A story about Bhante Wimala

by Anura Perera

In memory of my parents, George and Norma Perera, I contributed to founding the Theravada Buddhist
Center in Nairobi, Kenya in 1999. To this day, I continue to support the humanitarian works
accomplished at the Center through the tireless efforts of head monk Bhante Wimala. Launching
ambitious projects to bring wheelchairs to Kenyans and eradicate Chigoe flea infestations among
villagers, Bhante has a strong commitment to assisting people in the local community.

One recent story posted on the Center website reminded me of just how important localized charity can
be. Edgar, a security guard who had previously worked at the Center, had a serious problem. His wife
Julia had recently given birth to a healthy baby in a hospital. However, he could not take his wife and
child home because Kenyan hospitals require that patients pay their medical bills in full before leaving
the hospital. Julia and her infant could not leave because Edgar did not have enough money to pay the
bill. The problem was compounded by the fact that each additional day Julia spent at the hospital added
to her medical costs.

Having nowhere to turn, Edgar hesitantly approached Bhante, asking if he would assist in covering their
medical costs. Bhante immediately sent a temple representative to the hospital to inquire if Edgar’s
story was true. Bhante was shocked to learn that, indeed, Julia was being held against her will at the
hospital where she had given birth. He personally arranged to have Julia’s hospital bill paid that day. Just
a few days later, the new parents visited the Theravada Buddhist Center with their healthy baby,
expressing gratitude for the assistance they had received.

This story reminds me of how personal trust and good relationships lead to positive outcomes. The work
that Edgar had done for the Center in the past had established such a relationship, enabling him to keep
his family intact in a time of need. I hope that this story will inspire others to perform acts of kindness in
the communities where they live.