The air was still thick with the dampness of a recent rainstorm when a group of dedicated individuals began their ascent up Vulture Peak in India. Under a dark sky blanketed with stars, they navigated the wet mountain paths at one o'clock in the morning. Their destination was the historic site where the Buddha is believed to have delivered many of his teachings. Here, local villagers, youth, and monastics prepared to gather for a solemn celebration. May 10 marked a confluence of significant events: Buddha Day, Mother's Day, and Global Tzu Chi Day, alongside the 60th anniversary of Tzu Chi as well as Master Cheng Yen’s 90th birthday.
A pre-dawn gathering
By 3:40 a.m., monastics and volunteers had safely reached the summit. Nuns from the Sangha Mitra Institute led the growing assembly in reciting the second chapter of the Sutra of Infinite Meanings in Hindi, their voices echoing peacefully through the quiet valley.
At 4:25 a.m. local time, the attendees connected online with an international ceremony, uniting 26 monastics and 50 staff members in a synchronized moment of reflection.
The gathering provided an opportunity for local religious leaders to reflect on the impact of community service in the region. Dr. Dhammaratana, attending from the Chinese Buddhist Temple Nalanda, observed how Tzu Chi’s charitable actions align with core Buddhist principles of contributing to the welfare of society.
This is not just the Buddha's land, but an important place for propagating the Buddha's teachings. We should give the Buddha's spirit of compassion back to the people of this land.— Dr. Dhammaratana, Monastic from the Chinese Buddhist Temple Nalanda
Community engagement and reflection
As dawn broke, the second phase of the celebration began, welcoming residents from Badripur and neighboring villages. More than 300 villagers made the early morning trek up Vulture Peak, taking turns to participate in the tranquil ceremony. Their strong presence highlighted a growing connection between the organization and the local rural communities. Abhishek Kumar Gunjan, a local volunteer, noted that continuous community outreach has built strong relationships and trust among the residents.
They feel that Tzu Chi has truly walked into the village and treats everyone as family.— Abhishek Kumar Gunjan, Local Volunteer
For many local youths, the event was a chance to connect with their heritage and broader humanitarian values. Wimaldev, a student at Nalanda University, attended the Vulture Peak gathering for the second time. He expressed his appreciation for the global efforts in providing medical care, education, and relief, seeing them as practical applications of empathy and care.
Being with Tzu Chi volunteers makes me feel very blessed and touched.— Wimaldev, Student at Nalanda University
From the starlit climb in the early hours to the peaceful morning ceremony with hundreds of villagers, the event at Vulture Peak demonstrated the power of community action. Through shared reverence and a commitment to helping others, residents and volunteers alike reaffirmed their dedication to bringing positive, practical changes to the land where the Buddha once taught as well as serving as a profound testament to Tzu Chi’s 60th year.
Written by Cheng-Hsuan Wang (王承瑄)
Edited by Yu-Chen Pan (潘俞臻)
