20150710人間菩提 ~ 深觀無常‧廣庇天下 Holding Nature in Awe and Caring for People in Need
Nature’s force is indeed very powerful. But if we can stay vigilant and cautious, hold Nature in awe, and take precautions against disasters, then we’ll enjoy more peace and safety. Yesterday, as a typhoon was approaching, people in many areas of Taiwan were taking precautionary measures. This is the right thing to do. When we are on guard, there’ll naturally be less disasters. When we’re careful and prepared, we’ll be much safer.
This is the same with the victims of the recent dust explosion in Taiwan. As one of our physiotherapist said, if we can start to help the injured do exercise as early as possible, they’ll be able to recover better and suffer much less in the future.
Indeed, since they’re already been injured, if we can provide them with the medical treatment and emotional support they need as early as possible, they’ll recover sooner and the functions of their bodies will also recover as normally as possible.
This is also true when it comes to preventing disasters. For example, before a typhoon is coming, if everyone can come together to prepare for it and be on high alert, then Mother Nature will sense our sincerity and have mercy on us.
We also see a very touching event in Vietnam. On Jun 28, Tzu Chi volunteers there held a free clinic and gave out supplies to those in need. One day before the event, they even went to clean up the venue first. This is how mindful and loving Tzu Chi volunteers are.
Tzu Chi started in Vietnam with a Tzu Chi commissioner, Ms. Yang Bi-yun. She moved to Vietnam with her husband to set up their business there. But she really wanted to do Tzu Chi’s work there. Apart from running their own business, she also wanted to help the locals in need and promote Tzu Chi there.
Back then, a gathering of more than three people would draw attention from the authorities. She had been questioned several times, but out of compassion, she continued to do Tzu Chi’s work there. Gradually, she inspired many Taiwanese business people to join Tzu Chi. They carefully carried out Tzu Chi’s mission step by step. Eventually, things started to change.
Moved by Tzu Chi volunteers’ genuine and selfless giving, the authorities granted us a permit to hold activities and events there. With that, we became officially registered with the government. Now, when we want to hold an event, the government will provide us with a venue, such as schools, squares, etc. Our work there has benefited many locals, but it has not been an easy path.
We also see a Vietnam woman who married a Taiwanese man, hoping to have better life here in Taiwan. They had two children, but unfortunately, her husband passed away due to a heart attack. She was very brave and resilient. As she had trouble making ends meet, she took her children and moved in to a place that used to be a pigpen.
Five years ago, when our volunteers learned of her condition, they began to look after the family. But she was truly very strong and independent, so she refused our volunteers’ aid and only accepted their emotional support.
A few years ago, her house started to leak and the walls were also eroded by rain. In summer, there were even snakes in her house, so she was very frightened. At a time like this, Tzu Chi volunteers went to her aid. They cleaned up and repaired her house from the inside out. They also replaced the ceiling and helped make her house a place with good ventilation and natural lighting.
Then, they brought in furniture, such as closets, kitchen countertop, tables, chairs, etc. that they found at one of our recycling stations. See how different the house looked! It was like a new house. Our volunteers even prepared rice balls to celebrate a new start for them. The family no longer has to worry about snakes, typhoons, leaking, etc anymore.
“You’re very nice and very loving. Thank you! You care so much about us.” Tzu Chi volunteers are truly full of love. To her, they’re as close as her own family. To repay, she saved up money in coin banks to help the needy. “Tzu Chi volunteers are my family. They care a lot about us. I’ve received help, so I want to give back.”
Now, her neighbors are also caring for her. I’m very happy for her and very grateful to our volunteers.
We also need to continue giving our support to the dust explosion victims. Many of them are still fighting for their lives in the hospitals and many people with love are still doing what they can to help them.
Although medical personnel are doing their best, many of the injured are still at a high risk of losing their lives. So, we should continue to give them our support. Some of the injured with minor or moderate burns have been discharged from the hospital or moved to the general ward. They’re recovering slowly.
All in all, we should still pray for these young victims and give them our best wishes. We must also give our support to their families. This is what we must continue to do for still quite some time.
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