For many, a stable job and a comfortable home define a well-planned life. For Mun-Fei Yong (楊文輝), a Malaysian volunteer, life took an unexpected turn when a single promise led him far from home, into the heart of India and Nepal. With a camera in hand, he set out not only to document the transformation of others but also to discover a new purpose for himself.

A Mother’s Legacy and the Seeds of Compassion

Yong’s journey began long before he ever picked up a camera. Raised by a mother whose kindness and generosity left a deep impression, he learned early on the importance of helping others. After losing his mother at nineteen, followed by the passing of other close family members, Yong found solace in Buddhism. He even had images of the Buddha and Guanyin Bodhisattva tattooed on his arm—a daily reminder to continue his mother’s legacy of compassion.

A chance encounter with a pocket-sized book of Jing Si Aphorisms during a working holiday in the UK became a source of comfort. Upon returning to Malaysia, Yong sought out a community where he could rekindle the warmth of human connection. This search led him to Tzu Chi, where he found not only a place to serve but also a new family.

Answering the Call to the Buddha’s Homeland

Yong's life as a volunteer was fulfilling yet predictable until the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted his work. When he learned that volunteers from Malaysia and Singapore were heading to Lumbini, Nepal—the birthplace of the Buddha—to help local communities, he felt a calling. Initially hesitant due to health concerns, Yong’s resolve was strengthened by the passing of a fellow volunteer, Hu Yong-Xiong (胡永雄). At Hu’s memorial, Yong made a vow: to continue Hu’s unfinished mission of documenting the work in the Buddha’s homeland.

Armed with medication for motion sickness and a determined heart, Yong joined the team in Nepal. Despite the challenges of adapting to a new environment, he persevered. Soon after, he was invited to Bodh Gaya, India, where he would spend over a year and a half capturing the early days of Tzu Chi’s work in the region.

Witnessing Hardship, Inspiring Hope

Through his lens, Yong documented the realities faced by local communities: children attending school barefoot, sitting on dirt floors, or learning under trees; families living in fragile huts vulnerable to rain and wind; and women struggling for opportunities. Volunteers worked alongside these communities, repairing schools, providing desks and chairs, distributing shoes, uniforms, and nutritious meals, and encouraging children to return to school.

Yong’s camera also captured the transformation of lives: a young girl with a neck tumor receiving support to seek medical care; a boy with polio finally able to study at a desk; and women learning sewing skills to support their families. In Silaunja Village, volunteers helped build sturdy homes for families who had only known leaky, unsafe huts. The joy on the faces of new homeowners was a testament to the power of collective effort.

Learning from the Land and Its People

Yong’s journey was not without hardship. He braved extreme heat, unfamiliar food, and the challenges of communication in a foreign language. Yet, every difficulty became a lesson in resilience and empathy. He witnessed the deep-rooted gender inequalities in some communities, where women and girls ate only after the men had finished, often late at night. These experiences deepened his understanding of the importance of education and empowerment.

He also learned from the children he met. During interviews under the scorching sun, children would instinctively shade him and his translator with a cloth, a simple act of kindness that left a lasting impression. Inspired by the teachings in the Sutra of Infinite Meanings, Yong realized that everyone has the capacity for goodness, and that even small acts—like donating a single rupee—can plant seeds of compassion.

Passing on the Torch: Empowering Local Volunteers

Beyond documenting, Yong dedicated himself to training local volunteers in photography and storytelling. He shared his experiences and techniques, hoping to inspire others to continue recording the stories of their communities. Through this, he saw his own growth, not just as a documentation volunteer, but as someone learning to communicate, coordinate, and lead.

A Path Forward, Without Regret

After more than two years in India and Nepal, Mun-Fei Yong reflects on his journey with gratitude. He has witnessed the birth of new beginnings, the resilience of communities, and the blossoming of hope. Through his camera, he has preserved not only the struggles but also the smiles and the spirit of those he met.

For Yong, the path of compassion is one he will continue to walk, never looking back. His story is a reminder that even the smallest acts, when done with sincerity, can change lives—both for those who give and those who receive.

Written by Jin-Xiang Chen (陳金香).

Source: 用鏡頭記錄愛 楊文輝走一條不尋常的路