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The current COVID-19 wave hitting Taiwan is unstoppable. Medical personnel have become the defenders of the city - all armed to tackle the enemy virus. They have donned after layer of personal protective equipment and resisted hunger pangs just to be on the frontlines. What they go through is unfathomable, and it aches our hearts to see them going through such hardships.
Medical personnel have given it all to protect lives and safeguard the health of others. Their love is truly admirable, and we hope that they take good care of themselves too. Everyone, including you and me, have to be selfless and protect one another from contracting the virus. By ensuring our health and wellbeing, we are helping others be healthy too. It is with good health that society can be peaceful.
Although it can feel suffocating and uncomfortable to put on a mask all day, one should only take it off when they are alone to catch a breather. Actually, mental stress is harder to overcome than physical discomfort because it is intangible. It is extremely difficult to live with as it robs us of our peace of mind.
The world today is like a house on fire - with disastrous events such as climate change and war and conflict. Although an individual may seem insignificant in the greater scheme of things, one should not hold the ‘Not in My Backyard’ (NIMBY) mindset. Being individualistic and greedy for fame, people, resources - the list goes on, is undesirable.
Even if one is greedy, one cannot have everything in the world. With greed, one can never be happy and content. Greed combined with hatred and ignorance become the root causes of mass suffering.
The Russo-Ukrainian War has persisted for over two months, instilling fear in the innocent. Many have fled their homes in a hurry to escape to neighbouring countries such as Poland. The innocent, young and old, must be feeling lost and uncertain. How would they get by during this period of time? Would they ever be able to return to their homes? Will their homes still exist after the war is over? Witnessing life and death and families falling apart due to war is truly heartbreaking. No one would know how long this period of hardship would last. Rebuilding homes is now tougher than in the past.
I cannot comprehend why war exists in this world, it only creates pain and suffering for the innocent. However, we can still see the presence of love amidst the hardships. Eight Tzu Chi Foundations from regions such as the USA, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Turkey have gathered in Poland to distribute resources to refugees. For the places that Tzu Chi cannot tread, they work with local humanitarian groups to ensure the survival of refugees.
We should support these people who on the frontlines in any way possible. This goes beyond collecting donations, as we should educate people about the source of these conflicts - people who have lost their sense of purpose. From this, we also learn to live our lives meaningfully.
When humans fight and inflict harm on one another, others suffer tremendously too. People who are not directly involved are also worried about the situation. Currently, the most pressing thing to do is to cleanse people’s hearts and guide those obsessed with harming others towards the correct path. While we cannot change what others do, we can pray that everyone has love in their heart and right thoughts in their minds and may everyone practises vigilance and piety. Upholding the precept is to play one’s role responsibly and adhere to rules, knowing what should be done and what should not be done.
When one feels cold, one will put on additional clothing to feel warmer. When it is time for a meal, one will sit down and enjoy their dishes. Of course, it is bliss to be able to eat well, keep warm, and stay safe. However, in other parts of the world, people embroiled in conflicts have lost their sense of security and purpose. We should be grateful for what we have and count our blessings while showing kindness and compassion to others. By being grounded in our beliefs and helping those in need, as well as living every minute of our lives meaningfully, we can provide support to those who are suffering, just as how doctors spare no second in saving lives.
Do not underestimate the power of small acts. If one could do a small thing each time for world peace, why not do so? Hopefully, everyone can find and develop their purpose in life and leave behind their trail of deeds in helping others. With that, one can lead a more reassured life as well. I urge everyone to extend love to others.
Translated by Teo Jia Xin
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