人間菩提--為旱地注生機
It has been ten years since Tzu Chi volunteers went to
Seeing the yellow dirt of the great plateau, caused by drought, our heart goes out to the people living there.
They can only rely on rainwater for the water needed in daily living.
Obtaining water is very difficult.
On Da Ai TV, we can see a
We also saw how they planted corn and potato corn that are drought-resistant.
We saw how they water the corn with a cup of water, pouring just a little bit on each corn stalk.
Their conditions are truly very hard.
We also saw a story of young girl who needs to help with the farm work.
The children in
They even need to help out with the farm work such as tiling the land.
Yet, they still go to school (because they want to get an education)
It is heartbreaking to see them living like this.
So, ten years ago, we began to build water cisterns for them.
We've built more than 10,000 water cisterns.
We've been visiting them over the past ten years, sometimes several times a year.
We saw that some of the houses there have deteriorated and collapsed.
Some of them live in caves which run the danger of collapsing.
So, we helped them improve their houses and built a school for the children.
However, in recent years, the climate has become abnormal.
So, I said that.
If it doesn't rain, building water cisterns for them won't help because there's no water to collect.
(So, the people's lives can't be improved if they)
(continue to live on the plateau)
We should help them relocate to a better location.
Therefore, a few years ago, we started to communicate with the government to see if the government could pump water from the
We're very happy that the government has built an irrigation system.
They've also agreed to protect the plateau.
In the past, people made a living raising livestock.
But there is no more grass for the livestock so the people switched to farming.
Now that there is no more water the government is starting to move the people to lower land hoping that if people do not interfere with Nature vegetation might be able to grow back gradually.
The first stage of our construction project is to build 200 houses for residents of
That town is the most impoverished area of
We'd like to help relocate the residents of this town by first moving 200 families.
See, those able to relocate have all moved.
In the elementary school, there are only three students left and they're all from one family.
The teacher in this school teaches only to these three students.
The town looks really deserted.
We also see one family with seven people.
They are not able to relocate because the adults in the family are ill or have impairments.
All in all, the population is dwindling and the town is becoming deserted.
In this town the corn that they planted cannot grow because they were all bitten and damaged by rats.
So, the corn cannot grow tall.
(and other crops can't really grow there either)
Such are the conditions on the great plateau.
We also see the land at the relocated area where there is access to water.
See, the corns they planted are as tall as a person the place is very green.
See how important water is to humans.
We see the pipe the government has built to take the water from the
I have said in the past that it would be wonderful if water could flow upward.
And now, we can actually see water flowing upwards.
(So, it is possible for the water to defy gravity)
As long as we have the determination, we can accomplish anything.
So, wherever there's water crops can be grown.
After the earthquake in
So, they quickly built 12 houses that are quake-resistant.
From building the foundation to the materials we use and the construction methods,
We all follow strict standards.
Because of this process, we've truly built a sample house that is stronger and can better withstand earthquakes.
Such is the mindfulness, painstaking effort, and kindness of Tzu Chi.
There's a local maker of roof tiles who was
(touched to see the way)
Tzu Chi seeks the best quality building materials.
Though we do not personally know the people we are building homes for and yet we still love them.
(and try to improve their living conditions)
and are concerned about their safety.
He was very moved by this.
We are very moved.
As a local business, we have a responsibility to help our fellow citizens.
(and enable them to have good living conditions)
So, after a meeting with our shareholders, we decided to reduce the price, even to the point we lose a little money so that we can help this project come to fruition.
The color of the roof tile was specially made for Tzu Chi.
The sample tiles that he showed us were either red or very blue.
So, I ask if they could produce gray tiles like those we used in
(We see that they've done it)
You see, it makes the building very beautiful.
With the strengthened building structure, the houses can last four to five generations.
So, we are first building 200 houses to see how it will work out.
The construction has begun and the houses are being built.
I hope that they can be completed this year.
So, in the next few days our volunteers will go there again to see if they can speed up the construction.
If the relocation is successful, I believe the government can make arrangements to relocate other towns at higher elevations and move the people to lower land.
Doing this will benefit the whole world because if this mountain can be restored and trees can be planted on it.
It would do a lot of good for our planet.
(in mitigating global warming)
So, we really need the Four Elements to be in balance.
Only when they are all balanced can people be safe and well.
If there is imbalance in any one of the elements then people will have a hard time surviving.
At this time, we also need to be on alert.
From Da Ai News, I saw that another typhoon has formed over the ocean.
So, I hope everyone can be vigilant.
(and pray), piously and sincerely for this typhoon to weaken and dissipate.
If not, at least do not gain in strength.
All in all, we need to be on the alert, be vigilant humble, and pious at all times.
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Regards, Jenny
Today's Jing Si Aphorisms: Tolerance and accommodation can prevent disputes; Gentleness and great love can transform disasters into blessings.
今日靜思語: 忍讓可避免爭執, 柔和大愛可轉禍為福
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