二十二至二十四日 心要定

撰文／ 釋德𠆩
4.22~24《農三月‧十四至十六》

【靜思小語】穩定如常是修行，保持警覺不造業。

《證嚴上人衲履足跡》有聲書，由慈濟人文志業廣播內容創作中心提供，更多精彩的廣播節目，歡迎到「大愛網路電台」收聽。

中長期援助，務實規畫

四月二十二日，花蓮慈濟人報告地震發生後，花蓮合心災害應變中心團隊運作狀況。上人說：「第一，你們很快就發放應急金，安撫民眾；之後，你們也入戶去關心、膚慰，了解他們的情形。急難時期後，要看看受災民眾後續的生活情況。也許有些人在地震之前，工作收入就不高，租房子也蠻吃力，受災後沒有房子可住，目前是投靠親友或暫住在其他地方，如何生活，都要趕快去了解並回報。經濟不好的人，投親靠友無法永久，要靠自己重建住屋更不可能，我們要統計有多少人、多少戶，以進行中長期的援建規畫。」

「我們是抱著很真誠的心要付出，有因緣可以做，我們就去做，而且要守法規，不要違法、不要違規，很務實地做一個民間慈善團體可以做的事；我們永遠懷抱著不忍眾生受苦難的菩薩心，如法如規，發揮愛心，盡心去付出。」

餘震不斷，大地在調整

四月二十三日，已至農曆三月十五日，上人於早課後對眾開示，修行要時時念無常，體會成住壞空、生老病死的自然狀態。天地之間沒有永恆的事物，只是時間長短的區別而已。

人生的生老病死，也要用心觀察與思考：剛出生的形象很可愛，新生兒在父母家人盼望下，來到人間，大家看了很歡喜，但是在此之前，媽媽要經過分娩的痛苦。孩子出生以後，在父母的養育、家人的疼惜下漸漸長大，雖說「人之初，性本善」，但是有了想吃、想要的欲念，若是吃不到或要不到，就產生無明煩惱，隨著時間累積愈來愈重的習氣與業力。

四月三日強震過後，大大小小餘震不斷，上人說，這不僅是自己過去在花蓮不曾經歷過的強烈地震，連科學家也說罕見，餘震是大地在調整，還未穩定，所以大家仍要密切注意。「在早課期間就有幾次地震，大家應該有感覺，不過你們仍然很穩定，誦經的聲音如常，值得肯定讚歎。大家有定心，修行如處定中，心要定；但是我們要一直保持警覺，要起懺悔心，懺悔過去無明造業，與所有的眾生長久以來累積了沉重的共業，所以此時天地之間不平靜，眾生共業造成嚴重的災難。」

「大家既知因緣果報的道理，就要好好用心，起心動念、開口動舌、舉手投足都要謹慎，諸惡莫作，眾善奉行，這就是我們修行的重點。請大家虔誠精進，慎勿放逸，祝福大家平安！」

大哉教育，向天地學習

四月二十三日凌晨二時二十六分，在花蓮外海發生芮氏規模六點零地震；接著在二時三十二分，於花蓮縣壽豐鄉發生芮氏規模六點三之地震。接連二次規模六以上地震，經研判是四月三日強震後的餘震，原已列為紅單危樓的統帥大樓以及整修停業的富凱大飯店等建築因之傾斜，幸好無人傷亡。

四月二十四日，慈濟科技大學、慈濟大學師長報告昨日地震後校園應變及校務。上人說，人力難以抵禦天地威力，實為無奈，但是大地震也是大教育，教育人們提高警覺，用誠懇謙卑的心向天地學習。

「不經一事，不長一智，四月三日的強震給我們很大的警惕，是『大哉教育』。這一、二十天以來，我的腦海中不斷浮現『大哉教育』這幾個字，人生天天無不都在學習。但是人們時常會分別親疏遠近，或是劃分權責，覺得這件事與自己無關，就毫不關心；雖然各有負責與承擔，但是更需要整體合和互協的力量。」

