The world of Tzu Chi (Vol.109)

02 2019 • 04 free from defilements. Surely, one of the best ways to welcome a new day is to start thinking good thoughts and doing wholesome actions. If we are well-off spiritually, we will be mindful of our thoughts and feel for the pain and suffering of others. If we control our lifestyle and save a bit for the needy, we can give some hope to the needy, knowing that they are not totally helpless. Extreme climate change worldwide is taking a heavy toll on the health of the Earth. No human efforts can stop thewrath ofNature. One of theways to remedy the situation is to control our inordinate desires, not to waste our scarce natural resources and refrain from unnecessary purchases which end up creating a huge amount of trash that pollute the air, the ground and water resources. On every Chinese NewYear’s eve, our recycling volunteers, who do not take a rest throughout the year, are even busier. They collect recyclables from every household that clears clutter. These recyclables are then brought to recycling centres for sorting. The aim is to keep the environment clean. Sometimes, they even toil from night till daybreak. We should not reduce the concept of recycling to empty talk. Instead, we should actively implement it. Our volunteers who are actively engaged in doing recycling, bear the foul smell and the filth. Despite knowing that their individual effort is small in keeping the Earth clean, they persist in their efforts anyway. Whenever I think of them, my grateful thanks go to them. Mr Wang from Hualien was a veteran Tzu Chi volunteer. He passed away on the first day of the Chinese NewYear at the ripe old age of 104. He did much for Tzu Chi. I was grief-stricken at his death, but death is a law of nature that no one can escape from. Since he could not drive, Mr Wang had to leave his home early daily and walk to collect donations. Over the years, you could see him soliciting charitable funds almost everywhere in Taiwan. At the recent Year-end Blessing Ceremony, I anticipated his attendance and that he would say to me: “Master, I am now four years old after depositing 50 years of my age in theAge Treasury twice.” But he did not turn up. I was then told that he was down with flu and was resting in Yuli. So, I entrusted someone to send him a red envelope of blessings and wisdom. In order to inspire the kindness in others, he did not mind if the donations were only five or ten Taiwanese dollars. All the same, he would go out to collect. Besides busily soliciting charitable donations, he had not forgotten the care recipients. He would ensure that he visited them regardless of distance. He kept to a regular daily routine. Even when he was ill, charitable donations still weighed heavily on his mind. For almost half a century in Tzu Chi, he did what was right and derived immense spiritual joy in helping others. He had set a good example by living all his life with composure and purity of heart, and living out his value in life. It is my hope that all Tzu Chi volunteers will internalize the Dharma and engage in spiritual cultivation diligently. I am worried to see the climate change and keep feeling that “time is running out”. There is little time left for me to remind everyone of the situation or take action to make a difference. So, may each and every one of us work together to inspire others and to take collective action. Let us evoke the kindness in everyone we meet. Just like how drops of water can bring life to the land, each little act of kindness counts. aster’s Teaching