The Tzu Chi team in Lumbini, Nepal has been actively promoting book clubs, to spread wisdom and understanding. In preparation for an afternoon book club, Tzu Chi volunteers Kua Liang Ming (郭糧鳴) from Malaysia and local volunteer Santosh Maurya visited the shops near the Tzu Chi center in the town. They warmly invited entrepreneurs and the public to attend the book club, where love and kindness overflow due to the strong bonds they have formed with the residents over the past year.
After a successful book club in a rural village on June 30, the volunteers continued their efforts on July 1 by organizing two exclusive book clubs for entrepreneurs and Tzu Chi youth at the Tzu Chi center in Lumbini. The two heartfelt sharing sessions, one after the other, filled the attendees with positive energy and nourished their minds with wisdom. The profound teachings touched their hearts -- love continued to flow in the Homeland of the Buddha.
Warmly Welcome
At noon, twenty-nine entrepreneurs and members of the public arrived as scheduled; the volunteers warmly welcomed them. They guided everyone to the reception room at the Tzu Chi Center, where they were greeted with a long table adorned with a variety of delicious vegetarian dishes, with enticing aromas. The volunteers donned aprons, headscarves, and masks, transforming themselves into serving staff; they provided top-quality service that exemplified Tzu Chi's humanistic values. They filled eco-friendly bowls with a delicious lunch for everyone.
"Let's enjoy this meal together before we begin our book club," Kua Liang Ming kindly addressed each person, expressing the heartfelt dedication of the volunteers. Through food and conversation, an instant connection was formed, creating a warm and lively atmosphere that felt like being in the comfort of home.
From a screen, the gentle and resolute melody of We Are Family flowed into the room. Through sign language and Nepali subtitles, the video showcased the past year's journey of Tzu Chi volunteers who have entered the villages of Lumbini; they have cared for those in need and spread love and warmth. Each scene brought back touching memories, setting the stage for the book club.
Local volunteers presented a theatrical performance titled The Contrasting Lives of the Poor and the Rich, conveying the profound meaning of finding contentment in adversity. It emphasized that true wealth lies in the richness of the spirit and that both poverty and prosperity originate from one's state of mind. The performance made everyone introspect deeply.
"Success in life requires having goals and continuously striving to get closer to them," local volunteer Kriti Gole shared her thoughts on Jing Si Aphorisms - "The Meaning of Life" with grace. Her message was not about complex Buddhist teachings but about finding inspiration and learning in everyday life. She emphasized the significance of adopting a mindset of gratitude and altruism in life -- the true essence of existence. Kriti encouraged entrepreneurs also to share their goals and secrets to success during the session.
Sharing Inspiration
"How can we save ourselves? We need to work very hard, and our demands are not extravagant; we simply want to lead a simple life." Love resonated within the hearts of those present as Raj Kumar, a tour guide, expressed his genuine aspirations. He said: "Buddhism teaches us many things, including doing good and helping others. However, our greed is hard to eliminate, and we often feel unhappy. But we can face life with a positive outlook."
Raj Kumar, with a sunny disposition, used his own life as an example to illustrate the importance of mindfulness. He shared his wish to become a tour guide, even though he had faced numerous rejections. Undeterred by adversity, he persevered and kept trying; he eventually succeeded in obtaining his tour guide license. With this skill, he has ensured a stable livelihood, and life's uncertainties are no longer a problem.
Ganga Ram Kohar also spoke earnestly: "Tzu Chi must cooperate with the Nepalese government to achieve its vision." He pointed out the current challenges and direction of the volunteers' efforts. In Nepal today, where the system is not well-established, promoting charitable work may be challenging; but the volunteers continue to move forward with determination. Now their efforts are being recognized, and the Tzu Chi team is growing stronger and larger.
Ramesh, who is willing to contribute, said: "I may not have time to join Tzu Chi, but I am willing to donate money to Tzu Chi to help those who are in greater need. The development of Lumbini's future relies on Tzu Chi's support." The warmth of helping others has started to spread.
Local volunteer Bishnu Gaud seized the opportunity to share Stories by the Master in the Nepali language; they instill the concepts of "past lives" and "karma" with true faith and mindfulness. Through stories depicting the sharp contrast between doing good and causing harm, positive thoughts took root in the hearts of those listening.
The enthusiastic discussions opened the hearts of everyone present, leaving them eager for more. Forming small circles, they continued to share their thoughts and positive reflections on what they could do and change. Love gradually entered their hearts, and the first book club for entrepreneurs came together, united by inspiration.
