The world of Tzu Chi June 2020 (Vol.123)

latent disease-causing pathogens buried under freezing temperatures taking on a second life in an increasingly warmer environment. Viruses are among the earliest organisms to have existed on Earth. Will melting glaciers trigger a re-emergence of viruses laying dormant in frozen conditions for hundreds or even thousands of centuries? Will these reactivated viruses endanger human lives? The answers remain uncertain. Calls to prohibit the consumption of wildlife have resonated globally to stem the emergence of unidentified viruses. Yet, even the SARS outbreak 17 years ago has failed to quell mankind’s appetite forwildlife, widely consumed in traditional medicine for its purported health- boosting properties. The ability to afford exotic wildlife delicacies is also perceived as an indicator of affluence and high social status. Will the Covid-19 crisis spell the end of wildlife poaching and consumption once and for all? Before pointing fingers at the animal suspects believed to be virus carriers, perhaps we should pause to reflect: Who were responsible for capturing these animals to be consumed? Mankind is likely to pay a heavy price for attempting to disrupt the law of nature and for staking a claim on the lives of other sentient beings. A short memory span is mankind’s collective Achilles’ heel in reinforcing pandemic preparedness efforts. Most of us will probably shelve this harrowing episode in modern history at the back of our minds in time to come. Master Cheng Yen responded to the pandemic with a reminder to repent for our shortcomings and respect all forms of life. “As countries all over the world are imposing lockdowns and containment measures, work has come to a halt. Despite the inconveniences we are facing, we should take the opportunity to reflect on the destruction mankind has inflicted upon nature. We have exploited the natural resources granted to us by Mother Earth, destroyed forests and polluted oceans. Yet, we remain ignorant even to this day, when we are living on the edge in a world plagued by accelerated environmental degradation and climate change. If we carry on with our to Mother Nature for nourishing us with her bounty and for ensuring our survival. Remorse and gratitude will lead us away from falling into the depths of misjudgment and back onto the right path,” theMaster advised, stressing the impact of our actions on the environment. The Master has also appealed to all to cultivate a heart of compassion and take on the responsibility of protecting all lives by adopting a vegetarian diet. Ill intentions are the root of all disasters. Conversely, harbouring kind thoughts and taking action to protect the environment and all forms of life contribute to the mitigation of disasters. TZU CHI 123 27