聽到王澤毅主任報告人工智慧教學，上人說，科技發達是生在此時的人類之福，但是科技工具是為了輔助人類而研發，不能過於依賴人工智慧，而且要將這些便利的科技工具用於利益人間。就如若能預測到強烈地震，提早發出警示，人們就能趕緊疏散避難，將傷亡降到最低。

「用心培養人才，例如人工智慧的研發人才，可以研發防災、避難的相關應用程式，有如未卜先知的神通，能事先預知，降低災害。」上人說，佛經所說的神通，上天入地無所不能，看來如同神話，但是現在的科技已經可以把不可能變為可能。

上人指出，神通就是精神專注，精而不雜，即能通達。不過凡夫的無明雜念很多，只為私己謀取利益而投入科技研發，並非為了公眾長久的利益，就會短視近利，沒有深遠的考量。期待慈濟可以運用人工智慧等高科技，向人間傳達道理；例如在驚世的災難發生後，呼喚人們提起警世的覺悟，用虔誠的心向天地學習。

上人再度叮嚀各校主管仔細檢查、清點學校建築在地震後的損傷，讓營建工務單位進行整體的修復、鞏固，讓師生與學生家長都能安心。「經過四月三日的強震，花蓮大致平安，大多數房屋安然無恙，看了覺得很感恩！有了感恩心，還要鞏固信心，所以我們現在力所能及，要加強建築的安全性。既有信心且堅定毅力，校長及老師們在這個環境中用心教育孩子，讓家長對我們更加有信心，共同為了教育、為了未來人間的希望而努力。」

本專欄為靜思人文出版之《證嚴上人衲履足跡》精簡版；更完整的慈濟脈動與開示內容，以及師徒之間的感人對談，請展閱每季出版的《證嚴上人衲履足跡》

4.22~24《農三月‧十四至十六》

【靜思小語】穩定如常是修行，保持警覺不造業。

《證嚴上人衲履足跡》有聲書，由慈濟人文志業廣播內容創作中心提供，更多精彩的廣播節目，歡迎到「大愛網路電台」收聽。

中長期援助，務實規畫

四月二十二日，花蓮慈濟人報告地震發生後，花蓮合心災害應變中心團隊運作狀況。上人說：「第一，你們很快就發放應急金，安撫民眾；之後，你們也入戶去關心、膚慰，了解他們的情形。急難時期後，要看看受災民眾後續的生活情況。也許有些人在地震之前，工作收入就不高，租房子也蠻吃力，受災後沒有房子可住，目前是投靠親友或暫住在其他地方，如何生活，都要趕快去了解並回報。經濟不好的人，投親靠友無法永久，要靠自己重建住屋更不可能，我們要統計有多少人、多少戶，以進行中長期的援建規畫。」

「我們是抱著很真誠的心要付出，有因緣可以做，我們就去做，而且要守法規，不要違法、不要違規，很務實地做一個民間慈善團體可以做的事；我們永遠懷抱著不忍眾生受苦難的菩薩心，如法如規，發揮愛心，盡心去付出。」

餘震不斷，大地在調整

四月二十三日，已至農曆三月十五日，上人於早課後對眾開示，修行要時時念無常，體會成住壞空、生老病死的自然狀態。天地之間沒有永恆的事物，只是時間長短的區別而已。

人生的生老病死，也要用心觀察與思考：剛出生的形象很可愛，新生兒在父母家人盼望下，來到人間，大家看了很歡喜，但是在此之前，媽媽要經過分娩的痛苦。孩子出生以後，在父母的養育、家人的疼惜下漸漸長大，雖說「人之初，性本善」，但是有了想吃、想要的欲念，若是吃不到或要不到，就產生無明煩惱，隨著時間累積愈來愈重的習氣與業力。

