In the heart of Lumbini, Nepal, a family's journey of personal transformation and community service reflects the profound impact of compassionate action. What began with individual encounters with Tzu Chi's relief efforts has blossomed into a collective commitment, inspiring their neighbors and bringing tangible improvements to their community. This family's story highlights how dedication to service can not only uplift others but also bring about significant personal growth and a renewed sense of purpose.

A Home Transformed in Lumbini

Mohammed Ibrahim, who lives with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), faced daily challenges navigating his home. His mother, Atrun Nisha, struggled to push his wheelchair over uneven ground and doorsteps. Recognizing this need, Rishikesh Mourya, a Tzu Chi trainee volunteer overseeing the Anmei Stable Homes and Friendly Communities Initiative, mobilized his team. Over two days, they worked diligently to level the ground and install a smooth ramp at Mohammed's doorway.

"It was very touching to visit my old neighborhood," Rishikesh shared. "The uneven ground and thresholds made it very difficult for his mother, Atrun, to care for him. During the two days of construction, I asked her to bear with us a little longer. Now, seeing that she no longer has to exert so much effort, I feel truly grateful." This simple yet crucial improvement significantly eased Atrun's burden, allowing Mohammed greater mobility and comfort within his own home.

From Gambling to Giving

Rishikesh's elder brother, Santosh Mourya, also a Tzu Chi trainee volunteer, along with his wife, Uma Kumari Mourya, were simultaneously distributing aid in their local Ward 11. For the Mourya family, volunteering has become a way of life. Santosh assists with the upkeep of the Tzu Chi Lumbini campus, Uma manages the Loving-Kindness Kitchen, and Rishikesh leads the Anmei Initiative. Each contributes in their unique way, sharing their experiences and supporting one another.

Santosh's journey to service was one of profound change. Previously, as a drinking water distributor, his mornings were spent working, but his afternoons were often lost to gambling, causing his father, Santram Prasad Mourya, great worry. His turning point came in 2022 when a vehicle owner asked him to transport sewing machines for Tzu Chi from Bhairahawa to Lumbini. During the trip, Tzu Chi volunteers Raymond Kua (郭糧鳴) and Tulsi Narayan Matang learned that Santosh had worked in Malaysia and spoke Malay. They shared Tzu Chi's mission with him and invited him to provide drinking water for a four-day medical outreach event at the International Buddhist Society (IBS), Nepal.

Santosh, who had long supplied water to temples and assisted with distributions, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, was no stranger to helping. During the pandemic, an Australian monk had entrusted him with funds to distribute rice to COVID-19 patients. Hospitals, recognizing Santosh's name, would waive fees for patients, sending bills directly to him for the monk to cover.

In the winter of 2022, Tzu Chi planned to distribute shoes, school bags, and stationery to students in over thirty schools. Santosh was invited to help, but his friends initially doubted his intentions, suspecting he was profiting from Tzu Chi's funds. Disappointed, Santosh turned to his family for help. It was then that his friends began to believe in his selfless volunteering, and eventually, forty villagers joined Tzu Chi's introductory volunteer training at his invitation.

Upon understanding Tzu Chi's mission to "Give back to the Buddha's Homeland" in Lumbini, Santosh discussed with his family the possibility of offering their home for a community center. On June 18, 2024, the Tzu Chi Community Center (TCCC) was established on the ground floor of their residence. Master Cheng Yen expressed her joy, saying, "I am grateful to the Santosh family for providing a place for spiritual practice, which puts my mind at ease. I believe this affinity will allow this place to become a Bodhisattva training ground to give back to the Buddha's homeland."

Last year, Santosh, Uma, and Rishikesh began their certification training, dedicating their time to Tzu Chi, finally bringing peace of mind to their parents. Santosh, tearfully reflecting on his past, vowed to only engage in meaningful activities. He realized that wearing the Tzu Chi uniform commanded respect, reminding him to uphold the "Tzu Chi Ten Precepts" and embody the wisdom of Master Cheng Yen. He once believed that giving was only for the wealthy, but now understood Master Cheng Yen's teaching of "inspiring hearts, inspiring love," realizing that even small contributions can lead to great good, and that time and effort are equally valuable.

Santosh, who had once wondered how Master Cheng Yen could influence the world, found himself speechless and tearful upon meeting her. As he prepares for his certification in Taiwan at the end of the year, his only wish is to express gratitude for Master Cheng Yen's compassionate vow, which has brought blessings to Lumbini and transformed his family. He hopes Master Cheng Yen will continue to care for Lumbini, enabling everyone there to become better.

