In the heart of Lumbini, Nepal, at the Madhubani Community Learning Center, a quiet transformation is taking place. Eighteen young children sit attentively, their eyes fixed on their teacher, Rekha Chaudhary. The walls around them are adorned with colorful posters and learning corners, filled with educational materials meticulously crafted by Rekha herself, an environment that fosters a unique atmosphere of learning and growth.
LEFT: Rekha (left rear) holds up a plastic bottle and tells the children: "Save your pocket money and put it into the 'bamboo bank.' Small change can do great good, and Tzu Chi will use it to help those in need." RIGHT: After visiting Taiwan and witnessing Tzu Chi teachers' loving and patient approach, Rekha (left) changed her quick temper. She now patiently guides her students, much to the delight of their parents. | Photos: Ramesh
Nurturing seeds of kindness
Rekha introduces the children to the spirit of the "bamboo bank." Holding up a plastic bottle, she explains how saving small amounts of pocket money when contributed can accumulate into significant aid for those in need, just as Tzu Chi has supported their kindergarten. Inspired by her words, the children eagerly approach, rolling up their paper money and depositing it into the bottle.
Soo-Lee Teh (鄭素麗), a Tzu Chi Teachers' Association volunteer from Malaysia visiting the center, was deeply impressed. "In Tzu Chi schools or international schools, learning corners are common, allowing children to explore independently after finishing their homework. But Rekha's handmade materials are truly special. She creates beautiful drawings and tactile books with elements like cotton clouds for children to feel. Her maze game, where children earn a flower for completing it, is entirely aligned with modern education. It's inspiring to see how she applies what she learned from the Teachers' Association training, ensuring these children in Nepal don't miss out on learning opportunities."
A path to compassion
Rekha's journey to becoming an educator and a compassionate helper was marked by personal challenges. After attending a Buddhist school, she switched to management studies but had to drop out in 12th grade due to her family's financial difficulties. After marriage, she moved back to her parents' home to support them.
She later became an Early Childhood Development (ECD) teacher at Lumbini Gyan Prabha Basic School. Four years later, she joined the Multi-Stakeholder Forestry Program as a trainer, traveling to various villages. Witnessing the poverty and helplessness of many people deeply moved her, sparking a desire for someone to alleviate their suffering.
Despite her family responsibilities, Rekha persevered in her university studies. When the forestry program ended, leaving her unemployed, Manoj Dhawal recommended her for a training position at the Madhubani Community Learning Center, allowing her to continue supporting her family.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought further disruption, forcing the learning center and many other institutions to close. It was during this time that Rekha first encountered Tzu Chi. The International Buddhist Society, Nepal, founded by Bhikkhu Maitri, partnered with Tzu Chi to distribute food to vulnerable families. Rekha participated in these distributions and was struck by Tzu Chi's unique approach. Unlike other charitable organizations, Tzu Chi volunteers delved deep into communities, providing direct and targeted assistance. Their dignified demeanor and familial warmth resonated with Rekha, making her realize that Tzu Chi embodied the true path she had sought in her Buddhist studies.
Meow Hong Lee (李妙紅), a Tzu Chi medical volunteer from Malaysia, recalls Rekha's dedication during the pandemic. Rekha helped organize women to sew cloth masks at the Madhubani Community Learning Center. Later, when Tzu Chi provided hot meals for patients at the International Buddhist Society Clinic, Rekha not only assisted before her classes but also arranged for her two chef brothers to take turns cooking. She readily supported community health education, demonstrating a gentle humility and a willingness to take on responsibility.
With Tzu Chi's support, the Madhubani Community Learning Center reopened, and Rekha resumed her role as an ECD teacher while completing her university degree. The continuous care from Tzu Chi volunteers deeply touched her, inspiring her to become a volunteer herself. After Tzu Chi established its office in Lumbini in August 2022, Rekha frequently volunteered as a translator during distributions.
LEFT: During the pandemic, Bhikkhu Maitri promoted the sewing of cloth masks at the Madhubani Community Learning Center. Rekha (right) helped gather women and participated in sewing the masks. RIGHT: Rekha (left) frequently participates in Tzu Chi distributions, serving as a translator. | Photos: Meow Hong Lee
Embracing Master Cheng Yen's teachings
"Jing Si Aphorisms are a guiding light on my life's journey," Rekha shares. "After studying them, I understood Master Cheng Yen's teachings more deeply and grasped the meaning of life. I hoped to meet the great Master in person." Her wish came true in 2024 when she traveled to Taiwan with the Teachers' Association. Despite initial setbacks and a lack of time, which brought her to tears, she eventually had the opportunity to express her gratitude to Master Cheng Yen. Overwhelmed with emotion, Rekha thanked Master Cheng Yen for her wisdom and compassion, which embraces all humanity. She vowed to become a Tzu Chi commissioner, never to waver, and committed herself to helping Nepalese youth who have lost their way.
LEFT: Rekha (second right) participates in a volunteer training class. | Photo: Bishnu RIGHT: Rekha (center) learns sign language during volunteer training. | Photo: Amarkesh
Initially believing herself to be a good teacher, Rekha witnessed the loving and patient approach of Tzu Chi teachers during her visit to Taiwan. Upon her return, she diligently worked to change her quick temper, incorporating Tzu Chi illustrated books into her lessons to teach children respect for parents, gratitude, and household chores. This new approach brought immense joy to the parents.
Just as her life was stabilizing, Rekha's brother suffered a severe accident, leaving his right arm almost disabled. The family's finances plunged into crisis, and a heavy atmosphere settled over their home. Rekha, however, found strength in Jing Si Aphorisms, reading them daily and remembering Master Cheng Yen's teachings to view challenges as opportunities for growth. She resolved to follow the Master's example of unwavering determination.
Perhaps I knew Master Cheng Yen in a past life, which is why I can continue this connection in this life and follow her path.
—Rekha Chaudhary
Now serving as the head of the third charity group, Rekha dedicates herself to home visits, assisting the poor and vulnerable. She pledges to walk the Bodhisattva path for all her lives, fulfilling Master Cheng Yen's aspiration to give back to the Buddha's homeland.
LEFT: Rekha (second right) participates in home visits, helping the poor and vulnerable. | Photo: Bishnu RIGHT: Rekha (back) assists with translation during a health seminar at the Madhubani Community Learning Center. | Photo: Amarkesh
Written by Jennifer Pai (白如璐)
