In November 2022, the Tzu Chi Foundation achieved a significant milestone by registering as a Non-Profit Organization (NPO) in India. This accomplishment paved the way for the establishment on September 13, 2023 of a Tzu Chi Office in Bodhgaya, Bihar state in Eastern India, where Buddha attained enlightenment. The inauguration of the office was a momentous occasion, graced by the presence of Foundation Vice President Ms. Jing Xian Lin (林靜憪).

Bodhgaya, India is located 3,703 kilometers away from the Tzu Chi Headquarters in Hualien in east Taiwan, but the two share the same latitude. The newly established office aims to provide not only accommodation and sustenance for volunteers but also be a place for communal activities and training. Furthermore, it aims to become a "functional training station" to empower local residents with valuable skills to enhance their quality of life.

Ms. Lin visited Bodhgaya on February 11, 2023. The following day, with Tzu Chi volunteers from Singapore and Malaysia, she ventured to Silaunja Village on February 13 to observe children's lessons conducted under the shade of a giant tree. Drawing from their successful experience in teaching Jing Si Aphorisms in Lumbini, the team decided to replicate this educational initiative in Bodhgaya. The Malaysian education team arrived in Bodhgaya on March 11th and started their mission by visiting the government school in Silaunja on March 12th.

The dedicated volunteer team extended their efforts to Bakraur, initiating the first charity program in Bodhgaya. Recognizing the limited access to healthcare of local residents, they launched a medical volunteer program in June; they conducted health checkups to better understand the health challenges faced by villagers. Thus Tzu Chi combined its four major missions in Bodhgaya: charity, healthcare, education, and humanities.

Previously, overseas volunteers had to stay in hotels when they visited Bodhgaya. However, owing to its status as a revered Buddhist pilgrimage site, finding suitable accommodations became increasingly challenging due to the influx of tourists. To facilitate the expansion of Tzu Chi's work in Bodhgaya, establishing an office was imperative. This office will serve as a hub for volunteers to promote their work and will also offer them a peaceful retreat for rest.

After thorough searches for suitable accommodation, the volunteers decided to rent Bodhi Stay, conveniently located near the Mahabodhi Temple. With this, the Tzu Chi Bodhgaya Office was officially established.

On September 13, Ms. Lin presided over the opening ceremony of the Tzu Chi Bodhgaya Office. In her heartfelt speech, she commended the Tzu Chi volunteers from Singapore and Malaysia for their remarkable accomplishments within a short space of time. She acknowledged the challenges faced by the local population, and emphasized the importance of spreading the Dharma in Bodhgaya to provide hope and enlightenment to those in need. Though the office may be modest in size, it symbolizes a "home" for Tzu Chi's noble mission.

Sio Kee-Hong (蘇祈逢), a dedicated Malaysian volunteer stationed in Bodhgaya since February, expressed his gratitude for finding his "spiritual home" after months of hard work. He vowed to accompany all volunteers on their journey to make Bodhgaya a pure land of Buddha, without dropouts and beggars.

The journey to establish Tzu Chi Office in Bodhgaya is a testament to the Tzu Chi’s unwavering commitment to making the world a better place through charity, healthcare, education, and humanity. This inspiring tale reminds us that, by working together, we can bring about positive change and transform lives.

Join Tzu Chi. Let us make our world a better place.

Story by Wei Yu Xian;
Photographs: Chen Li-xue, Deng Yi-shuan