Empowering Women: Uma's Independence

Uma Kumari Mourya, Santosh's wife, also undergoing certification training, began her journey with Tzu Chi in late 2022 while accompanying her husband to school distributions. Witnessing Tzu Chi's care for the impoverished and sick, and their medical outreach at the International Buddhist Society clinic, inspired her to engage in charity work in the Buddha's birthplace.

Uma now manages the Tzu Chi Loving-Kindness Kitchen, where she and seven colleagues prepare over a hundred hot meals daily for the IBS clinic, the Kudabagar Early Childhood Development Center (ECD), and Tzu Chi staff and volunteers. Traditionally, Uma would wear a sari to the community center and change into her uniform, then change back before returning home. However, after her training, her life became simpler; she no longer felt the need to dress elaborately.

After the Tzu Chi Community Center was established on the ground floor of their home, Uma had the opportunity to offer tea to Master Cheng Yen via video link on July 19, 2024. Master Cheng Yen praised her virtuousness, bringing tears of joy to Uma. She recalled her mother's childhood prophecy that her daughter would grow up to be a good person, feeling that Master Cheng Yen's commendation echoed her mother's words.

Uma noted that many women in Nepal are traditionally discouraged from working outside the home by their fathers or husbands. She admitted her husband initially held similar views, but his perspective changed after she joined Tzu Chi. Her first salary came from Tzu Chi, and she learned to be independent, even daring to travel alone by plane. She believes her mother would be proud of her achievements.

Through her training, Uma learned the importance of respect and the "Four Forms of Conduct" of walking, standing, sitting, and lying down. She embraced a simpler lifestyle, reducing unnecessary expenses. Uma pledged to help fulfill Master Cheng Yen's aspiration to transform the Buddha's homeland and looks forward to contributing to the future Tzu Chi Lumbini campus.

Rishikesh's Dedication to Anmei Initiative

Rishikesh, a civil engineering graduate, now leads the Anmei Initiative. His involvement began in 2022 when his brother Santosh, transporting materials for Tzu Chi's simple homes, sought his engineering advice. Rishikesh joined in, helping to build a home for an elderly, neglected woman whose house was dilapidated.

It was then that he met Tzu Chi volunteer Teoh Paik Lim (張栢林), who explained that overseas volunteers self-funded their trips to Lumbini to serve. Witnessing the elderly woman's joyful smile upon moving into her new home deeply moved Rishikesh. He realized that if international volunteers could dedicate themselves to helping his community, he, as a local, should do even more. From that moment, he committed himself to Tzu Chi.

In the aftermath of the shallow magnitude 5.6 earthquake that struck Jajarkot County in western Nepal on November 3, 2023, causing at least 157 deaths and damaging thousands of homes, Rishikesh and Santosh traveled to the affected area to help build classrooms. There, Rishikesh saw a woman, carrying an infant under one year old, also assisting with the construction. He asked her why she was helping, as it wasn't her home. She replied, "Why did you come all this way to build a school? We are villagers. Soon, my children will receive an education and live happy lives." The villagers' collective effort deeply inspired Rishikesh.

Rishikesh believes that understanding Tzu Chi requires participating in its various programs. His year of training has deepened his understanding of Tzu Chi's humanistic culture, its operations, and the responsibilities of certified volunteers. He is resolute in his decision to pursue certification, stating,

This is why I decided to participate in the training, to contribute to improving society alongside everyone.

Rishikesh joyfully expressed his gratitude for Master Cheng Yen's teachings.

Although I was born in Lumbini, I knew nothing about the Dharma. It was through the training courses that I understood the Dharma and the Bodhisattva-path, which is not just charity work, but also spiritual work. It's about loving each other, caring for those in need, and even speaking kindly.

He eagerly anticipates meeting Master Cheng Yen in Taiwan, grateful for the opportunity to serve.

Even though Master cannot come to Lumbini, we have a responsibility to fulfill her wish to give back to the Buddha's homeland. I used to drive Tzu Chi's supplies to various project sites whenever I had time, just as overseas volunteers trusted me. I am happy to contribute, and I will do my best whenever there is a need.

This family in Lumbini, through their actions, is actively giving back to the Buddha's Homeland, leaving footprints of love and compassion throughout their community.

Written by Jennifer Pai (白如璐)

Source: 一家三口回臺受證 藍毘尼志工感恩上人悲願