人間菩提--嚴冬中的暖陽
Bringing Warmth to People in the Festive Season
In such bitter cold winter, Tzu Chi members arrived at Sichuan yesterday.
We see that the locals as well as Tzu Chi volunteers who arrived earlier to make preparations and the local volunteers all happily welcomed those who arrived yesterday.
See how warm the atmosphere was when they met.
It was very cold but everyone’s heart was filled with warmth.
It is selfless Great Love that, like the sunshine in winter, brings warmth amidst the bitter cold.
In such cold weather, most people would not want to go out, but a group of people came all he way from Taiwan.
They traveled such a long distance across the sea and mountains to arrive at the town in Sichuan all because they could not bear to see people suffer from the cold, especially as they’ve already suffered an earthquake.
In May, Sichuan was struck by a major earthquake.
All the time, despite the hot weather, Tzu Chi volunteers went to the disaster areas (to provide aid to those affected)
(Because of the loving care they gave,) they formed a close bond with the locals just as if they were family.
(So, when our volunteers went back this time,) the locals, who are now our volunteers warmly welcomed our Tzu Chi volunteers from Taiwan.
The local people have been anticipating our volunteers’ return as if our volunteers were their family coming home for a festive family reunion.
You came here all the way from Taiwan, and we are very moved by you.
So, we should learn from your spirit.
That’s why we decided to serve as volunteers.
This is a card to express their gratitude and well wishes to us.
They also put the theme for this year’s Year-end Blessings Ceremony in it.
What’s most special is that they even put our names in it and wrote:
“You are the lotus flower in my heart”
On the back of the card, it says:
“You will always remain”
“in the hearts of the people of Sichuan”
I feel that this sentence truly gives us great encouragement.
This morning, at around 6 a.m. in Sichuan even before it was light out, our volunteers set off despite the bone-chilling cold to go to the distribution site.
Seeing that, I am truly very grateful.
They do this because this is the first winter after the earthquake and so we must go there to offer supplies that they need for the winter.
Our volunteers prepared clothing, warm quilts, food, etc.
We also see that our volunteers went to inspect the quilts.
Each one is over 4 kg.
Okay
It’s passed.
The manufacturer also felt the love our volunteers have for the people, so he did his best to make the best quality quilts.
He even gave us more than what we asked for, which really touched us.
See, such is the cycle of love, which can (inspire others to give of their love)
We also saw how our volunteers checked the rice.
The rice that we give must be of good quality too so our volunteers also went to inspect the rice.
See how they took a random sample from a sack of rice to see how much broken rice was in it.
See, such is Tzu Chi volunteers’ love, which they show through their mindfulness and not just through words only.
They not only made sure of the quantity but also demanded quality.
So, be it thermal underwear, quilts, rice grains, etc., they were very mindful in everything they did.
So, the first of our winter aid distributions in China has begun.
Let’s now turn to other parts of the world.
Many western countries are now covered with snow.
Despite that, Tzu Chi volunteers are going out to help people in need.
What they give can truly warm people’s hearts.
They’re doing this because this is the time when westerners are celebrating Christmas.
See how Tzu Chi volunteers also put on a Santa costume and go visit churches. Senior homes, orphanages, homeless shelters etc as well as go to see our care recipients one by one to bring love and care.
This is what Tzu Chi volunteers are doing.
We are continually receiving news of their work.
See, how important our blankets are to those in need.
Upon receiving it, a woman held it up and laid her face against it.
They go to visit schools, senior homes among many other places, and they also go to visit people under their care one by one.
See, that is how our Tzu Chi volunteers dedicate themselves with love and mindfulness.
Not only do they provide material goods, but, most importantly, (they warm people’s hearts)
Aside from giving people clothes and blankets as well as socks and hats and food, our volunteers also give them coin banks and share with them the story of how Tzu Chi started and then tell them that by giving whatever little they can spare every day.
They too can help those in need.
By encouraging others to do this, we hope that people would not underestimate what they can do to help others and to warm people’s hearts.
So, warmth isn’t only something the sun can bring; our volunteers also hope that people can (warm others’ hearts also by giving their love)
This is the love of our Tzu Chi volunteers.
I’m truly very grateful.
Our volunteers in the Philippines are also doing the same.
With Christianity being the predominant religion there, Christmas is widely celebrated. (as it’s a major holiday for Christians)
(Despite being of different religious beliefs) our volunteers in the Philippines hoped that those of our care recipients who are Christian could have a joyful & heartwarming Christmas.
So, they are now holding several winter distributions in the Philippines, treating all with respect and abundant love.
Seeing them express their gratitude to one another.
I’m truly very moved.
Our volunteers not only provided warmth and love in countries where it is cold and snowy.
In countries where the weather is warm and where Christmas is celebrated, they also brought a sense of festivity and warmth.
I’m truly moved by what they’ve done.
All in all, our volunteers worldwide are spreading seeds of love.
They not only give people things that are useful, they also sow seeds of love in people’s hearts. (which will not only benefit themselves,) but also enable them to help others.
Such is the passing on of love.
For that, I’m truly very grateful.
(Our volunteers are indeed)
(bringing life and vigor to others, which comes) only when people are safe and well.
So, Japanese often speak of “gen ki” or “o gen ki,” which is to wish people vitality and to be safe and well.
We should be grateful for living in peace and safety.
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