四月三日強震過後，大大小小餘震不斷，上人說，這不僅是自己過去在花蓮不曾經歷過的強烈地震，連科學家也說罕見，餘震是大地在調整，還未穩定，所以大家仍要密切注意。「在早課期間就有幾次地震，大家應該有感覺，不過你們仍然很穩定，誦經的聲音如常，值得肯定讚歎。大家有定心，修行如處定中，心要定；但是我們要一直保持警覺，要起懺悔心，懺悔過去無明造業，與所有的眾生長久以來累積了沉重的共業，所以此時天地之間不平靜，眾生共業造成嚴重的災難。」

「大家既知因緣果報的道理，就要好好用心，起心動念、開口動舌、舉手投足都要謹慎，諸惡莫作，眾善奉行，這就是我們修行的重點。請大家虔誠精進，慎勿放逸，祝福大家平安！」

大哉教育，向天地學習

四月二十三日凌晨二時二十六分，在花蓮外海發生芮氏規模六點零地震；接著在二時三十二分，於花蓮縣壽豐鄉發生芮氏規模六點三之地震。接連二次規模六以上地震，經研判是四月三日強震後的餘震，原已列為紅單危樓的統帥大樓以及整修停業的富凱大飯店等建築因之傾斜，幸好無人傷亡。

四月二十四日，慈濟科技大學、慈濟大學師長報告昨日地震後校園應變及校務。上人說，人力難以抵禦天地威力，實為無奈，但是大地震也是大教育，教育人們提高警覺，用誠懇謙卑的心向天地學習。

「不經一事，不長一智，四月三日的強震給我們很大的警惕，是『大哉教育』。這一、二十天以來，我的腦海中不斷浮現『大哉教育』這幾個字，人生天天無不都在學習。但是人們時常會分別親疏遠近，或是劃分權責，覺得這件事與自己無關，就毫不關心；雖然各有負責與承擔，但是更需要整體合和互協的力量。」

聽到王澤毅主任報告人工智慧教學，上人說，科技發達是生在此時的人類之福，但是科技工具是為了輔助人類而研發，不能過於依賴人工智慧，而且要將這些便利的科技工具用於利益人間。就如若能預測到強烈地震，提早發出警示，人們就能趕緊疏散避難，將傷亡降到最低。

「用心培養人才，例如人工智慧的研發人才，可以研發防災、避難的相關應用程式，有如未卜先知的神通，能事先預知，降低災害。」上人說，佛經所說的神通，上天入地無所不能，看來如同神話，但是現在的科技已經可以把不可能變為可能。

上人指出，神通就是精神專注，精而不雜，即能通達。不過凡夫的無明雜念很多，只為私己謀取利益而投入科技研發，並非為了公眾長久的利益，就會短視近利，沒有深遠的考量。期待慈濟可以運用人工智慧等高科技，向人間傳達道理；例如在驚世的災難發生後，呼喚人們提起警世的覺悟，用虔誠的心向天地學習。

上人再度叮嚀各校主管仔細檢查、清點學校建築在地震後的損傷，讓營建工務單位進行整體的修復、鞏固，讓師生與學生家長都能安心。「經過四月三日的強震，花蓮大致平安，大多數房屋安然無恙，看了覺得很感恩！有了感恩心，還要鞏固信心，所以我們現在力所能及，要加強建築的安全性。既有信心且堅定毅力，校長及老師們在這個環境中用心教育孩子，讓家長對我們更加有信心，共同為了教育、為了未來人間的希望而努力。」

