(Photo source: Pixabay)
At around 2pm on 18 September, a 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck Taiwan’s Taitung County. The epicentre of the quake was in Chishang Township at a shallow depth of 7 kilometres. The powerful earthquake shook the ground, causing bridges to tilt and damaging many buildings to various degrees.
During this time, Tzu Chi volunteers buckled down to assess the disasters, rushing to several townships in Hualien and Taitung to determine the level of repair work needed. The most fearful was the possibility of another major earthquake during that time. Although hundreds of households were affected, fortunately, people were generally safe. During the assessment, some families said they could rebuild their homes by themselves, while others expressed the lack of such ability. Among them were the disabled, sick, lonely, and those whose children were not by their side. Before the disaster, they were independent but now require our care and support.
The government, TSMC, Tzu Chi and other community partners worked together to assist the survivors of this earthquake. The Tzu Chi commissioners and volunteers throughout Taiwan, as well as those with experience in civil work, gathered spontaneously in Hualien and Taitung. They were sent to the various affected areas to assess and evaluate the amount of materials and manpower required for the repair work and proceeded to work without any delay. There are much work to do, and it would take some time. It is indeed a major task for Tzu Chi.
Seeing such enormous suffering gave new impetus to many Tzu Chi volunteers. They have stepped up to contribute time, effort and money and overcome hurdles to help. There is no off time for a volunteer. Instead, one must apply for a day off work to volunteer. If one is a businessman, one has to close his shop temporarily for a few days just to volunteer. This kind of selfless love is wonderful. Tzu Chi’s care is extensive, and a Bodhisattva’s far-reaching love is truly genuine, kind and beautiful.
The volunteers were very attentive to detail. Once, during one repair work, the volunteers noticed that some of the old tiles were damaged. They not only replaced them but tried all means to find similar tiles so that the sight of any strangely different tiles would not cause the survivors to recall the horror of the earthquake.
I am grateful to the volunteers who not only repaired the cracks in the walls with the hope of healing the emotional scars of the survivors. There were many other things to be grateful for. Tzu Chi’s Medical Mission led a donation drive and inspired many volunteers to raise charity funds. In overseas, many people who knew about the disaster prayed for our safety and peace. Many children have also donated to the bamboo coin bank. Love and blessings are accumulated through our daily actions. Many among them remembered the help rendered by Tzu Chi Taiwan when other parts of the world were in trouble. And this time, they wanted to repay. This and every bit are very touching.
Being able to save others is a blessing while giving to others is creating good karma for oneself. In the past, whenever someone asked: "Why are you always saving foreign countries and not Taiwan?"
I always replied that I prefer to be blessed with the ability to help others, regardless of national boundaries. When disaster strikes, others receive our relief materials while we sow good karma. If everyone had the mindset of helping others, we would bring blessings and happiness to everyone. Such a peaceful atmosphere is like an auspicious shield, guarding and protecting us.
I am grateful to be encouraging each other and accomplishing good deeds together with so many bodhisattvas in this life. This is also the result of the good deeds and karma from our past life. We should continue to sow good causes to bear good fruits and manifest blessings so that we can live in a safe and peaceful environment.
During this period, there were also major catastrophes in other parts of the world, such as Hurricane Ian in the United States, deadly floods in Thailand, and earthquakes in Mexico. When Tzu Chi volunteers informed me that they were ready to assess and provide disaster relief, I would always repeat the same words: Go only if it is safe and remain vigilant. I would always feel relieved when they informed me of their safety. However, I would also have two conflicting feelings - joy and worry. I rejoiced that everyone had the bodhisattva path in their hearts. Wherever there is a disaster, they would take the initiative to help. But I still worried because the flood water had yet to recede, and the volunteers had to wade raft boats and travel on bumpy roads to conduct home visits.
There are so many people suffering around the world. Many are caused by climate change which led to turmoil and human calamity. Where there are Tzu Chi volunteers, there will be relief for those who are suffering. But where Tzu Chi is absent, we can only sigh and ponder who can offer help while searching for helping hands in neighbouring countries. Nevertheless, I am hopeful that the Bodhisattva’s love can be everlasting and far-reaching.
Everyone has to do good deeds. By participating in charitable efforts, one adds meaning and value to one’s life. To be able to give is a blessing; and to give without asking for anything in return is wisdom. Let us cultivate both blessings and wisdom so that where we stay is surrounded by bodhisattvas. When we are filled with blessings, good affinity and good karma, it will bring about happy families and peaceful communities.
Translated by Chu Tiong Yong
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