The world of Tzu Chi (Vol.108)

2019 • 03 42 her dirty and smelly pants. Such an experience did not happen once but thrice. Nonetheless, they did not dampen Maria’s spirit to help others. On another occasion, Maria and fellow volunteers went to the village to visit some underprivileged students. They came across three youngsters, who blocked their way intentionally. Maria recollected, “We softly requested them to let us through, telling them that we were there to help a single mother.” Hearing that, the trio retreated to their house without giving further trouble. Sprouting seeds of love Some questioned why do the volunteers seek donations from the villagers, who barely have enough for themselves? Maria explained, “One can do kind deeds despite being poor. Every good thought and kind act sows a seed of good karma, which will eventually bear the fruits of blessings for the givers themselves.” On one occasion, a villager spotted the volunteers from afar and quickly returned to her house. Shortly after, she approached and asked the volunteers, “Were you the people who gave us relief aid after a fire last time? I recognize your uniform and the bag you carry. It has a similar logo.” She then showed the volunteers a reusable bag that she received during a relief distribution for fire victims back in 2010, and pulled out a new sarong from the bag saying, “You gave me two sarongs. I used one and kept the other for remembrance. There were also rice, blanket, coffee, chocolate powder and sugar in the bag.” Next, she pulled out a consolation letter from Master Cheng Yen while expressing her family’s gratitude for TzuChi.Maria recollected, “The letter was somewhat yellowish but she had kept it so well that there wasn’t a crease. Her action spoke volumes about her appreciation for Tzu Chi.” Maria and fellow volunteers were deeply moved by the villager. She remarked, “Although we cannot be there every day to provide care to the villagers, it was evident that the seeds of Great Love are sprouting right here.” Poverty is no hindrance to giving One day, Maria went knocking on a door and after some time, an old woman answered the door. Maria shared with her about Tzu Chi and invited her to contribute to the good cause. “She went inside while I waited by the door. After a long wait, she came out and sheepishly put 30 cents in my hand.” Right then, Maria recalled a story told by Master Cheng Yen, about a poor old woman who wanted to make an offering to the Buddha but did not have anything to offer. At the encouragement of Venerable Maha Kassapa, she tore a small piece of cloth from the clothes she was wearing as an offering to the Buddha. When the Buddha learnt about it, he was delighted and praised that one’s merit is not dictated by the superficial value of one’s offering; but rather, one’s sincerity. Maria encouraged a kind-hearted villager who donated 30 cents, with the story of the poor woman who offered a small piece of cloth to the Buddha. eople