The world of Tzu Chi October 2020 (Vol.127)

TZU CHI 127 31 elderly gets a pack of rice to go home with; the children get an education; and those suffering receive Master’s education and transform their outlook on life. Seeing smiles on their faces and positive changes to their lives, regardless of how much difficulties and troubles we went through, it’s all worth it.” Denise always reminds herself to be gentle and patient, to be ready and willing to learn in all ways, and, together with Dino, to relentlessly work hard for the locals. By the end of 2014, Tzu Chi finally had its own centre in Mozambique. In July 2020, after going through many hardships and prevailing numerous adversities, Denise finally obtained the permit for Tzu Chi Mozambique and began a new chapter. In fact, after spending less than a year serving the community, Denise lamented helplessly that there were just too many poor people. Then, in January 2013, when she returned to Taiwan to participate in the Tzu Chi’s Year-end Blessing Ceremony, the Master seemed to see through her unsettled mind – as she was hesitant in sharing her thoughts. With encouraging words, the Master said to Denise and Dino, “Bring spiritual wealth back to your people.” Till today, Denise keeps these words in her mind. Denise clearly knew that to transform Africa, they must go beyond providing material aid. They must also share the Master’s teaching and guide the people to tap into the wealth within. Denise is always grateful that the spiritual wealth given by the Master is the panacea for transforming poverty. Thus, whether it is relief distribution, Buddha Bathing Ceremony or Year-end Blessing Ceremony, as long as there is an opportunity, she would share Master’s teaching with everyone. Denise related that the volunteers love to be involved in Tzu Chi’s work; although financially poor, Tzu Chi has enabled them to help others. Sometimes, they were so involved in Tzu Chi’s missions that they forgot to go to work. This made Denise feel both concerned and appreciative. She has nothing to repay the volunteers for their selfless contributions; she can only share with them what the Master has taught. However, it is a big challenge for Africans who barely know anything about Buddhism to understand the Master’s teaching. Determined to achieve that, the sharp Denise came up with the idea of developing drama and interesting games to communicate the Master’s teaching to the people. Furthermore, so as to provide an opportunity for the volunteers to be self-reliant, Denise, in 2014, led the volunteers to establish an 800-square-feet Great Love Farm in Maputo. The farm not only produces vegetables, but also becomes their best place to learn. “The volunteers didn’t understand the Law of Karma, but when they came to the farm, I was able to share with them that where tomatoes are planted, you get tomatoes and not cabbages. They instantly understood the principle of retribution of good and evil, simply put, you reap what you sow. Our mind is like a garden full of weeds. The weeds must be constantly and relentlessly removed from time to time so that the nutrients meant for the vegetables will not be shared. Through this hands-on method of teaching, ploughing and learning on the farm, they immediately understood that to take care of themselves, they must first get rid of their worries. This can be done by applying the Master’s teaching to rid oneself of worries and make space for the seeds of love to grow.” Transforming Africa With Love