本專欄為靜思人文出版之《證嚴上人衲履足跡》精簡版；更完整的慈濟脈動與開示內容，以及師徒之間的感人對談，請展閱每季出版的《證嚴上人衲履足跡》

二十五日 擺渡的功夫

撰文／ 釋德𠆩
4.25《農三月‧十七》

【靜思小語】從偏邪之氣擺渡到正氣那一邊，心念要正、船舵要穩。

《證嚴上人衲履足跡》有聲書，由慈濟人文志業廣播內容創作中心提供，更多精彩的廣播節目，歡迎到「大愛網路電台」收聽。

擺正態度，發揮正氣

慈濟大學講座教授林昭庚、《天下雜誌》創辦人殷允芃、總編輯陳一姍、資深副總編輯林倖妃、影視中心總監李洛梅、影視中心攝影召集人林有成等人到精舍拜會上人。

林倖妃資深副總編輯請教，這幾十年來臺灣社會的變動，上人最有感受的是哪些事情？上人說，自己出家後，就離開紛擾的世俗社會；雖然為了慈濟總是要走入社會做事，但是自己的心念很正，有一股正氣，走入人間是因為佛法的教育，要廣度眾生。度就是擺渡的意思，一邊是正氣，另一邊是邪氣，要從紛擾的偏邪之氣擺渡到正氣的那一邊，就要訓練好自己如何開船、掌舵。

「要先知道理，才能穩住船舵，順著氣流、風浪擺渡過去。但是我還沒有這個擺渡的功夫，只能先注意自己，還顧不得別人，擺正自己的態度，調整好自己的方向。其實人人把自己顧好，就是大家都好了。」

林昭庚教授說，邪不勝正，上人對大家說法，就是要大家培養正氣，正氣足，福氣到。花蓮經過這次大災，災害傷亡能降到這麼低，就是大家的福氣、正氣。

林女士再問，人生如在波浪上一直擺盪，本來就生活在變動中，但是平常不知不覺，一旦遭遇突如其來的意外或生病，甚至是戰亂，到底要如何去面對這樣的無常？上人說，天天都有變動，要以平常心面對。

林女士認為在複雜的社會中很難做到「信己無私，信人有愛」，上人說：「我會這麼說，是因為我自己做到；聽到的人覺得這是好道理，就試著去做到，做到以後就能認同我說的話，用自己的例子再去教別人做到。」

林女士想要了解慈濟從花蓮遍及全臺灣、走向國際，到底有什麼樣的力量去推動？上人認為這是很自然的發展，而非有什麼力量在推動；若要說有力量，力量就來自你、來自他，來自每一個願意投入與付出的人。

林女士認為力量來自人人的悲心，慈濟會啟發人的悲心。上人說，慈濟確實不斷啟發人人的悲心，但是悲心啟發了，做與不做都在於各人。人人本來就有善良的心，只是沒有凝聚起來；而慈濟不斷呼喚大家來做好事，認同的人就參與，參與的人愈多，呼喚的聲音就愈大，受到帶動的人就愈多。「大家共同向人間發出好的聲音，也是為大眾做教育，為人間注入生機；教育得好，人間的生態就會好。」林女士表示慈濟最厲害的不只是能號召人來參與，而且大家來了就永遠留在慈濟，否則善心易發卻難恆持。

林女士再提問，臺灣社會高齡化，各宗教團體也面臨相同的狀況，上人如何看待慈濟未來的發展？上人說，這不能只看慈濟未來的發展，要看世間將來如何發展。無論社會是否少子化、高齡化，現在的中壯年人，將來也是老年人，都要面臨傳承的問題；若擔心未來，現在就要揚善，重拾倫理道德觀念，這需要媒體發揮傳播力量教育大眾。

「遠親不如近鄰，慈濟人就近照顧社區，很多慈濟人也上了年紀，可以說是老人照顧老人；老人對社會也很有貢獻，慈濟的老人很有用，且人與人之間彼此教育，用愛心、耐心引導年輕一輩，所以教育很重要。」

影視中心總監李洛梅看到上人前面有平板，感佩上人也在學新科技。上人表示自己只是使用者，這些尖端科技產品，是經過許多人的心血發明與製作而成；就像今天大家來到精舍，談起慈濟志業的發展，這是五十多年的時間走過來，才能累積這麼多好事，而這些好事都是許多人用心去做的，自己才能有話可說。

凝聚福氣，淡化濁氣

各地慈濟醫院院長與主管返回精舍參與醫療志策會，上人談到花蓮是慈濟的發祥地，也因為慈濟在花蓮、深耕志業在花蓮，建築典雅、環境開闊，讓花蓮有一股優美的生命力。「慈濟深耕在花蓮，四大志業也是從花蓮開始，所以這一次地震後，感覺責任重大，要好好安頓無家可歸、依親靠友的地震受災戶。慈濟的力量來自全球，所以要呼籲國際間的愛心人，共同為花蓮付出，讓我們在花蓮建造出美好的環境。」

