Pi-O Kuo | India 

 July temperatures in Bodh Gaya, India, are no longer scorching hot and over 40°C, but the heat remains oppressive when there’s no rain. On the afternoon of July 13, students from grades 5 to 8 at Suryapura Middle School gathered in a long, narrow corridor, sitting on the floor to participate in a vegetarian promotion event organized by Tzu Chi volunteers. The sweltering corridor buzzed with excitement and warmth, as everyone’s clothes were drenched in sweat, and the atmosphere was filled with laughter. 

 Principal Invites Tzu Chi to Promote Vegetarianism 

 Since Tzu Chi volunteers arrived in Bodh Gaya in March 2023, the education team has been visiting Suryapura Middle School every week to promote Jing Si Aphorisms, which the children adore, fostering a strong bond between the volunteers and the students. Principal Bajnath Kumar, who has been a vegetarian for two years, observed Tzu Chi's effective promotion of vegetarianism and wanted the entire school to adopt a vegetarian diet, so he invited Tzu Chi to co-organize a vegetarian promotion event. 

On the afternoon of July 13, as volunteers arrived at the school, they were greeted with enthusiastic “Namaste” and high-fives from students coming from all directions, as if welcoming long-lost family members. 

The event began with local volunteer Deepak Kumar explaining the importance of vegetarianism to the students: “Animals are living beings too; they have parents and families. Hurting animals takes their lives away, making their families sad. So, we should not eat animals; we should be vegetarians.” 

The principal continued, “What Tzu Chi teaches students is wonderful. When you eat meat, you are more prone to many diseases. When you slaughter an animal, it’s like slaughtering a family member of that animal. So, we must give up non-vegetarian food. I want my school to be fully vegetarian, with no one eating chicken or meat. But I need everyone’s support. I believe we can achieve this one day!” 

The volunteers then performed a lively and educational skit. The story involved a little boy who wanted to eat meat on his birthday. His mother took him to a restaurant to order. When the chef prepared to kill a chicken, the chicken clucked, “We’re all friends; don’t kill me! I feel pain and will die!” The chef then approached a goat, which bleated, “Don’t kill me! Every animal is a friend, and we should love each other!” Finally, the chef turned to a dog, which barked, “We’re all friends; we should love one another and not harm animals!” The chef then told the boy, “I can’t bring myself to harm animals. I’ll prepare a delicious vegetarian meal to celebrate your birthday instead!” 

At this moment, a colorful array of vegetables gathered on stage, telling the boy, “We are nutritious and will help you have a healthy and meaningful birthday.” The volunteers’ vivid animal cries and gentle voices of the fruits and vegetables made the students burst into laughter. Deepak then asked the crowd, “Do you want to be vegetarians?” “Yes!” the students shouted in unison. 

 Adapting an Indian Folk Song into a Vegetarian Song 

Next, six students took the stage to sing a vegetarian song adapted from an Indian folk tune. The lyrics were inspired by Tzu Chi volunteers' visit to the school to perform the sign language play The Kneeling Lamb, which moved the teachers to write the lyrics. The students’ loud, clear voices sang, “...Tzu Chi says to be vegetarian, Tzu Chi says to be vegetarian, life is hard now, so be vegetarian!” The song brought the event to a new high. 

Student Rahul Kumar shared, “When I went to buy fish, the seller tied the fish up. I thought, if someone tied me up, it would be very painful for me, so it must be painful for them, too. That’s why I hate eating any animal meat.” 

“Since June, Tzu Chi volunteers have told us that we shouldn’t eat animals and should be vegetarians,” said Rahul Kumar. “In this class, I’ve learned many benefits of being vegetarian. With a vegetarian diet, we get protein, calcium, vitamins, and iodine, which give us energy and keep us healthy. So, we should be vegetarians.” 

Student Radhika Kumari also shared, “I’ve been a vegetarian since I was a child and have never eaten meat. There are many benefits to being vegetarian; it gives us energy and helps us grow tall.” 

Radhika’s mother loved the performance, saying, “Vegetables are very good for the body. Radhika has never eaten animals; she’s been a vegetarian all her life. Thank you for teaching her so well. The children received an excellent education today—not to eat non-vegetarian food, but to be vegetarians. This event was wonderful and should continue.” 

Transforming the Buddha’s Homeland: Education on Multiple Fronts 

Since Tzu Chi volunteers arrived in Bodh Gaya, the education team has launched various teaching initiatives. In the schools, Jing Si Aphorisms are taught weekly in ten schools, cultivating the students’ ability to think critically. Volunteers also share the unique aspects of Jing Si Aphorism teachings with schoolteachers, promoting Master Cheng Yen's educational philosophy and Tzu Chi’s humanistic values, while advancing character education. The goal is to nurture a positive and proactive attitude toward life from a young age. 

In vocational training, English classes are held from Monday to Friday, enhancing villagers’ language skills and global awareness. Computer classes are also held from Monday to Friday, teaching computer skills. Three sewing classes, running from Monday to Saturday, equip women with sewing skills. These three vocational training classes teach villagers valuable skills, empowering them to earn a livelihood. 

Additionally, Ganga Bigha Village tutoring classes are held in the evenings from Monday to Saturday, helping children who struggle with English and math. All these courses incorporate Tzu Chi’s spirit and humanistic values, promoting vegetarianism and cultivating compassion, with the hope of changing the children's life attitudes from a young age, setting them on a more diligent and positive life path, and bringing about a transformation in their lives starting from this generation.