The world of Tzu Chi January 2020 (Vol.118)

02 2020 • 01 bring love and care to people all over the world. During the camp, the speeches delivered were interpreted into multiple languages. But everyone shared a true common language, that is, the language of the “heart”. Despite having different skin colours, all of us share the same beating heart and walk on the same path – the Bodhisattva Path. This is not a narrow trail, but a broad way. It is not difficult to extend the love for our dearest ones to all lives under the same sky, and we made it! The local volunteers in Mozambique would sit on the sandy and gravelled grounds as they gathered at their “Tzu Chi’s Home” for spiritual cultivation sessions. Nonetheless, they always sat with ease, engaged with the teachings with a sense of respect and carried themselves properly. Earlier this year (2018) when Mozambique suffered the wrath of Typhoon Idai, these volunteers travelled more than a thousand kilometres from the capital city to Beira to extend aid to those affected, while at the same time, evoking the love in them. They are indeed full of love. Let us offer them more encouragement and do all that we could to help, so that with more resources, they could reach out to even more people in Africa and help transform their lives. The volunteers’ sharing moved me deeply, but their stories also brought pain to my heart. A Syrian volunteer in Turkey shared that his family used to enjoy a happy and stable life. But due to civil warfare, many people, including his wife and daughter, had witnessed how people were treated with violence and cruelty. This left great psychological trauma on them, and consequently, they chose to flee their homeland to Turkey. He was still very emotional as he recounted his experience. I told him that the past is like a dream; even if it is a nightmare, we will wake up from it. I truly hope that the abundant love surrounding him would help him to open up his heart and let go of hatred and resentment, and to take good care of his family. Our attitude towards the present defines our future. By seizing the present moment, we would be able to pass down happiness and blessings to the coming generations. Disharmony in people’s minds and interpersonal conflicts could lead to man-made disasters that are hard to imagine. I am grateful for the efforts of our volunteers in Turkey and Jordan, in providing care to the Syrian refugees on my behalf. Those who are suffering have untold miseries, and we have a long way to go. Besides alleviating their pain and suffering, we should also strive to inspire love in everyone’s heart. We must also appreciate the precious gift of time and value each and every second of our life, ensuring that we do not live a day in vain. In order to make it to the Year-end Blessing Ceremonies, I have strived really hard. Although my steps were unstable, I knew that with one step forward, another step will follow. With one step, I hope that all of you will sow blessings for the world; and with another step, I hope everyone can cultivate wisdom. It is my hope that all of you will walk diligently and steadfastly on the Bodhisattva Path, and cultivate both blessings and wisdom each and every day. Please be mindful always. aster’s Teaching * Compiled from a collection of speeches delivered by Master Cheng Yen from November 8 to 10, 2019.