Posted to Sister Zeph’s Journal
By Sister Zeph
On 20 September, 2015
Rhea is one of our young students, and I have a special fondness for her infectious smile. Her innocence radiates from her face, making her a truly beautiful soul. Each day, she arrives at our academy without a school bag, wearing worn-out shoes and clothes handed down to her by the lady she works for as a dishwasher.
Rhea’s struggles mirror those faced by many girls in our culture. She is one of seven sisters, and her parents hope for a son, as they already have one. Their living conditions are far from ideal, residing in a modest mud and wood dwelling without electricity or clean water. Her father, burdened by a debt of Rs: 100,000 from his younger brother’s wedding, toils tirelessly day and night. In return, their landlord provides them with two meals a day. This is their way of life, tending to the landlord’s cows, buffaloes, and land.
Last week, we purchased school bags, shoes, and stationary for many of our young students, including Rhea. The joy that lit up her face and sparkled in her eyes as I handed her these items was palpable. It was as though she held the entire world in her hands.
In her life, there is no concept of indulging in fruits, sipping a cold drink, or receiving new clothes and toys for Christmas. Despite her hardships, Rhea remains remarkably polite and grateful.
Observing her, I couldn’t help but reflect on how easy it is to make our world a better place. There are individuals who have simpler needs compared to the more fortunate among us. They require only food, a few clothes, some books, new shoes, and a modest home to call their own. It’s straightforward to bring happiness and gratitude to their lives.
Many people continually strive for personal gains—seeking better homes, a more luxurious lifestyle, well-stocked kitchens, shopping sprees, and extravagant vacations. However, the more they accumulate, the faster they must run to maintain it all. Yet, they often find themselves unable to genuinely smile from the depths of their hearts. In contrast, a child living amidst difficulties, whose birth was met with sorrow because she was a girl, can bring pure happiness to their face.
Creating peace in the world is remarkably straightforward—it starts with a smile and ends with anger. The key is to begin loving, respecting, and sharing with one another, without any distinctions. This is the path to peace.
The smile on this little girl’s face at Zeph Education serves as proof that by sharing our blessings, we can bring happiness to everyone. As long as people continue to chase their personal desires, hate and conflict will persist. However, when we learn to work towards the happiness of those around us, we will find genuine peace of mind and soul. It is then that our world will transform into a paradise, and we won’t need to wait for heaven after death.
We won’t have to implore powerful nations to stop producing weapons if we cultivate a society that rejects their use. We won’t need lengthy discussions on ending wars if we nurture mindsets that prioritize love. To achieve this, we must begin by changing ourselves before advocating for change on a global scale.
Caring for those who reciprocate our care is common, but we must also learn to care for those who don’t. At Zeph Education, we sow the seeds of love through education and by sharing our blessings with our students. We are dedicated to offering the world the invaluable gift of peace.