The world of Tzu Chi March-April 2022 (Vol.140)

02 2022 • 04 needy to improve their lives. Tzu Chi would not have been possible without everyone’s help. Our spirit and ideals have since spread from Taiwan to many other countries. Take Malaysia for example. Severe flooding ravaged parts of the nation at the end of last year. Local Tzu Chi volunteers quickly mobilized to help. Culinary volunteers first jumped into action to prepare hot meals for flood victims. Then, after the floodwaters had receded, everyone came together to help clean up devastated communities. Volunteers also visited affected families to find out how they were faring. When they found people requiring long-term assistance, they included them on Tzu Chi’s long-term care recipient list. As for those who required just temporary aid, volunteers offered them one-time emergency financial assistance to tide them over their present difficulties. Whenever a disaster strikes in countries where there are Tzu Chi volunteers, they quickly mobilize to deliver love and aid—they want to shorten the time the afflicted suffer. That is why I thank all our volunteers around the world every day. I see hope for the world when I see them rush to the aid of the needy, calming unsettled minds and restoring stability to upended lives. People around the world live different lives. Some were born into extreme poverty and trying circumstances; some lead blessed lives, never having to worry about food, clothing, or shelter. We must embrace a heart of gratitude if we belong to the more fortunate group of people. Gratitude is a sure path to contentment and happiness. But being grateful is not enough. We must also do good to sow more blessings. If we can all do our best to sow blessings, harmony will prevail, ensuring a safe, peaceful society. When it comes to doing good, we must not limit it to where we live. If the international community needs us, we must pitch in to help too. Our combined strength will be able to reach even the farthest corner in the world and relieve people in the direst circumstances. When we reach out to help, when we give our time or money to others, we also create blessings for ourselves. As we sow, so shall we reap. Everyone has a light in their heart. Keep it aglow. Do not pass up any chance to do good deeds just because they seem trivial. The accumulation of small kind deeds will create a tremendous force of love. Let our good deeds be like twinkles of light from fireflies: together we can light up the world with love. aster’s Teaching * Reprinted with permission from Tzu Chi Bimonthly.