Eighteen years ago, there were no Tzu Chi volunteers in
But today, many local Zulu people there have now been inspired to become our volunteers.
Seeing that, I truly feel very happy.
Most of them are poor, and are more stout in stature.
(But when they climb up and down the mountains)
(to visit those in need,)
They sing loudly and happily and their steps seem so lively and graceful.
Indeed, although they live in mountainous areas where the paths are rugged and bumpy from the way they walk, it seems as if the path was very smooth and easy to travel on.
Indeed, what we see is the result of our volunteers' effort over the past 18 years.
These first volunteers in
At first, there was just one seed.
The process of that seed sprouting and giving rise to numerous seeds involved a journey that contained much hardship and difficulties.
But, look at how it has borne fruit.
From October 3 to 5, they held a camp for local volunteers to learn more about the Jing Si principles and Tzu Chi spirit.
More than 260 local Tzu Chi volunteer leaders from ten locations in two countries attended the camp.
For the attendees who live farthest away, they had to spend 21 or so hours on the bus to reach the camp.
It was truly very moving to see.
At the camp, they learned very basic things from the start.
Because they need to pass on Tzu Chi's ideals and spirit, they need to learn all the basics.
Be it table manners or the way we carry ourselves, these were all part of the course.
Our volunteers taught them how to hold the bowl and use chopsticks properly.
In the beginning, the attendees used spoons and forks but step by step they learned how to use chopsticks.
So, starting from table manners, our volunteers went on to teach them how to bow and prostrate.
Though many of them are Catholics or Christians
(in choosing to walk on) Tzu Chi's dharma path, they also learn the rules and etiquette for Tzu Chi members.
Be it the Jing Si philosophy or Tzu Chi's etiquette and rules of conduct---
These are all things to be learned.
So, it looks like or volunteers there have a harder job than us in
Given the language barrier and the differences in religious beliefs and living habits,
More effort is needed to spread our spirit there.
However, where there is a will, there's a way because the Buddha said that all living beings share the same pure true nature.
It's just that people do not realize it.
After 18 years of hard work in
(our volunteers' efforts have now borne fruit)
See how orderly everyone's step was in sync with the music with sutra verses.
There were around 260 volunteers participating in
(that form of walking meditation)
They all looked identical though they were all of different skin colors.
Look at this volunteer.
Though she has to use a cane while walking, whenever Tzu Chi holds an activity
And no matter how far away it is.
She was tries her best to be there.
See how her steps were in sync with others'.
So, nothing is impossible.
However, with our volunteers' long-term efforts, do we see instant results there?
(It takes time)
Because
Compared with the population of
Though there are nearly 3,000 people there serving as our volunteers and nearly 50,000 people have attended our sewing classes and are now able to make a living and support themselves.
Most people there are so poor that some would even commit robbery.
So, it's not very safe there.
Take our volunteer, Mr. Shi, for example.
He has a factory there and hires many workers.
One time, he and his wife worked late into the night.
When they were about to call it a day, a few robbers cut open the wire netting at the back of his house and broke into his house.
They not only took his possessions, but also hit him in the head.
Later, the police came and when they were watching the surveillance tapes, Mr. Shi discovered that one of he robbers was a worker at his factory.
He was the one who planned the whole robbery.
After I was robbed, the first day, I was very scared:
The second day, I was very angry:
and the third day, I decided to forgive them.
I think we should choose to forgive them because that's what Master teaches us.
In addition to forgiving them we must also guide and counsel them.
Otherwise, they might rob other people again.
That's even worse, itn't it?
From that time on whenever Mr. Shi was going to visit our care recipients or hold distribution events.
He'd bring this worker with him and asked him to help out, hoping that he could be inspired and reform.
But, I heard that only recently this worker was killed in a car accident.
I'm very sorry to hear that.
If he could have continued to take part in Tzu Chi's activities and give of himself,
I'm sure the seed of love we sowed in him would have grown into a big tree one day.
(But, as he had been doing good for a while)
a seed of love had already been sown in the field of his heart.
Mr. Shi is now helping plant trees
(in local schools and many other places)
And he shared with others that while planting trees everyone mst not forget what I teach about planting the seeds of love in one's heart.
Indeed, we need to keep spreading the seeds of love and live out the good teachings that might seem impossible to others.
That is to truly have a seed of love in our heart.
(It's that tiny seed which can) grow into a big tree.
All big trees come from a tiny seed.
See what orderliness they display.
Isn't that a manifestation of truth, goodness, and beauty?
In this world, there's nothing we cannot achieve.
(It all depends on our mind and convictions)
All in all, in this world, who is higher or more lowly than others?
Who is more capable than others?
(Those aren't worthwhile comparisons)
Though our Zulu volunteers are poor, they are very happy and rich spiritually.
When I listen to their thoughts on my teachings, I feel they're very mindful and
have truly taken my dharma into their hearts.
For that, I must thank our volunteers who moved from
(It is karmic affinities)
that have brought them there.
They are truly very endearing disciples of mine.
重播 週一到週五
09:48 11:45 15:15 23:00
重播 週六
07:45 11:45 15:18 23:00
重播 週日
02:45 07:45 11:45 23:00
愛灑南非十八載
欣見成蔭菩提林
寬諒善導度迷途
無分族群法入心
踩著整齊規律的步伐，不同膚色的志工們隨同佛號聲繞佛，這是第二次在南非舉行的慈濟本土志工營，兩百多位的學員不遠千里前來學習慈濟人文與理念。三天兩夜，期望南非的慈濟志業，在耕耘了十八年之後，繼續把愛遍灑在這塊非洲大地。
證嚴上人開示：「語言不通、宗教不同，生活的一切一切都不一樣，要在那裡去施教很困難，不過只要有心就不困難，因為佛陀說，奇哉奇哉，大地眾生皆有佛陀如來的本性，我們要相信人人都同樣有如來的本性。」
人間有苦難，就有慈濟人愛的足跡。艾克颶風重創美國德州，災民家園毀損，生計無著落，最無助的時刻，慈濟志工帶來最及時的關懷。受到幫助的感動，災民化做手心向下，也成為付出之人。
證嚴上人開示：「愛的種子總是要不斷地灑播，要開啟這樣的，人做不到我們能做得到，這才是真正的心靈種子。只要有一顆種子開始，可以灑播在無量數的地方讓它成長，讓它成為大樹，纍纍的果實。」
慈濟人踏遍每一個角落，不辭辛勞地付出，灑播下愛的種子，成就無量數的希望，但願帶動愛的循環，讓大愛遍佈全球。
Regards, Jenny
思慧合十
Today's Jing Si Aphorisms: If we have the will to do something, we need not fear, for with conviction, time can be found, and strength will surely come.
今日靜思語:只要有心, 一定可以撥出時間; 只要有願, 不怕沒有力量
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