上人慨嘆世間無常，災難偏多，唯有呼籲人人多造福，凝聚福氣，淡化眾生共業的惡濁之氣。「最近這幾年，國際間一直很不平靜，尤其是新冠肺炎疫情遲遲無法平息，災難一波接一波，像是海浪一樣。臺灣大致上還算平安，這是我們的福氣；地震過後，大家要合和互協，為受災戶重建家園，也重建臺灣的福，要讓福的基礎鞏固起來，所以要呼籲人人起善念，行善造福，凝聚福氣。」

「感恩慈濟人共同一心，造福人間，而且是無所求的愛的付出，什麼時候需要我們的力量，我們義不容辭，站起身來，踏出腳步，一步步穩定前進，且人人步伐合齊，步步走在正道上。請大家再接再厲，再造健康的臺灣。」上人教導大家，強震的驚嚇過後，先安下心來，重新調整好腳步，人人合齊向前邁步，走得更穩、做得更好。

本專欄為靜思人文出版之《證嚴上人衲履足跡》精簡版；更完整的慈濟脈動與開示內容，以及師徒之間的感人對談，請展閱每季出版的《證嚴上人衲履足跡》

4.25《農三月‧十七》

【靜思小語】從偏邪之氣擺渡到正氣那一邊，心念要正、船舵要穩。

《證嚴上人衲履足跡》有聲書，由慈濟人文志業廣播內容創作中心提供，更多精彩的廣播節目，歡迎到「大愛網路電台」收聽。

擺正態度，發揮正氣

慈濟大學講座教授林昭庚、《天下雜誌》創辦人殷允芃、總編輯陳一姍、資深副總編輯林倖妃、影視中心總監李洛梅、影視中心攝影召集人林有成等人到精舍拜會上人。

林倖妃資深副總編輯請教，這幾十年來臺灣社會的變動，上人最有感受的是哪些事情？上人說，自己出家後，就離開紛擾的世俗社會；雖然為了慈濟總是要走入社會做事，但是自己的心念很正，有一股正氣，走入人間是因為佛法的教育，要廣度眾生。度就是擺渡的意思，一邊是正氣，另一邊是邪氣，要從紛擾的偏邪之氣擺渡到正氣的那一邊，就要訓練好自己如何開船、掌舵。

「要先知道理，才能穩住船舵，順著氣流、風浪擺渡過去。但是我還沒有這個擺渡的功夫，只能先注意自己，還顧不得別人，擺正自己的態度，調整好自己的方向。其實人人把自己顧好，就是大家都好了。」

林昭庚教授說，邪不勝正，上人對大家說法，就是要大家培養正氣，正氣足，福氣到。花蓮經過這次大災，災害傷亡能降到這麼低，就是大家的福氣、正氣。

林女士再問，人生如在波浪上一直擺盪，本來就生活在變動中，但是平常不知不覺，一旦遭遇突如其來的意外或生病，甚至是戰亂，到底要如何去面對這樣的無常？上人說，天天都有變動，要以平常心面對。

林女士認為在複雜的社會中很難做到「信己無私，信人有愛」，上人說：「我會這麼說，是因為我自己做到；聽到的人覺得這是好道理，就試著去做到，做到以後就能認同我說的話，用自己的例子再去教別人做到。」

林女士想要了解慈濟從花蓮遍及全臺灣、走向國際，到底有什麼樣的力量去推動？上人認為這是很自然的發展，而非有什麼力量在推動；若要說有力量，力量就來自你、來自他，來自每一個願意投入與付出的人。

