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Modern-day people’s suffering today is multifaceted – from the unavoidable climate change to the ever-changing nature of the human mind. The tumultuous world, full of crises, can be calmed if people begin by cleansing their minds. Buddhism teaches people to be selfless and uphold the spirit of Great Love. We should spread this to the world to alleviate the suffering of others.
Ever since I started Tzu Chi Foundation 57 years ago, I have taken charge of my daily time to have the realised reach today. Tzu Chi Foundations are present in many parts of the world, which I am extremely grateful for, as volunteers have made worthwhile differences to the local communities!
Tzu Chi holds the spirit of Buddhism, gathering volunteers from all walks of life to achieve great things. Currently, in Nepal, there are Tzu Chi volunteers from Singapore and Malaysia who are working in shifts to contribute back to Buddha’s place of origin in areas such as charitable activities, medical services and education. They have stepped up to bring hope to the locals, contributing in ways they can.
charity is always a challenging endeavour. In the past, I only knew that in Turkey, Faisal Hu and many others were helping those in need in local communities. Until recently, I realised that the past one to two decades were immensely stressful for them. Despite that, they never complained and soldiered on with hearts of compassion. It is difficult to express my gratitude for them in words.
Many plans have taken flight, from the El Menahil International School in Syria serving refugee teachers and students to the relief efforts for quake victims in Turkey. During the distribution of relief aid, volunteers followed the Syrian refugees to look into the distance, where their hometown lies. However, due to pertinent conflict, they are still determining when they can cross the border to return to their homes. Seeing them weep aches my heart. The earthquake in Turkey took away many people’s homes in seconds and destroyed happy families, shrouding survivors’ lives in darkness. Nothing can warm their hearts to how they were before. We can only do our best to help them and render pillars of support, but their trauma might live on longer.
When Tzu Chi volunteers raise funds on the streets, it is more than just collecting funds. It is to gather the kindness of others. Disasters and crises enlighten people on the impermanence of life. Even though competition is rife in our daily lives, when disasters strike without warning, everyone is impacted equally, regardless of our differences. So why should we compare excessively? Regardless of religion, race, or nationality, the most important thing now is humanistic love, where people help each other.
In times of security and happiness, one can enjoy without worries, but complacency means that one can easily forget about humanistic love. Even on days without crises, we should be aware enough to encourage humanistic endeavours to benefit communities.
People should strive enthusiastically to do good and recruit more people to join the ranks of volunteerism. With one more person doing good, society would have one more intangible unit of happiness. When there is more happiness in society, there is less likelihood of crises.
If one lives only to make a living and worries about gains and losses all the time, a split-second wrong decision can result in unhappiness. When people are unhappy with each other, their souls are not at peace. Evil festers on indefinitely, and everyone fears it. But on the flip side, kindness, integrity, and inner peace are something that everyone should work towards.
Even when hurt is inflicted upon others, one can also feel the pain and want to make efforts to reduce that pain. Serving others would inevitably cause stress, but it is precisely because others are having difficulties that we need to help! We feel grateful and happy when we can contribute to others’ well-being. I hope that everyone can realise this, hold the spirit of their religion, and contribute what they can to serve others.
People are minute and have limited ability on their own. Despite so, everyone can have the determination to overcome enormous challenges in life. Everyone has their capabilities and infinite energy, and they should respect themselves. When thousands or millions of people are willing to do something, even if it is just sharing stories of kind people on social media, such unity can create a significant impact. I often say to “contribute my share”. If everyone can do the same, we can move mountains!
Translated by Teo Jia Xin
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