(Photo by Lai Tong Heng)
Having faced this Covid-19 pandemic for more than a year, the countless heartfelt concerns and worries endured by many are indescribable! During this time, Taiwan's medical personnel have been over-burdened to save lives with every available second. During the morning meeting with Tzu Chi medical mission each day, I feel moved and grateful to all the hospital staff for how they safeguard lives and give love without regard for themselves. I also know that everyone is tired, but for the nation's health, they still work hard to undertake the responsibility.
Medical staff have to juggle between their work and securing the safety of their family. They have to stay focused on their job while fearing being infected. They dare not go home after working continuously for many days. They wear layers of protective equipment to seal their heads, faces, and bodies. The PPE is so airtight that even drinking water is difficult for them.
Medical staff are like warriors and generals in battle armour, entering the battlefield and leading soldiers to fight against the invisible enemy. The virus cannot be seen nor touched. Therefore, not only must they protect themselves adequately, but they must also exhibit loving care to comfort their patients. Every day, I remind the hospital presidents and medical personnel that they must first take care of themselves before taking care of others. I also asked the presidents to take care of all the staff in the hospitals on my behalf and express my gratitude to everyone.
The medical team does what they have to do by being committed to their job, and their willingness to undertake such heavy responsibilities is heartening. Therefore, not only should we care for our medical staff but also all medical staff in other medical institutions in Taiwan. Tzu Chi volunteers worldwide will work together to provide the necessary support where any materials are needed. Tzu Chi's four missions have all been activated. The medical volunteers are gently caring for the infected patients who are going through physical and mental suffering; the charity volunteers are sparing no effort in backing the medical team in various places; the education volunteers are working very closely together with the medical volunteers to integrate the available resources to develop relevant medicines while the humanistic culture volunteers are delivering accurate and true reporting to reassure people and disseminate health knowledge on infection prevention. They also promote pious vegetarianism as it is a way to lead a healthy life and prevent an epidemic.
The infection cases are rising steadily. It is useless to be anxious and fearful. Instead, one should remain vigilant and pious to reflect on whether one has been behaving presumptuously without sparing any consideration for others. One should also become truly awakened and express piety by abstaining from killing and adopting a vegetarian diet. Human beings do not have to eat meat to survive, and animals have their kingdom. All beings should live together without infringing on one another so that nature will be in harmony. If people feel that it is natural to hurt another being to satisfy one's appetite, it will create bad karma and chaos. When all sentient beings share bad karma, the power of retribution will come like the violent surge of a tsunami which is difficult to withstand.
There are many bacteria hidden in animals. Therefore the best way to prevent viral infection is not consuming animals. Vegetables are nutritious enough, they are clean and unpolluted. Speaking kind words accumulates good merit. Having less meat is another way to accumulate good merit. If everyone adopts a vegetarian diet, this will lead to more beings being set free in every meal, and it will in turn accomplish infinite merits.
Everyone can do their part. Just by using the internet to spread about plant-based diet, it will become known to the world within a second, so that people worldwide could devout to a vegetarian diet and do good for earth from where they are. Share the reasons for adopting a vegetarian diet with others sincerely to convince others.
In the face of a pandemic, everyone in the medical team has devoted themselves to their job fearlessly. We must also not forget the police officers and firefighters who serve as the guardians of the community who we should show more empathy, be more considerate and treat them with more respect. Pandemic prevention does not happen only at the front line. "When Heaven is about to confer a great responsibility onto men", the “men” refers to you and me. It is our collective responsibility to help everyone tide through this crisis. We should vow sincerely to be living bodhisattvas who relieve the sufferings in this world. The more caring people the world has, the more blessings there will be. When everyone is caring, the whole world will be blessed, and disasters can be eliminated.
I am also very grateful to all Tzu Chi volunteers for understanding what I said and knowing my aspirations. I thank them for sincerely doing their best to undertake the responsibility and being committed to gathering the love from people worldwide to help those who are suffering and in urgent need of help. Their effort has reduced the burden on me. I saw how the poor in the Philippines, who are receiving Tzu Chi's aid relief, have been willing to donate to help other people even though they only have one coin in their pocket. When everyone is ready to give as much as they can at any time, it makes this world beautiful. The beauty lies in people being aware of the sufferings in this world and having the will to give and find joy in seeing others getting helped. By giving little by little, this love will grow bigger and become more complete.
This pandemic is a Great lesson that reminds mankind to not only listen to the truth but also act on the truth. Life exists between our breaths, so it is necessary to ensure that every minute and second of our life is used meaningfully. Seize the opportunity to undertake important worldly tasks and accomplish kind deeds for all beings. Engage in more good acts to help others. With this, I urge all of you to always be mindful and do your best!
Translated by Michelle Lim Cheng Wai
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