(Phot source: Envato)
On 21 January, the earthquake in Dapu, Chiayi in Taiwan caused damage to the neighbouring district, Nanxi in Tainan. Everyone was fortunately safe, but the power of nature had caused cracks in many houses. It was challenging to find house technicians to fix the damages right away. Tzu Chi volunteers from north, central, south and east were mobilised to focus on the repair works in Tainan. They set aside their job and business, and regardless of their background, picked up the spirit of vocation to act together as one.
In face of this wave of disaster relief, I pondered a lot and did not dare to ask for anything because the Chinese New Year was coming and the weather was really cold. The volunteers were also not young, but everyone knew that I was reluctant to leave the victims alone. They agreed with me and volunteered to work hard. The faster the repairs were completed, the sooner the victims could live in their houses in peace.
The earthquake brought panic to many. Living bodhisattvas arrived unannounced and in one move, helped the victims settle down and return to their work and normal life. The local Tainan volunteers were also attentive and thoughtful, making sure that the places where the home repair volunteers would stay in are comfortable. Since the earthquake, the volunteers in the south have been involved in disaster relief earlier than the others, and have reached out to the victims to offer them comfort and warmth.
This group of living bodhisattvas on earth needed no prompt – they would respond and gather swiftly from all directions to comfort those who are suffering or in need of support wherever there is a disaster. I am very grateful and respectful of everyone's love and intention. I often feel that disasters are not far away from us. I hope that everyone bears impermanence in mind and makes progress by keeping good thoughts so that they can benefit the world.
We must seize time and opportunities and move forward quickly, just like how Tzu Chi has been helping people for nearly 60 years step by step starting from the "saving 50 cents a day" movement. As time goes by, the road gets longer, feelings grow stronger and the love becomes wider. 50 cents is little and was not much 50 or 60 years ago too, but this tiny bit is the humble start of Tzu Chi. The most valuable thing is not the value of 50 cents today but the kind thoughts that arise day after day – so many people have been willing to respond and act from then till now.
I am also very grateful for the good karma, so many good people and I have great affinity – we walked through this door and travelled to many countries and regions together. I also feel that this fate is incredible. I have been here all my life. This table and this chair are my world. I have not left this space for a day, but I have been travelling around the world every day in the footsteps of Tzu Chi volunteers around the world. No matter which country Tzu Chi volunteers are in, their sincerity is the same. No matter how far apart we are, we share a long-lasting relationship and great love as though we are together. I feel that this is a blessing, and a great one it is.
Only when people are kindhearted can the society be peaceful; for the society to be peaceful, capable people should take care of the poor. If you help them, they will give you more love in return because they are grateful in their hearts. This ‘gratitude’ is also a seed sowed that will bless you.
The suffering of sentient beings is inseparable from poverty and illness, and inseparable from the troubles of the soul. There will always be a gap between the rich and the poor in any country, and the work of charity is to give to those who are suffering. The ‘Bodhisattva’ mentioned in Buddhism is not a statue but the use of Dharma in the world to truly benefit and save sentient beings.
The Buddha came to the world for one major reason: to liberate sentient beings from suffering. The Dharma is even more needed in this era. Considering my age, I feel that I have not fully applied Buddha's teachings yet. My refuge master said to me: to always work for Buddhism and for all living beings, and I am not completely satisfied with what I have done yet. However, I witnessed how Tzu Chi volunteers have remembered my words and made up their minds to spread the Dharma. They are not only learning the Dharma directly from me, but also spreading it to their families, neighbours and the society.
If everyone enhances their good thoughts, it would be common good. Only when thousands of good deeds are done together for the greater good of all can disasters be eliminated. If we want to invite others to be volunteers, we must be volunteers ourselves and demonstrate the Bodhisattva spirit. Looking back, we should tell ourselves: that one thought, that first step taken was worth it. In the New Year, we should cheer up again; hope is endless, and we can go anywhere on earth where there is a need. No matter how high the sky or how vast the world, Tzu Chi’s great love and compassion is always available for those who are suffering. Let’s put in more effort, everyone!
Translated by Lee Mui Hoon
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