(Photo by Chuah Chin Kah)
At the beginning of this year, a wildfire broke out in Los Angeles County, California. The news footage showed the sky engulfed in red flames, creating an alarming scene. The combination of strong winds and raging fire caused the flames to spread rapidly, igniting new blazes and extending the disaster into nearby residential areas. It was indeed a fiery catastrophe on earth.
For those who lost their homes in the fire, even if they have temporarily sought refuge with friends and relatives and have found some stability, may still face financial difficulties after fleeing the flames in haste. At this moment, what we can do is provide immediate disaster relief—our assistance must be swift and tangible. It should not be superficial but truly offer meaningful support to those affected.
Tzu Chi’s first large-scale disaster relief mission in 1969 was in response to a massive fire in Danan Village, Beinan Township, Taitung County, Taiwan. The disaster was exacerbated by the Elsi Typhoon, which struck in the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival, fanned by strong winds that fueled the flames. In a single night, over a hundred homes were reduced to ashes, leaving more than seven hundred people homeless. In addition to distributing emergency funds, with the harsh winter approaching, Tzu Chi allocated NT$20,000 to purchase Taiwan’s highest-quality Tairi blankets. These were distributed to the victims—not merely one per household but rather one blanket for every two people—offering the best available aid with love and respect so that the recipients could genuinely feel cared for.
I have been closely following the wildfire situation in the United States, sincerely contemplating how we can assist. Beyond mobilising manpower and resources, we must also rely on everyone’s sincere prayers, reaching the heavens and touching the hearts of Buddhas and celestial beings. When people come together in extraordinary kindness and compassion, we can hope for the swift containment of the fires, turning crisis into safety.
Many disaster victims once lived comfortable lives, but their homes and belongings were reduced to nothing in a single night. This echoes the Buddhist teaching that wealth is "shared by five owners"—a sudden calamity can strip away everything once possessed. Regardless of whether one is rich or poor, if someone is starving and has no food, should we withhold a bowl of rice just because they were once wealthy? In times of crisis, food and water must be provided without delay. Likewise, people urgently need warm clothing and blankets when the weather is cold.
Tzu Chi volunteers have launched a fundraising campaign to raise funds for disaster relief and, more importantly, to awaken public awareness and encourage mutual aid among people. This is our opportunity to create blessings, and we must seize it. The most valuable moments in life are when we extend a helping hand to those in need. As we give, we should also inspire our family and friends to join in and cultivate a field of merit together.
Tzu Chi is a Buddhist organisation that embraces clarity and openness. The spirit of Buddhism transcends religious boundaries, extending compassion to all beings. Tzu Chi has been in the United States for over 30 years, and now is the time to stand firm and use our strength to provide practical assistance. With sincerity, we must stand on this global platform and uphold the Buddhist spirit for generations to come, continuing our mission to benefit all beings. As disasters will inevitably occur in the future, the experience of disaster relief must also be passed down through generations.
This wildfire is a profound lesson from which we must learn. The fire has spread across vast areas, but what is most important now is for everyone to remain calm and pray sincerely. If we allow ourselves to be consumed by divisive thoughts, the harm caused by such discord would be far worse than the damage from the fire itself. Instead, we must lead by example and express our sincerity through genuine love. True love means cherishing all living beings; protecting others’ lives is also a way of nurturing and enriching our hearts. If we continually nourish our hearts with love, they will not become dry—thus, they will not ignite into flames of anger or resentment at the slightest spark.
Tzu Chi volunteer Flora Wu lost her home to the wildfire, yet she bravely accepted reality and immediately shifted her focus to helping others. This is truly remarkable—she is a true disciple of Dharma! With such a role model before us, we must learn from her wisdom and strength.
Tzu Chi volunteers are Bodhisattvas in the world. A Bodhisattva does not merely appear when people pray for help but manifests wherever there is suffering. We should not wait for others to seek aid—we must take the initiative to relieve suffering. Over the past few days, Tzu Chi volunteers in the United States have worked tirelessly in disaster relief efforts. Though I feel for everyone’s exhaustion, I urge you all to encourage one another, to unite with confidence, perseverance, and courage, and to extend the Bodhisattva spirit to all beings wholeheartedly. When we pave this path with love and kindness, our hearts will align in goodness, and together, we will bring peace and blessings.
At this moment, I call upon the world to pray sincerely, to make earnest vows, to practice mindfulness and caution, and to adopt a vegetarian diet. Let us pray for peace in the United States and peace across the world!
Translated by Blanche Yap
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