In the heart of Lumbini, Nepal, a young boy's brief life, marked by profound challenges, became a catalyst for a community's transformation. His story, though tinged with sorrow, illuminates the power of compassion and the enduring hope it can bring to the most vulnerable.

A Glimpse into Poverty

In Lumbini's second ward, amidst the verdant rice paddies, stood a small brick house, a testament to municipal aid. It was here that Dr. Tang Kiat Beng (陳吉民), Deputy CEO of Tzu Chi Malaysia, first encountered Aman. Peering through the low, red-brick walls, Dr. Tang saw a young boy lying on the dirt floor, too weak to hold his milk bottle, searching for it with his mouth. Moved by the sight, Dr. Tang entered the house, gently lifting the boy and cradling his head as he helped him drink. Aman, three years old, swayed his arms in contentment, lost in his own world. Nearby, his six-year-old sister, Aniska, struggled with a water pump, and Dr. Tang immediately stepped in to help her bathe.

The family's circumstances were dire. Sharada Harijan, Aman's mother, in her late thirties, had lost her sight before the age of five. "The whole world felt empty," she recounted. Her husband, living with a mental disability, occasionally found odd jobs, while her mother-in-law resorted to begging to keep the family from starvation. Aman had suffered brain damage from a high fever and seizures shortly after birth, leaving him unable to walk, speak, or interact.

Sharada recognized the rice bags adorned with Jing Si Aphorisms, recalling two previous distributions during the COVID-19 pandemic, facilitated by Tzu Chi through Bhikkhu Maitri. Dr. Tang also noted the family's cooking pot, nearly empty, with only a meager amount of rice left in the storage jar.

A Mother's Intuition

Three days after Dr. Tang's visit, Tzu Chi volunteers returned with more provisions. They introduced themselves to Sharada and gently placed a string of prayer beads in her hand, explaining their significance. Sharada touched them, smiling, "These must be very precious." When the volunteers explained that the beads carried the image of Master Cheng Yen and represented the compassion that brought Tzu Chi to Lumbini to assist the vulnerable, Sharada's smile faded. She bowed her head, pressing the Master's image to her forehead in a gesture of profound respect.

"Today, we were about to run out of food, but this morning, I suddenly felt that someone would come to deliver provisions," Sharada shared, her intuition proving right. The volunteers assured her that it was the Master who knew of her difficulties and had sent the love of Tzu Chi volunteers from around the world.

A Community's Farewell

On September 24, 2025, Anita Chamar, a participant in Tzu Chi's sewing class from the same village, was cycling to the vocational training center when she noticed a crowd gathered at Sharada's home. Cries of anguish filled the air. She discovered Aman lying outside, lifeless.

Shocked and trembling, Anita immediately called to report the tragic news. Her words were disjointed, but Ong Gaik Chin (王綺楨) eventually understood. Tzu Chi charity team members Tulsi Narayan Matang, Baijnath Barai, nurse Bitisha Bhandari, and media volunteer Ramesh Karki rushed to Sharada's side.

Sharada wept inconsolably. Though she had once resigned herself to the possibility that Aman might not grow up, no mother wishes for such a fate. Aniska, too young to comprehend death, simply said, "Aman has a fever and hasn't woken up."

According to local customs, children under fifteen are traditionally buried. Aman's funeral was scheduled for the following morning by the river. Many Tzu Chi volunteers, upon hearing the news, decided to attend and offer their condolences. Sewing class participants also contributed funds to support the funeral arrangements. As Sharada's emotions gradually settled, she changed Aman into new trousers, lamenting, "I could never find trousers that fit Aman properly before..." She then dressed him in a fresh, neat shirt and carefully combed his hair, making it shiny with oil.

Enduring Hope and Lessons Learned

"It's heartbreaking, painful," Dr. Tang reflected, recalling his memories of Aman. He saw Aman as a "Bodhisattva," a benevolent presence in Lumbini whose suffering inspired a new chapter of transformation for the region. He prays that Aman would return to the world as a beloved young Bodhisattva. Hong Siew Ling (方繡凌) added, "Aman deeply touched every Tzu Chi volunteer. Because of him, more people came into contact with Buddhist teachings and Tzu Chi."

Lee Lay Hua (李麗華) shared, "Tzu Chi paved the ground for Aman, allowing him to walk on flat land. Watching him go from crawling to standing and walking on his own was very comforting. I hope he returns with a healthy body, born into a loving family." Kean Yee Khoo (邱建義) offered a poignant blessing: "May he return and be reborn into a happy family."

"Aman's clear, almost transparently innocent eyes are still etched in my memory, as if the dust of this world never settled on his heart," said Ong. "When we first arrived in Lumbini on May 2, 2022, Aman profoundly impacted everyone. He often had seizures, couldn't stand steadily, and couldn't express himself. His physical pain and spiritual loneliness intertwined in his small body."

Ong recalled Master Cheng Yen's guidance:

Starting with one child, we can initiate the transformation of a family, a village, and even a city.

Over three years, starting with Aman, Tzu Chi's efforts expanded to hundreds of families and entire communities, bringing significant changes to Lumbini. However, Tulsi Narayan Matang expressed sorrow: "Because of his blind mother, his father's mental illness, and his grandmother's insistence on traditional healing, distrusting Tzu Chi and discarding the medicine, such lack of knowledge and education contributed to Aman's passing."

Puja Khadka, a sewing class teacher, mourned: "Life is impermanent. The poor, at the end of their lives, often cannot even receive basic assistance, leaving the world with immense suffering, making death even more tragic. Therefore, even a small act of giving can bring comfort and relief to others."

As a medical professional, Nurse Bitisha Bhandari believes that holistic care, addressing both physical and mental well-being, is essential to prevent such tragedies from recurring: "Aman's death is a tragedy because his family lacked faith in modern medicine and turned to traditional healers. We must not only impart correct knowledge but also address deeply rooted superstitions."

As Aman's earthly journey ends, his story serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive support in vulnerable communities. His memory continues to inspire ongoing efforts to provide health, education, and hope, ensuring that others in Lumbini may find a path to a healthier, more stable future.

Written by Anish

Source: 啟動藍毘尼訪視 奶瓶男孩緣起不滅