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"Gratefulness" and "piety" always come to my mind at this time of the year. I am grateful that the year has passed peacefully and that we are able to usher in the New Year. "Gratefulness" crosses my mind each day the moment I open my eyes. As I begin the day, I am grateful for the simplest of things. For example, being thankful for another day in life and having a healthy body. With all these, I can do something for the world for another day.
Life exists between each breath, and thus, every second is to be cherished. In a way, one's life and time are inextricably intertwined with each other. However, people are often insensitive to the notion of time. Time is precious. As every thread of gold is valuable, so is every moment of time. Everyone is given the same amount of time in a day. Therefore, it is important to value and appreciate the time that we have been given. We should make good use of the time given to do what's right. When one diligently cultivates the seed of kindness planted in one's heart, over time, this seed will grow into a forest of good karma that will be eventually reaped.
If we remain oblivious to the gravity of things around us, we might unknowingly prioritise evil over kindness. We need to reflect on how we have lived thus far. Recall the most valuable thing we have done so far and what we have done to benefit society, for those are the true essence of our lives.
While we continue to reflect on the value of our life, we must not forget that there are things that make us grateful for ourselves. There are things in life that we might deem as impossible tasks. However, if we are willing to make an effort towards it, we will eventually make it. Additionally, we should not restrict our ability to our age. Instead, we should do everything to the best of our abilities. This will, in turn, increase our value of life.
During this pandemic, Tzu Chi Myanmar volunteers and Tzu Chi Youth volunteers (a.k.a. Tzu Ching) provided relief and support to the countryside. Among those residing in the countryside was a trishaw driver named Wu Aung Mime. Initially, he had the means to support his family solely through this job. However, the tourism industry took a significant hit when the pandemic struck. As a result, he had to take up the job of being a porter. The job paid him 1900 kyats a day, equivalent to about NT$40. Amidst all the adversity in trying to put food on his family table, he still possesses a giving heart. He knows that there are people who are in a more dire position compared to him and thus decided to donate half of his hard-earned salary in hopes of helping them.
The desire to help others in need, even if it's NT$19, is worth much more to those receiving the help than we think. When it comes to helping those in need, do we have to be rich for us to help? Are the people who are in dire need of help necessarily poor? The answer to this is that it is not always the case. However, help goes both ways. If the party receiving help is unwilling to accept the assistance given or seek help, then it does not matter how many valuable resources are there for them. They will eventually go to waste. The act of kindness is not the privilege of the rich. Every little thing each of us does matters. At some point, to someone, it matters.
There is nothing more fulfilling and rewarding than helping others. An old Burmese exemplified the meaning of this through her contributions to the "rice bank". Even if she has to settle for a simple meal consisting of rice and water only, she still makes a conscious effort to save a handful of rice every day just to help others. She would often pinch out a few grains of rice meant for her consumption to set aside for the "rice bank", and she finds contentment in doing so. This is both a heart-wrenching and lovely sight.
No matter how small the donation is, as long as we continue to make a conscious effort and do what we can to help others, we are accumulating good karma. If everyone does their part, there will be fewer people who would have to suffer from poverty and starvation. The difference between poverty and greed lies in one's perspective. The solution to poverty is not the accumulation of more incredible wealth which may generate greed but the capacity to save a little and help others in need even if one is poor. Although these actions might seem insignificant in the short run, it can leave a lasting impact on the future.
Let's not discount the little efforts in life. Fifty-five years ago, Tzu Chi started off with several members each saving 50 cents per day. When a natural disaster strikes, people would readily expend their resources and assist those in need. On every other day, there are also long-term care actions towards people living in poverty. Looking at its trajectory over the years, which started in Taiwan, there are different countries that Tzu Chi has set foot on. The path taken by Tzu Chi is likened to the traces of light left behind by fireflies that fill the night sky. Gathered small acts of love and kindness can embrace the globe, just like how hints of light from fireflies can be enough to engulf darkness.
Don't belittle your self-worth. One or two fireflies might not be able to generate bright and intense light, but a group of fireflies can radiate light bright enough to illuminate a path. Even a group of ants can have the aspirations to scale Mount Sumeru. When love converges, it can bring blessings and happiness wherever it reaches. Guanyin Bodhisattva, or the "Perceiver of the World's Sounds", hears and responds to the prayers of those who are suffering. Although it is beyond human capacity to help every person who needs help, we will eventually be able to achieve this goal if we set our hearts and minds on it. The awareness of suffering is an important component in every interaction on earth and should be paid more attention to. We should fill our everyday life with positive thoughts to remind ourselves to do good and help others. If everyone were to harvest such a mindset, then the meaning of life would be clear. Let us be more mindful and put more effort into what we do.
Translated by Zoe Chua
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