Youthful Enthusiasm
After bidding farewell to the entrepreneurs, a group of vibrant and energetic young people gathered in the reception room at 3 o'clock. The volunteers warmly welcomed them and served them a meal before heading to the main conference room for the book club. It was the inaugural Tzu Chi Youth book club, organized and run entirely by the young volunteers. Eighteen Tzu Chi youths took on various roles, from emceeing to handling audio controls and translating Stories Told by Dharma Master Cheng Yen Master all by themselves.
Pooja was the lead reader, while Sabita, with no prior experience, took the reins as the emcee. Encouraged and accompanied by Tzu Chi volunteer Lee Kam Yoke (李錦玉) from Malaysia, Sabita was fully prepared and appeared composed, showing no signs of stage fright.
The supporting volunteers, who had been engaged in charitable visits in the morning, seized the opportunity to bring Sonam Harijan, a beneficiary of Tzu Chi's educational assistance program, to the Tzu Chi center to participate in the book club. Klang Valley volunteer Zhu Li Feng (朱麗鳳) helped her put on an apron and a headscarf, guiding her through the kitchen preparations. During the consecutive book club sessions, Sonam quietly and obediently assisted, helping to serve fruit and snacks. During lunchtime, she assisted in preparing meals for the entrepreneurs. Her responsible and diligent presence touched the hearts of the volunteers.
The book club began with the familiar We Are Family, -- but this time all the accompanying volunteers joined in to support the Tzu Chi youths. Together, they performed sign language for this song that represents Tzu Chi's selfless love; they created a warm atmosphere like that of a loving family, a beacon of hope for the future generation.
The program continued with a play centered around kindness and love, featuring Tzu Chi youths Bidur and Sonam as participants. Despite her introverted nature, Sonam appeared entirely at ease, showing a remarkable poise that earned admiration from the volunteers. Roshan, who has many stage performances under his belt, interacted effortlessly with the audience; laughter echoed throughout the venue, spreading joy all around.
Lead reader Pooja spoke confidently and eloquently, captivating the audience with her seamless delivery. Despite her recent foot injury, Prakriti hobbled to the stage, determined to fulfill her duty. Her gentle and clear voice skillfully translated "Stories Told by Dharma Master Cheng Yen Master Cheng Yen," touching the hearts of everyone present.
The youthful enthusiasm and dedication displayed by the Tzu Chi Youth during the book club were truly commendable. They were a sign of a bright future as they take charge of their own journey in promoting kindness and love.
The Power of Youth
Through sign language performances, captivating plays, group discussions, and heartfelt exchanges, the Tzu Chi Youth session followed a standard procedure, entirely managed by the youths themselves. They led a group of like-minded young individuals on a journey to understand the principles of life.
"I've learned so much about kindness and good deeds here. When we accumulate good karma, we become happy individuals." Binita, who runs a vegetarian restaurant, the only one in Lumbini, is usually busy with schoolwork and rarely has time to participate in Tzu Chi's activities. Able to attend the book club that day, she sincerely felt that the teachings of doing good had enriched her heart.
Gauri Shankar also spoke confidently: "As long as we work hard, the future will undoubtedly be better." Her intelligence led her to understand: "Our past actions in previous lives determine the outcomes of this life. Helping others is not limited to donating money; even guiding a blind person across the street is an act of kindness and will bring about positive karmic rewards." Driven by a strong sense of unity, she sincerely said: "We must unite to achieve our goals because we are one family."
During the group sharing session, the participants were divided into three groups, led by Rabina, Prakriti, and Pooja, respectively, to share their feelings. One of the girls said: "She admires how Tzu Chi brings positive energy to Lumbini and contributes to education, much like guardian angels." She also hopes that everyone can invest their time and energy in doing good deeds, creating an endless cycle of kindness.
Love spread and touched everyone present, and the courage of the Tzu Chi Youth in taking responsibility has nurtured a growing abundance of benevolent thoughts in every heart. Malaysian Tzu Chi volunteers are convinced that, with sincere companionship and nurturing, the book club will be handed over to local volunteers for sustainable management in the future. This young force will be the guiding light to illuminate the future of Lumbini!
A Jing Si Aphorism says: “We learn by doing and grow by giving of ourselves.”
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Story by Goh Lam Kia, Wu Xiu-lin, and Wang Yu Chan | 2023/07/21