林女士認為力量來自人人的悲心，慈濟會啟發人的悲心。上人說，慈濟確實不斷啟發人人的悲心，但是悲心啟發了，做與不做都在於各人。人人本來就有善良的心，只是沒有凝聚起來；而慈濟不斷呼喚大家來做好事，認同的人就參與，參與的人愈多，呼喚的聲音就愈大，受到帶動的人就愈多。「大家共同向人間發出好的聲音，也是為大眾做教育，為人間注入生機；教育得好，人間的生態就會好。」林女士表示慈濟最厲害的不只是能號召人來參與，而且大家來了就永遠留在慈濟，否則善心易發卻難恆持。

林女士再提問，臺灣社會高齡化，各宗教團體也面臨相同的狀況，上人如何看待慈濟未來的發展？上人說，這不能只看慈濟未來的發展，要看世間將來如何發展。無論社會是否少子化、高齡化，現在的中壯年人，將來也是老年人，都要面臨傳承的問題；若擔心未來，現在就要揚善，重拾倫理道德觀念，這需要媒體發揮傳播力量教育大眾。

「遠親不如近鄰，慈濟人就近照顧社區，很多慈濟人也上了年紀，可以說是老人照顧老人；老人對社會也很有貢獻，慈濟的老人很有用，且人與人之間彼此教育，用愛心、耐心引導年輕一輩，所以教育很重要。」

影視中心總監李洛梅看到上人前面有平板，感佩上人也在學新科技。上人表示自己只是使用者，這些尖端科技產品，是經過許多人的心血發明與製作而成；就像今天大家來到精舍，談起慈濟志業的發展，這是五十多年的時間走過來，才能累積這麼多好事，而這些好事都是許多人用心去做的，自己才能有話可說。

凝聚福氣，淡化濁氣

各地慈濟醫院院長與主管返回精舍參與醫療志策會，上人談到花蓮是慈濟的發祥地，也因為慈濟在花蓮、深耕志業在花蓮，建築典雅、環境開闊，讓花蓮有一股優美的生命力。「慈濟深耕在花蓮，四大志業也是從花蓮開始，所以這一次地震後，感覺責任重大，要好好安頓無家可歸、依親靠友的地震受災戶。慈濟的力量來自全球，所以要呼籲國際間的愛心人，共同為花蓮付出，讓我們在花蓮建造出美好的環境。」

上人慨嘆世間無常，災難偏多，唯有呼籲人人多造福，凝聚福氣，淡化眾生共業的惡濁之氣。「最近這幾年，國際間一直很不平靜，尤其是新冠肺炎疫情遲遲無法平息，災難一波接一波，像是海浪一樣。臺灣大致上還算平安，這是我們的福氣；地震過後，大家要合和互協，為受災戶重建家園，也重建臺灣的福，要讓福的基礎鞏固起來，所以要呼籲人人起善念，行善造福，凝聚福氣。」

「感恩慈濟人共同一心，造福人間，而且是無所求的愛的付出，什麼時候需要我們的力量，我們義不容辭，站起身來，踏出腳步，一步步穩定前進，且人人步伐合齊，步步走在正道上。請大家再接再厲，再造健康的臺灣。」上人教導大家，強震的驚嚇過後，先安下心來，重新調整好腳步，人人合齊向前邁步，走得更穩、做得更好。

本專欄為靜思人文出版之《證嚴上人衲履足跡》精簡版；更完整的慈濟脈動與開示內容，以及師徒之間的感人對談，請展閱每季出版的《證嚴上人衲履足跡》

二十六日 見道覺悟

撰文／ 釋德𠆩
4.26《農三月‧十八》

【靜思小語】走一條看得清楚方向的路，盡此生學習如何為人間付出，就是覺道。

《證嚴上人衲履足跡》有聲書，由慈濟人文志業廣播內容創作中心提供，更多精彩的廣播節目，歡迎到「大愛網路電台」收聽。

主動修繕，無私行善

四月三日強震以及後續的強烈餘震，造成花蓮許多房屋損傷，除了傾斜、倒塌的建築已經拆除，列為結構毀損無法復原的危屋，居民另行安置，許多住屋有牆面龜裂、磁磚掉落等狀況，雖然經專業研判主結構無損，但是造成生活不便。花蓮縣政府與慈濟、台積電合力為受災鄉親修繕家園。

