The world of Tzu Chi February 2020 (Vol.119)

01 TZU CHI 119 By Dharma Master Cheng Yen Translated by Ho Joo Lim aster’s Teaching How much do we need to have to call ourselves fortunate? Those who are content are the most fortunate. If we could be grateful for what we have and share them with all sentient beings on Earth, we are amassing love and merits. E ach time when the winter sets in, I would think of places that are even colder, and of those who are struggling amidst the frigid cold. Not only do their bodies have to endure the freezing chills, they also lack food and warm clothing supplies, or worse, a shelter. At the same time, I always feel grateful for the good fortune, to have a place to stay, something to wear, and sufficient daily supplies. Some may ask, how much do we need to have to call ourselves fortunate? I believe those who are easily satisfied are the most fortunate and blessed. In fact, we would realize our blessings if we could look beyond what we see. In October 2019, Mindanao Island in southern Philippines was shaken by a massive earthquake, leaving many homeless as their houses tumbled and collapsed. Some families erected makeshift shelters using bamboo poles and palm leaves on muddy and uneven ground. They were deeply moved to receive timely aid from Tzu Chi volunteers through the provision of rice, blankets, multipurpose foldable beds and emergency cash. Some expressed that they had never dreamt of having all these supplies. Many of them wasted no time in purchasing zinc sheets with the emergency cash they received, to reinforce their homes. Despite the simple structures, the makeshift houses could at least provide some protection from the elements; and by putting a few foldable beds side by side, the children could have a proper platform to sleep on. I am deeply grateful to see the volunteers overcoming transportation issues and making several trips at their own expense to deliver relief supplies to the affected people. Each time they shared their encounters, I felt sorry for the deplorable conditions of the disaster victims, but at the same time, was grateful that our volunteers managed to set foot in the disaster areas and distribute the relief supplies personally, besides surrounding the disaster victims with human warmth and love in a time when they were lost in darkness. Leading up to the new year, Tzu Chi has also completed the flood relief programme in southern Laos. Besides bags of rice to tide affected farmers over their current Sharing Love with All Sentient Beings