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

02 2020 • 06 Protect everyone from the pandemic with compassion and piety Currently, all Tzu Chi volunteers are staying within the confines of their respective countries, yet their hearts remain at one with their spiritual home in Taiwan, with the help of digital means that enable us to connect with each other and support one another spiritually. Thanks to modern technology, I am able to participate in teleconferences with Tzu Chi volunteers in dozens of countries within a day and communicate with all of them instead of a mere few. Tzu Chi Hong Kong volunteers shared with us their efforts in distributing face masks to disadvantaged communities. Apart from the underprivileged, our frontliners are also in dire need of face masks. Medical personnel and the police force have dedicated themselves to the service of society, yet are facing a shortage of face masks and protective equipment. Tzu Chi volunteers worldwide helped to stem the shortage by sourcing for essential medical supplies and distributing them to the intended recipients despite encountering obstacles. Some volunteers even waited patiently for the face masks to be manufactured at the production facility in order to collect and deliver them within the shortest time possible. These volunteers have exemplified the spirit of readiness that has characterized our disaster response efforts all along, which has become all the more important during these times that require us to offer our compassion wherever needed and contribute in every way possible. Concerns of the pandemic have been weighing heavily on my mind. I hope for everyone to relieve my burden by uniting in prayer and cultivating blessings for the benefit of humanity. Take the crisis as a lesson on the impermanence of life and start life anew The pandemic has aroused in us feelings of gloom and uneasiness as we wonder how long it will take to run its course. Nevertheless, sincere prayers are the balm to crises that humans are powerless in stopping. Although we are discouraged from gathering to pray, praying together within our homes or online is equally acceptable. Besides offering heartfelt prayers, we should do our part for the greater good and foster mutual compassion in our efforts to protect everyone from the contagion and prevent the pandemic from escalating. Adopting a vegetarian diet is the ideal way to express our spiritual piety. Vegetarianism is now more pertinent than ever, as reducing our consumption of meat spares animals from being reared as livestock and slaughtered, thus minimizing negative karma. It is imperative to repent for the collective negative karma that we have generated and show our reverence to Mother Nature by curbing our greed and desires. Mutual love and respect is conducive to the harmonious co-existence of all beings on Earth. Practise these four principles to mitigate crises: pray with a sincere heart; cultivate positive karma; respect all forms of life; suppress all hedonistic desires. Take these testing times as a lesson on confronting hardship and the impermanence of life, and chart a new path towards an improved life by eliminating bad habits and honing kindness. A peaceful life comes with shifting to a positive mindset. The pandemic has swept across the world like a raging typhoon. Let us pray for it to come to an end soon, while preparing ourselves to rebuild our lives in the future. We will overcome this crisis with compassion and kindness. Please be mindful, always. aster’s Teaching * Compiled from a collection of speeches delivered by Master Cheng Yen from April 6 to 16, 2020.