The world of Tzu Chi August 2020 (Vol.125)

eature Keeping love alive Adaptability is the key to survival. Although we are powerless to change our circumstances, a change in perspective opens doors to new opportunities. L ife is full of ups and downs. Our time on Earth is incompletewithout experiencing a trial or two. Master Cheng Yen once advocated confronting adversity with a positive mindset, as demonstrated by the personalities highlighted in this issue’s feature story – all of whom took hard times in their stride with a shift in perspective. Even owners of businesses large or small were willing to cast their ego aside and take on the challenge of pivoting to professions never attempted before as an alternative way to make a living. Their optimistic outlook is encouraging in the bleak circumstances we presently find ourselves in, while their fortitude is admirable. Master Cheng Yen once advised, “A shift in perspective is necessary in averting disaster. The course of one’s life changes when one starts to view the world differently. Hard times will pass when one takes an optimistic approach to life’s calamities.” Nevertheless, our society is never short of people in need of assistance. The villagers of a Great Love Village in Ormoc City, the Philippines utilized the vacant land in their settlement to cultivate vegetables and traded the produce. However, the villagers were unable to sell their crops due to movement control restrictions during the pandemic, profoundly impacting their livelihoods. Tzu Chi volunteers acquired the produce from the villagers and distributed them to underprivileged families instead. The farmers were touched by the volunteers’ thoughtful gesture and donated a part of their crops in support of the charitable deed. The above anecdote illustrates the universal nature of kindness. The villagers are far from wealthy, yet nestled within their generous souls are hearts of gold. Those who live a life of affluence and give of themselves bestow blessings upon the world; the impoverished, on the other hand, are also capable of helping those in more dire straits. If you are in a position to give, join us in contributing to the Kita1Keluarga relief programme to bring hope to the underprivileged. Every small effort counts, regardless of status; a compassionate heart keeps on giving. 2020 • 08 24