The world of Tzu Chi Nov-Dec 2022 (Vol.144)

02 2022 • 12 design to the original ones. It was important to them that the finished walls looked good and would not, due to the discrepancy between the old and new tiles, remind the family of the frightful earthquake. I am truly grateful to them for their care and thoughtfulness. I am also grateful to our hospitals in Taiwan for raising money for our quake relief work, and to our volunteers on the island who did the same. Overseas volunteers prayed for and gave their best wishes to Taiwan when they learned of the quake, and many children donated their pocket money to help. People outside of Taiwan know that we frequently give to the less fortunate around the world, so when Taiwan was hit by the quake this time, they did what they could to give back. This just goes to show that when we give, we sow blessings for ourselves too. Many other natural disasters have recently been reported in other parts of the world as well. They included Hurricane Ian in the U.S., flooding in Thailand, and an earthquake in Mexico. When volunteers in those countries told me after the disasters that they were ready to set to work surveying the damage and providing relief, I told them—like I always tell our volunteers every time a disaster strikes— that they had to be sure it was safe for them to visit a disaster area before they made their trips. While I am happy our volunteers have nurtured such compassion in their hearts that they are always quick to jump into action to help in the aftermath of a disaster, I am also worried about their safety. It is impossible not to worry when I think of them wading through water or riding on boats to visit flooded zones, or travelling along roads that have been damaged in a quake. Man-made disasters have also caused much suffering in the world. I am confident that if Tzu Chi volunteers are present, people who suffer will quickly receive help. But what about those areas where there are no Tzu Chi volunteers? It is a helpless feeling to see people in need of help with no one to bring relief to them. When that happens, I ask if our volunteers in nearby countries can reach out to help. Our world needs as many people as possible willing to give with Great Love, an unselfish love that embraces all humanity. It is my most sincere hope that we can inspire ever more people to put their love into action. It is a blessing to give, and wisdom to give unconditionally. Every act of kindness we perform increases the value of our lives. Let us strive to let the places where we live be full of real-life bodhisattvas. If we can do that, then every family can enjoy happiness, and our society can prosper in peace and harmony. * Reprinted with permission from Tzu Chi Bimonthly. aster’s Teaching