By Gui-Wen Yang 

Preparing for a Season of Giving 

As the year-end blessing event approaches on January 5, 2025, the Tzu Chi Center in Bodh Gaya has set a goal to create at least 500 bamboo banks. The project encourages participants to embrace the spirit of “small contributions, great acts of kindness,” fostering a culture of mutual support and compassion. 

For Lalita Devi, a single mother of three and a recipient of Tzu Chi aid, the bamboo banks carry a profound meaning. “It doesn’t take much money—saving a little every day can help others. Tzu Chi helped us, and now I want to help others too,” she said with a smile while skillfully labeling the bamboo banks. 

Creating Bonds Through Crafting 

On December 20, sewing and computer class students gathered to label and decorate bamboo banks with phrases like “Bamboo Bank Era” and Jing Si aphorisms. Lalita, along with 30 other students, contributed to the creation of 315 bamboo banks in just three hours. Despite initial challenges, students found joy and a sense of accomplishment in their work. 

Computer class student Sonam Kumari shared her enthusiasm: “Learning to make these bamboo banks was exciting. It’s amazing to see how something so small can carry so much love.” 

Volunteer Jen Len Lee patiently demonstrated the intricate steps of decorating the bamboo banks, from wrapping strings to tying perfect bows. Sewing teacher Rekha Devi contributed by precisely cutting green fabric for the covers, ensuring every detail was handled with care. 

Inspiring a Cycle of Giving 

Malaysian volunteer Ah Moi Yaw introduced students to the history of the Bamboo Bank Era, explaining how Tzu Chi founder Master Cheng Yen encouraged 30 housewives to save 50 cents TWD (about 2 cents USD) daily to help those in need. Over 50 years later, the practice has grown into a global movement. 

Hearing these stories inspired participants like computer class student Shaghil Amman, who plans to take a bamboo bank home after the year-end blessing. “I want to save money with my family to help others. It feels good to know that even small efforts can make a difference,” he said. 

Building Confidence and Connection 

Throughout the activity, volunteers provided guidance and encouragement. When a sewing class student mistakenly placed a sticker upside down, Saw-Keow Teh from Malaysia, offered gentle reassurance: “It’s okay, you’ll do better next time.” Her kind words boosted the student’s confidence, reflecting the collaborative spirit of the event. 

This collaborative effort brought together individuals from diverse backgrounds, united by a shared goal of helping others. For many, like Lalita and Shaghil, the bamboo banks symbolized more than just an activity—they represented hope, resilience, and the power of collective compassion.  

Lighting Up Lives in Bodh Gaya 

The bamboo bank initiative continues to inspire residents of Bodh Gaya to give back, even in small ways. Sewing class students like Lalita, juggling family responsibilities, and computer students like Shaghil, eager to involve their families, exemplify the transformative impact of compassion in action. 

As the year-end blessing ceremony approaches, these handmade bamboo banks carry not only donations but also the heartfelt stories of those who crafted them, proving that love and hope can indeed light up the darkest corners of the world.