The world of Tzu Chi March 2023 (Vol.145)

TZU CHI 145 27 take her to the Indian borders to get a new one. When Sonam received her new bicycle and key, her face lit up with joy as she exclaimed, “I can go to school tomorrow!” The volunteers’ care did not stop there. They continued to ensure that her other educational needs were met. When Sonam needed supplementary textbooks, they took her to the bookstore designated by the college to purchase them. Their kindness inspired the bookstore owner to donate some stationery to Sonam, much to the volunteers’ delight. They also accompanied Sonam to a tailoring shop to make her college uniforms. Their sincere assistance touched Sonam’s heart. Her earlier doubts were dispelled by now and she developed complete trust in Tzu Chi. Sonam’s father was simply amazed by the turn of events. He said, “I could not afford to send my daughter to college, and I thought there was no hope for her to further her studies. I did not expect foreigners to come and offer my daughter assistance.” He informed that Sonam wants to emulate the volunteers and sow the seeds of love in Lumbini. Sonam cherishes the affinities with the volunteers from abroad. For more than three months, the volunteers educated Sonam like their daughter, while Sonam treated them like her parents. When Sonam learned that the volunteers would soon return to Malaysia and Singapore, she gave each of them a warm hug to express her gratitude. “Mama (Tzu Chi volunteer), please do not leave! You are all good people. I will pray for you in my heart and send you my blessings.” As Sonamwaved her hands and watched the volunteers disappear into the distance, she wanted to etch them—her beacons of light—in her heart forever. In this vast and beautiful world, anything is possible if only we dare to dream and persevere. Editor’s Note: Driven by her compassionate aspiration to “work for Buddhism and for all sentient beings”, Master Cheng Yen has hoped to reinvigorate the spirit of Buddha’s teachings in the birthplace of Buddha, and help the local poor people. Since April and May 2022, Tzu Chi volunteers from Malaysia and Singapore have set foot in Lumbini to offer free medical services and carry out charity and education work. The mid and long-term plans include building schools and promoting the four major missions of Tzu Chi, and eventually helping the poor become self-reliant. As the morning mist cast a pale veil over Lumbini, Sonam braced herself against the piercing cold wind on her bicycle, determined to arrive at school by 6 a.m. [Photo by Yong Mun Fei]