The world of Tzu Chi February 2021(Vol.131)

02 2021 • 02 Hualien would only be meaningful if they assisted me in doing charity work. So, with that, 30 housewives began dropping NT 50 cents (about 5 sen) into a bamboo bank daily before going to the market. The money was used to help the needy. Thus, Tzu Chi’s charity work was launched. When many small contributions are pooled together, lots of good things can be done anywhere, and thus spreading love around the world. Starting with a handful of housewives each saving 50 cents daily 55 years ago, now, wherever there are Tzu Chi people, the spirit of the “Days of the Bamboo Bank” has taken root there. Tzu Chi has now grown into an international charity organization with branch offices in 63 countries and regions. Our footprints of care can be found in 119 countries. Blessed are those who readily lend a helping hand. Even the Syrian refugee children in Turkey had done their bits. For several years now, these children have donated what pocket money they could to support Tzu Chi’s disaster relief operations, be it for Hualien or Tainan quake, or for other countries. Even those with no money to spare show their love in other ways. One child, for instance, wrote “a one dollar cheque” on a sheet of paper to donate. Although he had no money to give, he had a giving heart. That heart to give is what matters the most, and is profoundly moving. My heart to give 55 years ago was like that child’s, and I have held firm to that original aspiration ever since. It has guided me on the right path, enabling me to form deep and sincere bond with so many people. My heart might grow heavy whenever I see suffering in the world, but I am filled with a renewed sense of hope and purpose when I see Tzu Chi volunteers around the world working together with one heart to relieve that suffering. Had I not acted on my aspiration to help the needy 55 years ago, and had I not tried to pool together people’s love, we would not be able to help so many people over the years. What matters even more than the material aid we have given is the love we have inspired in those we have helped. That love has prompted them to help even more people, in their own ways. I hope that everyone will keep abreast of current affairs and development affecting humanity and the world, and be more caring of those who are suffering. Now, besides conducting study groups, you can also make good use of Tzu Chi’s Internet platforms to listen to my talks. With just a few clicks on your mobile phone, and I will be right there instantly. Every beautiful sunset has its end. Life too is impermanent. Let us all do our best to create blessings every day by doing good. Our life may become shorter with each passing day, but if we keep on doing good, our blessings will continue to grow. Please be ever more mindful. aster’s Teaching * Compiled from a collection of speeches delivered by Master Cheng Yen from December 1 to 6, 2020.