The world of Tzu Chi (Vol.106)

02 2019 • 01 aster’s Teaching sense organs (the eye, ear, nose, tongue, body and mind) so that we will not be influenced by external circumstances and give rise to delusions. Moreover, we must also nurture kindness and serve humanity faithfully. If as Dharma practitioners we can manifest the essence of the Dharma teachings, we can naturally lead others to do good deeds too. From October 26 to 28, 2018, Tzu Chi South Africa Branch held a cadre training camp in Johannesburg for 240 local volunteers from South Africa, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Mozambique, Botswana, Namibia and Malawi. For volunteers from Malawi, it was a distance of 2,400 km. As not all the volunteers could afford to buy air tickets, they helped each other to make it for the training. It was indeed not easy for them. For more than 20 years, Tzu Chi’s road to Africa has been bumpy. Thanks to veteran volunteers, Tzu Chi managed to overcome all sorts of hurdles. They led the local volunteers in serving the needy. Regardless of whether the poor and the sick live in mountainous regions or remote villages, they never failed to pay home visits to express their deep concern and offer assistance. Despite having to endure the inconvenience of transport, they always sing along while walking towards their destination. They are contented with what they have and are willing to lend a helping hand to others. Because they possess this innate purity, they are capable of appealing to the public to serve others selflessly, and succeed in paving a smooth and wide spiritual path. In the “Home of Tzu Chi” in Mozambique, the local volunteers tidy up the environment and keep their vegetable plot clean and tidy. They do not use pesticides for the upkeep of the plot. They also use dried reeds and threads from rice bags to weave mats, which are then sold to aid people affected by the earthquake in Indonesia.Although poor, doing charity work is close to their hearts. During the spiritual cultivation sessions held once or twice a month, hundreds of people prostrate on a sandy ground to pay homage to the Buddha and sit on the ground for lessons. The purity of their hearts is evident. The 3,000-plus local volunteers who dedicate themselves at the premises, are hardworking and able to apply the simple Dharma teachings they have learnt to the fullest. The Taiwanese volunteers commended that the African volunteers never voice their grouses or bitterness in serving others, and they do not feel they are deprived of anything materially. Instead, they always wear broad smiles on their faces .They are so contented as if they are living in paradise. They pursue wholeheartedly all forms of good deeds. In their minds, they always think of how best they can serve humanity. They use the Dharma as the compass in their day-to-day lives. Their diligence and the purity in their practice are indeed touching. They also show us that a truly rich life is not based on the abundance of material wealth, but rather, a deep sense of contentment with what we have.