In a landmark demonstration of Buddhist compassion transcending traditions and national boundaries, three U.S. nonprofits, the True Buddha Dharma Academy, Great Compassion Fund, Dharma Propagation NPO, together with Japan’s Meritorious Deeds Organization launched the cross-border initiative titled Compassionate Deliverance & Journey of Gratitude. Spanning Japan and Nepal, the mission brought temple support, scripture donations, animal rescue, food relief, and medical outreach, infusing this year’s Vesak season with renewed humanitarian depth.
The journey began in late April with financial support to the Lifeboat Animal Shelter in Chiba, Japan. For over two decades, Lifeboat Animal Shelter has saved more than 20,000 dogs and cats from euthanasia. Dharma Master Zhikai, Director of the True Buddha Dharma Academy, and Acharya Entsū, Chief Priest of Daitakesan Kudoku-ji Temple, a Daishi-Kyokai Branch of Koyasan Shingon Buddhism, delivered aid and reaffirmed the Buddhist commitment to protect all sentient beings.
In early May, the delegation inaugurated its Nepal program at Karuna Vihara, funding a new dormitory for resident young nuns. Dharma Master Zhikai and Acharya Entsū practiced Dharma to beseech blessings from Buddhas and Bodhisattvas and pray that Karuna Vihara may receive the continued donation. The Abbess Chandrasila Guruma expressed heartfelt gratitude for the support.
The team then visited Nagarjuna Institute of Buddhist Studies (NIBS), donating Chinese editions of Expounding the Absolute Truth Through the Heart Sutra by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III and the Yogacarabhumi Sastra, while also extending financial aid to NIBS, a Nyingma lama, and eight Newar bhikkhunis. Professor Milan Shakya, Director of NIBS, noted that the “Great Compassion Fund” was established to fulfill the vision of his late father, Professor Min Bahadur Shakya, who devoted his life to serving those in need. He added that he and his brother, Professor Miroj Shakya, CEO of the Great Compassion Fund, would continue its mission and commitment to charitable service.
On May 9, the team arrived in Lumbini, the birthplace of Shakyamuni Buddha, where they distributed food and daily necessities to more than 200 low-income households. Professor Miroj Shakya emphasized that compassion must be expressed through concrete action. Deputy Mayor Kalpana Harijan and local officials expressed appreciation. The delegation then visited the Royal Thai Monastery, where they jointly sponsored the Cataract Relief Project through donations supporting eye-care services for 200 elderly patients. They later visited Gautami Vihara to offer tuition support for seven young nuns.
That same afternoon, the delegation visited Lumbini Buddhist University at the invitation of Professor Indra Prasad Kafle. Dharma Master Zhikai donated major Chinese Buddhist texts, including Expounding the Absolute Truth Through the Heart Sutra, the Agama, the Avatamsaka Sutra, and the Yogacarabhumi Sastra, to the university library. The donation was formally received by Principal of Central College Professor Daya Ram Gautam, Professor Indra Prasad Kafle, and visiting scholar Arvind Singh.
In addition, the True Buddha Dharma Academy and the Meritorious Deeds Organization contributed 100,000 Nepalese rupees in scholarships to support more than 80 monastic students. This donation eased financial burdens and strengthened Buddhist education at the Buddha’s birthplace, helping train future scholars and practitioners.
The Compassionate Deliverance & Journey of Gratitude mission extended aid to more than 50 monks and nuns, 200 families, and 200 elders, while donating scriptures to NIBS and Lumbini Buddhist University and supporting animal rescue efforts in Japan. By bringing together diverse Buddhist communities across borders, the initiative demonstrated the strength of compassion in relieving suffering and inspiring hope. Although this mission has concluded, the partner organizations pledged to continue their work, with the aspiration that the light of the Dharma and the spirit of compassion may continue to reach those in need.
