(Photo by Fong Kwai Kin)
More than thirty tornadoes swept across six states in the mid-western region of the United States on December 10, 2021. One even travelled as far as 300 kilometres, equivalent to the distance from the north to the southern part of Taiwan. The impact of the tornadoes was so strong that even the sturdiest houses around were destroyed effortlessly. Disaster relief was then immediately initiated by Tzu Chi volunteers.
Catastrophes like this are not just happening in the US. The Philippines was hit by typhoons, and Malaysia was experiencing severe flooding. The situation around us now is indeed worrying. Given the powerful impact of climate change and abnormalities on our ecosystem, we are seeing frequent occurrences of natural disasters. We can no longer say that the calamities are happening somewhere “far away” because despite the universe being so big, it is the same earth everyone shares. Tornadoes and earthquakes come with no early warning, and forest fires are becoming a norm and causing severe air pollution with poor visibility. The world seems shrouded by fog and has fallen into a dark pit.
Can the will of man conquer everything? Humans are insignificant but arrogant beings incapable of controlling our greed and desires. The common truth is apparent to all. Despite knowing that some things ought not to be done, there are still acts of impulse that cause regrets after which. When external conditions arise again the next time, people would still uncontrollably create and accumulate strong negative karma. The human mindset and behaviour have contributed to the abnormal ecological environment today.
Buddha came to the human world to share the Dharma of suffering, emptiness and impermanence around us. However, it is not easy for us to understand and achieve enlightenment but instead enjoy life in adversity. If we are confused about our way forward in life, we are moving contrary to the Dharma.
In fact, we all have Buddha nature. In cultivation, we learn to get rid of bad habits. We must develop greater awareness so that we are not easily influenced by our surroundings to commit wrongdoings. We can curb the pursuit of desires to put our minds at ease and live comfortably. We need to reflect on our innate nature and hear the real voices within us calling out to ourselves to awaken our conscience and awareness and not lead a life in bewilderment.
Lately, I often mention “火金姑” (Fireflies). The brilliance from fireflies shines brightly in the darkness of night. Although it is unable to illuminate every vast land on earth, its glow symbolises the vibrancy of life and the beauty of nature. Seeing such vitality in nature makes us reflect on where the hope in the world is.
We all need confidence, and we can start with ourselves by appealing to and influencing more people. We can constantly advocate with good words and keep doing good deeds, encouraging and complimenting each other. Why wouldn’t there be hope in life as such? Everyone has a role to play in contributing to this world, and we should always self-reflect if we have fulfilled our responsibilities. Our strength may be limited, but like the “fireflies”, we can also light up the dark skies. Do not undermine your capabilities, and believe that everyone’s life can be lit up if we put in the effort.
I look forward to being like a firefly too. To join my light with everyone else in shining even brighter and illuminating the darkness in this society, guiding all in the right direction. Furthermore, we need to continue to move forward and bring more people to connect with us.
“Take inventory of your life” is to reflect on how we have led our life thus far. Whether it is in giving blessings every day and benefitting those around us or wasting our life away unknowingly. If we have not done enough, we have to catch up in moving forward. If we have done much and know that it is the right thing to do, we need to continue with the acts of kindness as there are still many others needing our help, adopt the “good deeds are never done without me” mindset and also constantly improve on and cherish ourselves.
It does not matter how much effort we have put in as long as we are willing to lend a helping hand. We put in our best for our families, do work that benefits the community and further give back to society with what we have gained. This kindness will benefit people around us and serve as a welfare to the community we live in. In doing the right things, we need to persevere wholeheartedly in the right direction, move forward courageously, seize the opportunity to do good, build merits and achieve blessings. If we procrastinate, we are allowing time and opportunity to go by, then we would have lost the intention in us.
There will be no good reasoning to talk about if we do not do good deeds and speak good words. I hope everyone will be living Bodhisattvas, and everyone can preach the Dharma. Now is the time for us to contribute, practice what we preach, do things with a clear conscience and put our minds at ease. Let us all make that extra effort!
Translated by Kerri Loh
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