The world of Tzu Chi July 2020 (Vol.124)

01 TZU CHI 124 By Dharma Master Cheng Yen Translated by Goh Hwe Yong aster’s Teaching When we come together as one in mind and spirit and earnestly strive towards a common goal with firm conviction, we will eventually be able to accomplish our mission, for where there is a will, there is a way. B uddha Day is a major annual event in Tzu Chi’s calendar. Although the Covid-19 pandemic has deterred us from gathering to commemorate the occasion this year, our spirit of pious devotion remains unwavering. The Buddha Bathing Ceremony in conjunction with the triple celebration of Buddha Day, Mother’s Day and Tzu Chi Day was held in two venues. I hereby thank the Dharma masters of Taipei Linji Huguo Chan Temple for partaking in the ceremony. Meanwhile, resident Dharma masters at the Jing Si Abode in Hualien, Taiwan led the Buddha bathing ritual, which was broadcasted worldwide. The online event recorded a participation of 520,000 from various Tzu Chi chapters, liaison offices and the general public across 62 countries and regions. At the Great Love Village in Ormoc City, the Philippines, local volunteers loaned three statues of the Buddha and requested for permission from the government to mount each of the statues on a trishaw to be pedalled through the village. As the statutes were transported from door to door, families greeted their arrival by presenting fruits and vegetables as offerings to the Buddha. The trishaws stopped outside each of the 1,500 households in the village and took three to four days to make a complete tour around the settlement, much to the villagers’ delight. I recall being moved by a bowing cow. In 2018, volunteer Alfredo Li bought a cow that was due for slaughter and entrusted the animal in the care of a villager, besides cautioning him against killing other lives. The villager brought the cow to his land and built a simple hut there. He cared for the cow dutifully. During Tzu Chi Day last year, the cow followed its master to the bowing pilgrimage and offered two bunches of bananas to me. Instead of bringing me bananas this year, the cow was able to perform the bowing ritual in its master’s home as the statue of the Buddha stopped by. How could anyone resist developing a fondness for a cow that repays its master’s love and demonstrates gratitude? In the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan, Tzu Chi volunteers assembled makeshift houses in Ormoc City for locals affected by the disaster. Rebuilding homes and lives was an uphill task. Hence, the villagers have since settled down in the Great Love Village and are leading peaceful, fulfilling lives. Many of the villagers have also become volunteers, extending assistance to those in need. Going to Great Lengths to Serve the Underprivileged