Inside the kitchen, Mrs. Cakra (right) is guiding the trainees, demonstrating each step of the soap-making process. (Photo by Huang Hui-Wan; Lumbini, Nepal; 2023/8/27)

On August 25, during the second day of the course, the students eagerly ventured into the kitchen of Tzu Chi Center, ready to immerse themselves in the art of soap-making. The task at hand, however, began with an unexpected lesson in personal hygiene and cleanliness, a prerequisite for crafting soap as pure as their intentions.

For the women, most of whom had never set foot in a factory environment, the day's journey began by donning masks and hoods and thoroughly washing their hands. The teacher's guidance was clear – the kitchen should remain relatively uncluttered, not only to cope with the soaring temperature but also to maintain the pristine nature of the soap-making process.

Mrs. Cakra, their instructor, started the lesson by demonstrating the precise blend of coconut oil with spice powder, followed by the careful melting of 100 grams of soap base using an induction oven. With practiced grace, the fragrant oil was then seamlessly incorporated into the melted soap base before being poured into a pristine white silicone mold, capable of yielding twelve bars of soap within an hour.

Infusing aromatic oils into the melted soap base, then pouring it into white silicone molds yields approximately twelve soap bars in just about an hour. (Photo by Huang Hui-Wan; Lumbini, Nepal; 2023/8/27)

The green soap is made from the leaves of the neem tree, a much-needed local cleansing product due to the antimicrobial properties of the leaf extracts; they are often used to reduce dental plaque and treat lice. After the demonstration, the trainees were invited to make their own soap, starting from measuring the materials and making a dish of soap step by step. In the face of the fresh handmade soap, everyone was apprehensive but could not stop themselves from eagerly wanting to learn.

Among the trainees, Bindrawati, aged 38, stood out as a remarkable example of perseverance and determination. She had arrived at the Tzu Chi Center hours before her afternoon class, and joined the noon prayer session. Unfamiliar with the surroundings and unaccustomed to carrying a kettle, and unfamiliar with the environment, she waited patiently for the class to begin.

Over time, the volunteers grew increasingly concerned about Bindrawati's well-being, noting that she had not eaten nor drunk any water. When they asked, they confirmed her predicament. It was Mamta, a compassionate volunteer, who stepped forward, offering her own kettle and a simple meal of bread.

As they shared this humble meal, the volunteers learned more about Bindrawati's extraordinary journey. She was a mother of ten children, six of whom had tragically passed away at a young age. Uneducated and primarily a goat herder, she had overcome countless obstacles for the sake of her surviving children, using unparalleled courage and resilience.

The handmade soup with a woman’s image printed on it and the words “Handcrafted in Lumbini, Tzu Chi.” This symbolizes the strength of these Lumbini women, who are gradually developing their confidence through love. (Photo by Huang Hui-Wan; Lumbini, Nepal; 2023/8/28)
In this heartwarming story, the lesson from a Jing Si Aphorism resonated deeply: “Nothing is impossible with confidence, perseverance, and courage.”

Indeed, within the walls of the Tzu Chi Center, these women had discovered not only the art of soap-making but also the boundless potential with themselves to overcome adversity, united by the transformative power of hope, education, and compassion.

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Story by Yang Wen-Ting, Hsieh Chien-Yi, Wu Hsiu-Ling, Huang Hu-Wan, and Liao Yuet-Hung