The World Of Tzu Chi March 2025 (Vol.153)

2025 • 03 02 z z But help is needed beyond India and Nepal. Around the world, countless people contend with difficulties in their daily lives. In drought-stricken areas, even a single blade of grass struggles to survive. In Zimbabwe, for instance, people undertake arduous journeys to collect water – often unclean – while risking attacks from animals. Since 2013, our volunteer Tino Chu has led a team in building and repairing wells to address the country’s water scarcity; they have drilled or repaired over 2,000 wells. With the help of other volunteers, he also provides daily lunches to approximately 17,000 people, six days a week. Working in a country plagued by water scarcity and food insecurity is no easy task. I often reflect on how Mr. Chu has persevered for so many years, and I wonder: How many people have received food aid from us? And how many more suffering individuals remain unseen and unreachable? Challenges abound in our world. Every evening, I watch global news. Beyond the impacts of climate change and natural disasters, countries are mired in crises as people fight over resources, leaving others to suffer and unable to live in peace. Seeing this fills my heart with sorrow. Why must there be such division, conflict, and strife? Without peace, even the greatest wealth holds no true value. The Earth provides abundantly, offering plentiful crops. With such resources, humanity should not face shortages. Yet, disputes over resources, divisions, and strife cause unnecessary suffering. If people harboured love in their hearts, supported one another, and embraced openness and tolerance, this world could be a paradise. It was with this belief that I founded Tzu Chi over 50 years ago. The early days were incredibly challenging, but I constantly reminded myself to stay true to my original aspirations and persevere. Gradually, the positive impact of our efforts became evident, drawing more and more people to join us. While one person alone may not accomplish much, anything is possible when everyone’s love comes together. This year, as I left the Abode to preside over our Year-End Blessing Ceremonies, I felt even weaker than last year. Age continues to take its toll on me. In the face of life’s impermanence, I seek only to make the most of each day. Each morning, if I can move my hands and feet and get out of bed, I focus on accomplishing what needs to be done. The Buddha’s love embraces the universe, and my aspirations to serve are equally boundless. If I cannot fulfil them all in this life, I will carry them forward into the next. Please be ever more mindful. * Reprinted with permission from Tzu Chi Bimonthly. aster's Teaching