20200410相逢雲端心連心Connecting Over the Internet

無量光曜心 文章總數 : 2568 威望 : 33 注冊日期 : 2012-11-03

20200410相逢雲端心連心Connecting Over the Internet

One week after another, time has gone by, the topic people are concerned about every day remains the same. Every day, I am connected with the world; through the internet, Tzu Chi volunteers across the globe start joining us at the Abode. Volunteers in different countries connect with us at the Abode through videoconference via internet and come together. People greet and say to me, “We really miss you.” They all have the same problem; it is hard to get hold of face masks.

Indeed, I truly miss the volunteers. Usually, these disciples of mine would come to the Abode in groups during lunar New Year. This year is different indeed. They cannot visit the Abode, so when I eventually meet up with them online, a strong bonding is sharing among us. “It has been a long while since we met last time”, we said. This is truly rare.

Thanks to modern technology, volunteers from several countries are able to join us at the Abode online, and we can see that while staying at home, with the help of web conference technology, volunteers can still interact with, greet, and care for one another.

I heard volunteers from different countries reporting at the same meeting in different languages with the help of translation. I feel that this pandemic gives people the chance to connect their hearts together. It also teaches people a new lesson, a great lesson. It also connects the hearts of Tzu Chi volunteers around the world together via internet.

This has never happened before. I have never felt this before. But now, I know that every day, I have so many disciples to take part who are connected together online in different countries to take part in the Abode’s morning service. No matter what the local time is, whether it’s midnight, morning, noon, afternoon, or in the evening, they all connect via internet at the same time to learn the Dharma. I praise them for cultivating so diligently.

There are volunteers in Saint Maarten a small island. Every year, after volunteers receive from Taiwan, they hold rice distributions. They give themselves with love. The people on the island agree with Tzu Chi’s values and spirit that volunteers promote. Despite only a few volunteers there, they are able to let the people they help know about Tzu Chi.

Every recipient who comes to receive Tzu Chi’s material aid learns about the three ways of doing good: Think good thoughts, speak good words, and do good deeds. When volunteers distribute aid, recipients learn the concept of the three ways of doing good. So, many locals there know this. The people taken care of by volunteers are very kind. Such is love. When we have love in our hearts and this love overflows, people in need will have blessings.

We also had a videoconference with volunteers in Mexico. A few years, Mexico suffered a serve earthquake. Tzu Chi went there to provide aid. Volunteers from several countries stayed in Mexico, and interacted with the locals. They might not speak the same language, yet, with body language, volunteers were still able to convey caring and loving sentiments. It was heartwarming to hear that many locals have been serving with Tzu Chi volunteers; they have been giving with their power of love, and as they serve together, they share the same mindset.

A few years ago, these local volunteers were with the present pandemic, they have reconnected with our volunteers. Truly, this pandemic has brought many Tzu Chi volunteers together, and we are facing it with a heart of gratitude. At the present moment, various religious faiths around the world have resonated this one thought, which is to remarkably pray during this pandemic.

Thought gatherings cannot be held, volunteers can stay at home and be connected via the internet. Particularly for learning the Dharma, tens of thousands of people have been attending morning service together, and listening to morning Dharma talks together; that is what I’ve heard from the reports. Hence, during my recent videoconferences with volunteers, I feel more consoled knowing that my disciples have been cultivating accordingly; this gives me the greatest comfort.

I’m grateful to you, volunteers, with your power of love, you have been loving and interaction with others, while praying piously to end disasters. I hope this pandemic will soon meet its end, and we can take in the great lesson it has brought us, which is a blessing. My well-wishes to you all. Thank you.