Photos that tell stories
Paul
Early morning in one of Thabarwa’s kitchens, Paul—a volunteer from the UK—waits patiently as the Morning Dhamma Talk draws to a close. It’s the rainy season: warm, humid, 27°C. Outside, gifts for the residents are carefully arranged.
Elderly women and nuns begin to line up, each carrying an umbrella. As the soft morning light filters through the colourful canopies, it paints their faces with shifting hues. Paul begins handing out small packets of chili paste with quiet focus, occasionally exchanging a few gentle words. Nearby, another volunteer offers bottles of oil. The entire offering takes just fifteen minutes—but in that brief moment, compassion moves quietly and completely through the space.
Cleaning plastic bottles
One of Sayadaw’s thoughtful initiatives involves giving plastic bottles a second life—cut in half, they become simple containers for offering food. In a place where nothing is wasted, even discarded plastic finds renewed purpose. After each use, the containers must be thoroughly cleaned, creating yet another opportunity for volunteers to contribute.
Cleaning illegal garbage dump
Students from a local high school came to Thabarwa to help clean up an illegal garbage dump. Their effort, guided by a spirit of service, turned into a powerful lesson in community responsibility and environmental care. Working side by side with volunteers, they helped restore a space that had long been neglected—proving that small actions, done together, can lead to meaningful change.
