Giving Back to the Buddha’s Homeland
The history of Tzu Chi volunteers from Singapore participating in international disaster relief dates back to 1993.
In August 1993, continuous heavy rainfall in Nepal led to widespread flooding, affecting 33 districts and displacing nearly 400,000 residents. Tzu Chi Singapore volunteer Lu Jian An (Dharma name: Ji Shi) along with senior staff Xu Xiangming, Ho Ching-Chih and others from Tzu Chi Foundation in Taiwan, entered the disaster area to assess the situation and survey five sites for reconstruction. This marked the first time that Tzu Chi volunteers set foot in the Buddha’s homeland. They initiated the construction of 1,800 Great Love Houses to aid those affected.
In 2015, Nepal experienced a powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.8. Tzu Chi once again returned to Nepal for disaster relief and continued charitable and poverty alleviation work in the aftermath. In 2022, Tzu Chi volunteers from Singapore officially joined the working team in Nepal (and later in the Ganges River region of India). They took turns with Malaysian volunteers to be stationed there, caring for and promoting local affairs.
In November 2022 and July of the following year, Tzu Chi was officially registered as an international non-governmental organisation in India and Nepal, respectively.
"I have always harboured the wish to give back to the Buddha’s homeland; poverty is a significant concern in the region and requires someone to initiate change, cultivate the land, and sow seeds of kindness. I am grateful for the great aspirations of Tzu Chi volunteers from Singapore and Malaysia, who, with a shared commitment, have been continuously travelling to Nepal and India over the past two to three years. Engaging in charitable, medical, and educational activities, they have also started sewing classes for women in the villages. Progressing steadfastly with sincerity and dedication." ~ Master Cheng Yen (August 2023)
In the ancient Buddhist lands of Kathmandu, Lumbini and Gaya in Nepal, as well as Varanasi and Bodh Gaya in India, Tzu Chi volunteers from Singapore and Malaysia are entering villages, delving deep into the care of people's livelihoods. They collaborate with government agencies, community organisations, Buddhist groups, schools, and businesses to enhance the lives of the local population through charitable, medical and educational initiatives.
Additionally, Tzu Chi volunteers uphold the earnest hope of Master Cheng Yen, aiming to propagate the true teachings of Buddhism and bring them back to the birthplace of the Buddha.
