the path of giving

Encouraged by the volunteers, Gaina Manjhi began his introductory training in 2024. He started collecting donations in bamboo banks, a practice that symbolizes accumulating small acts of kindness. He became a regular presence at "Love Spreading" events in Silongjia Great Love Village and at monthly charity distributions, rarely missing an opportunity to contribute. He even invited his friends, who were also beggars, to the Tzu Chi center to help make bamboo banks, extending the spirit of giving to others in similar circumstances.

A dream realized in Taiwan

After two years of dedicated training, Gaina Manjhi, along with Amit Kumar Singh and Md Ansar Ali, two other "Bodhi seeds" from India, embarked on their journey to Taiwan for certification on November 5, 2025. Traveling abroad was an experience Gaina Manjhi had never dared to dream of. He brought with him a bamboo bank, filled with the love and aspirations he wished to present to Master Cheng Yen.

Gaina Manjhi shared his profound reverence for Master Cheng Yen. "When I was in India, I heard that Master Cheng Yen was not well, so I went to Sujata Temple to pray for her; when I heard that Master Cheng Yen was better, I went back to Sujata Temple to fulfill my vow and give thanks. Master Cheng Yen is my god, I pray that she lives a long life and continues to help people all over the world." As he spoke of Master Cheng Yen during his certification in Taiwan, his eyes welled up with tears, his voice thick with emotion.

"I had a dream of coming to Taiwan to see Master Cheng Yen. I used to think it was out of reach, but now that I have truly come to Taiwan, I feel a sense of groundedness and am no longer nervous," he expressed. His journey, from an unimaginable wish to a tangible reality, is a testament to his unwavering commitment. The willingness of volunteers to assist him in coming to Taiwan for certification highlights the extraordinary confluence of causes and conditions that made his dream possible.

On November 10, the day of his certification, Gaina Manjhi's emotions ran high. As his team leader pinned the "Buddha's Heart, Master's Mission" badge on him, and Sio Kee Hong (蘇祈逢), who oversees Tzu Chi affairs in India, adjusted his Faith Corps tie, he was once again moved to tears. "I never dreamed I could come to Taiwan. To go from being a beggar to someone who can give to others, I am truly touched and full of gratitude."

The certification marks the beginning of his Bodhisattva path. Gaina Manjhi has taken a significant step forward in his Tzu Chi journey. Upon returning to India, he plans to continue making bamboo banks and inspiring love. He no longer feels inferior; instead, he can now hold his head high, joyfully serving as a Living Bodhisattva, bringing hope and compassion to his community.

Written by Wang Ying-Hsiu (王瀅琇)

Translated by Mindy Chen (陳敏理)