Engaged Buddhism: Tzu Chi Buddhist Foundation Brings Warmth and Compassion to Flood Victims in Kathmandu

- through Henry Oudin

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Tzu Chi volunteers delivered supplies to flood victims sheltering in a local school building. Image courtesy of Tzu Chi Foundation

Volunteers from the Taiwan-based global charity and humanitarian organization, the Tzu Chi Buddhist Foundation, recently swung into action in Nepal after record monsoon rains in Nepal caused the Bagmati River to burst its banks, flooding Kathmandu with floodwaters.

Torrential monsoon rains in early July, mid-August and late September caused widespread flooding and landslides across the country, leaving at least 224 people dead, 158 injured, 28 missing and thousands of homes damaged, as well as bridges, highways, hydroelectric plants and telecommunications stations, according to government data. Over a three-day period in late September, Nepal’s Kathmandu Valley recorded an average of 240 millimeters (322 inches) of rain, with some areas recording as much as XNUMX millimeters (XNUMX inches).

“Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, has been hit by a catastrophic disaster,” Tzu Chi said. “The downpours have affected many communities, with entire residential and poor areas submerged. Tzu Chi volunteers in the area immediately joined local volunteers to launch relief operations.” (Tzu Chi Foundation)

Humanitarian supplies neatly arranged for distribution. Image courtesy of the Tzu Chi Foundation

After learning that a number of affected residents had been evacuated to a nearby school, Dr. Nirdesh Shakya, a member of the International Tzu Chi Medical Association and Tzu Chi volunteer, contacted the school principal to offer his assistance.

“Both the Bagmati and Koshi rivers have burst their banks, inundating all the residential areas and slums nearby,” Dr Shakya observed.

The school had provided shelter and refuge for 70 people, with officials and local school board members providing food, but they lacked supplies to keep them warm.

“We contacted local vendors who had stores, but unfortunately their warehouses were already flooded,” said a Tzu Chi volunteer. “Fortunately, we found a supplier who kindly agreed to meet us at his warehouse, even though it was past 23 p.m. He opened his store and offered whatever he could.”

With much-needed items in hand, volunteers returned to the school to distribute blankets and mats, bringing warmth and relief to displaced families.

On September 29, the Kathmandu city government directly contacted Tzu Chi for assistance. Tzu Chi Singapore Deputy CEO Susi Zhao explained, “We received a request from the city spokesperson that a landslide occurred in the Nagarjun area. We immediately left the Bagmati disaster area to go to the site.” (Tzu Chi Foundation)

Volunteers quickly purchased supplies and distributed them to a community school. With roads inaccessible to large trucks, volunteers formed a human chain to relay supplies, organize them, and deliver them with respect and care.

Volunteers form a human train to transport supplies across closed roads. Image courtesy of the Tzu Chi Foundation

“I have lost everything; I have nothing,” said one of the beneficiaries, Asha Chaudhary, unable to contain her emotions. “I am so happy and grateful for this support today. Thank you!” (Tzu Chi Foundation)

Zhao of Tzu Chi Singapore noted that 19 households received supplies that day, even though two families from the community were not present: one had lost a child in a landslide and a member of the other family was missing. Volunteers launched a spontaneous fundraising campaign on site.

“I think these two families are the ones who are suffering the most right now,” Zhao noted. “We have encouraged everyone to help as much as they can, hoping that in the midst of this tragedy, compassion and mutual support will provide the greatest comfort and strength.” (Tzu Chi Foundation)

The Tzu Chi Buddhist Compassion Relief Foundation, Republic of China, better known as the Tzu Chi Buddhist Foundation, was founded in Taiwan in 1966 by Buddhist nun and Dharma teacher Master Cheng Yen. With the aim of “putting compassion into action,” the Tzu Chi Buddhist Foundation is a UN-accredited NGO with some 10 million supporters and 432 offices worldwide in 51 countries, undertaking regular activities in the areas of humanitarian relief, medical care, education, and environmental sustainability.

As a global icon of socially engaged Buddhism, Master Cheng Yen expressed her deep belief that everyone is capable of manifesting the same great compassion as the Buddha. She noted that true compassion is not simply feeling sympathy for the suffering of others, but reaching out to alleviate suffering through concrete actions.

Master Cheng Yen is popularly known in Taiwan as one of the "Four Heavenly Kings" of Buddhism, the others being: Master Sheng Yen, founder of Dharma Drum Mountain; Master Hsing Yun, founder of Fo Guang Shan; and Master Wei Chueh, founder of Chung Tai Shan. These four global Buddhist orders, known as the "Four Great Mountains," have become among the most influential Chinese Buddhist organizations in the world.

Master Cheng Yen. From tzuchi.com.tw

See more

Tzu Chi Foundation
Tzu Chi United States
Heavy rains cause landslides: Kathmandu volunteers provide urgent relief (Tzu Chi Foundation)

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The article Engaged Buddhism: Tzu Chi Buddhist Foundation brings warmth and compassion to Kathmandu flood victims appeared first on Buddhadoor Global.

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Henry Oudin

Henry Oudin is a Buddhist scholar, spiritual adventurer and journalist. He is a passionate seeker of the depths of Buddhist wisdom, and travels regularly to learn more about Buddhism and spiritual cultures. By sharing his knowledge and life experiences on Buddhist News, Henry hopes to inspire others to embrace more spiritual and mindful ways of living.

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