Tzu Chi's Aid in Nepal
Bringing Buddhism Back to the Buddha’s Birthplace
Written By Ida Eva Zielinska
Published #77 | Summer 2025 Issue
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Through all these activities and projects, Tzu Chi volunteers are not only bringing tangible relief but also fulfilling Dharma Master Cheng Yen’s vow “to work for Buddhism and for all living beings.” In Nepal – the birthplace of the Buddha – Buddhism once flourished, yet today its presence is much diminished. According to Nepal’s 2021 Population Census, only 8.21% of the population identified as Buddhist, down from 9.04% in 2011.
This trend adds greater resonance to Tzu Chi’s presence in the region, where humanitarian aid goes hand in hand with the aspiration to rekindle the Buddha Dharma.
Having understood their needs, we must bring them aid. Only then can we encourage them to sow blessings and guide them to practice the Dharma. We should sincerely and earnestly call on all to follow the Buddha’s teachings.
One example of how Tzu Chi seamlessly unites tangible aid with Buddhist teachings was a book club organized by volunteers in June 2023. The team visited the home of Krishna Kohar, a Tzu Chi community volunteer in Amarganjuwa, a village in Lumbini Province, to assist his family and neighbors with rice planting. Afterward, all the villagers were invited to a book club the next day, where a wholesome vegetarian meal would be served following the session.
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Despite a downpour, 120 adults and children arrived. While the children were engaged in separate activities, the adults listened attentively as speakers shared Master Cheng Yen’s Dharma stories and Jing Si Aphorisms in the local Awadhi language. Through this, villagers were introduced to Buddhist wisdom and core teachings such as karma, reincarnation, and the Noble Eightfold Path, concepts that left a lasting impression.
After the successful book club in the village of Amarganjuwa, Tzu Chi volunteers continued their efforts in July by hosting two sessions at the Lumbini office: one for local entrepreneurs and another for youth.
To promote the first session, volunteers visited nearby shops and personally invited owners, staff, and passersby. Thanks to the warm relationships that had been established in the community since the office opened, many accepted, and 29 entrepreneurs and community members attended.
“Buddhism teaches us to do good and help others, but our greed can be difficult to let go,” shared Raj Kumar, a local tour guide. “Still, we can choose to face life positively.” Another participant, Ganga Ram Kohar, added, “I may not have time to join Tzu Chi, but I am willing to donate to help those in need. The future of Lumbini depends on Tzu Chi’s support.” The gathering radiated inspiration and goodwill.
The second session welcomed a vibrant group of young people for the first-ever Tzu Chi Youth book club, entirely organized and led by 18 local youth volunteers. “I’ve learned so much about kindness and good deeds here,” said Binata during the discussions. “When we accumulate good karma, we become happy individuals.” Another participant, Gauri Shankar, reflected, “Our past actions shape this life. Helping others isn’t only about donating money: Even guiding a blind person across the street is meaningful and brings good karma.”
Everyone attending the book clubs that day expressed hope for a brighter, more compassionate future in Lumbini, and was ready to do their part.
As long as we work hard, the future will undoubtedly be better. We must unite to achieve our goals because we are one family.
The Tzu Chi team in Lumbini will continue to actively promote book clubs to spread Buddhist wisdom and understanding. The goal is to hand the venture over to community volunteers in the future so the project can become fully sustainable.
Tzu Chi has also introduced its tradition of Buddha Day celebrations, which commemorate the Buddha’s Birthday, Mother’s Day, and Global Tzu Chi Day. The first was held on May 14, 2023, in front of the Maya Devi Temple in Lumbini and was synchronized with a live ceremony at Tzu Chi’s global headquarters in Hualien, Taiwan, streamed live for attendees in Nepal.
At the close of the auspicious event, Master Cheng Yen offered her heartfelt blessing: “May a universal Dharma rain moisten and nourish the Earth. May the Dharma be clear and refreshing! Let us pray together to dispel ignorance and annoyance, and to bring blessings to humankind.”
The following year, on May 12, 2024, around 200 Nepali students joined Tzu Chi volunteers for a moving Buddha Day ceremony at the Lumbini International Convention Center. The venue, which also serves as a meditation center, had itself been inaugurated on the Buddha’s Birth Anniversary in 2022.
As we have seen, Master Cheng Yen’s aspiration to bring both humanitarian relief and Buddhist wisdom to the Buddha’s birthplace has taken root and will continue to flourish, nourished by compassion in action.