來自臺北、桃園、新竹、高雄、宜蘭等地的修繕志工，自四月十八日陸續抵達花蓮，與花蓮慈濟人會合，走入吉安、新城及秀林鄉協助鄉親修繕住家。全臺修繕團隊返回精舍與上人座談，上人感恩大家的熱心、熱情，得知花蓮有需要就前來付出，讓民眾安心；師父還不知道有這群弟子回來，大家就已經做得這麼周到，花蓮慈濟人和花蓮民眾要向臺灣各地的慈濟人說感恩。

師兄們歡喜表示這是應該做的，心甘情願。上人說：「有做就有得，自己做、自己得，得到歡喜。你們付出無所求，也要讓花蓮鄉親了解你們為何來幫忙，而且許多人是放下自己的家業、事業而來。所以要教育，把人與人之間互愛互助的情牽緊，人間才會不斷有這樣無私行善的好事。」

「這個時候慈濟來幫忙，是不請自來，但並非理所當然。師父讚歎你們付出無所求的精神，但是我們為了未來，要把握當下的因緣做教育，不要讓人將來變成無情的理所當然，不懂得如何說感恩。再者，法脈宗門的精神脈絡一定要暢通，讓慧命連結不斷；如果此時沒有把制度建立好，很快就會中斷。」

「雖說志工跟職工不同，你們是發心立願，用志願的心無私付出，但仍要在法脈宗門的系統裏，一定要有緊密的連結。你們都是幹部，平時在社區領導人，大家經常聯絡，我很自豪這群弟子真正的合和互協，啟動很快速，師徒貼心；現在要再培養下一代，延續法脈的脈絡，並且與本會的粽串繩結通達，要做什麼事情，除了事先的報備，且人人都很清楚狀況，就像一個人的身體，大腦健康，左右手動作協調，要拿東西就會很順利、很穩。」

上人請師兄師姊在幫助受災鄉親修繕的同時，傳法教育他們，這麼強烈的地震，大家能夠安然無恙，只是牆壁有損傷，修繕之後就好了，這是很值得慶幸與感恩的。

「最近這段時間，發生地震之前，師父常對你們說，心裏有一種感覺，看不到、擋不住，所以教大家要戒慎虔誠，並且推動素食。你們認識師父幾十年了，應該從來沒有聽過師父像最近這一、二年，愈來愈頻繁地教你們要戒慎虔誠、要推素，祈求平安，祈求吉祥，因為我一直掛心著，所以很希望慈濟人弘法利生。」上人請師兄師姊們回到各地以後，把握機會對法親、會眾分享在花蓮修繕的見聞，同樣要教人人感恩，戒慎虔誠、茹素齋戒。

「需要幫忙修繕的家庭，有的是外觀看來無恙，裏面的牆裂開、天花板塌陷或鋅板折彎了，這就是無常，在地震瞬間變形了，即告訴我們天地威力之強，是天地在教育我們，大哉教育啊！天地給我們這麼大的教育，我們要虔誠接受，要警悟，警覺還要有覺悟，向天地求饒，不能再罔顧道理而恣意妄為，這樣才是真正覺悟。所以你們的無私付出，並且對大家分享見聞，無不都是利益人群，傳法教育，功德無量！」

走路要輕，怕地會痛

印尼雅加達慈濟大愛學校、山口洋慈濟大愛學校教育團隊返回精舍，與上人座談，印尼分會劉素美執行長、黃榮年副執行長等人連線參與。

「我時常說，大地有呼吸；也常說，走路要輕，怕地會痛。期盼人人都有這一念疼惜大地的心，教育也要用這樣的心情教導學生，疼惜時間、空間、人與人之間。而你們來到臺灣，是有一分情牽著你們，與慈濟有因緣，為了慈濟精神、理念而教育。」老師們有不同的宗教信仰，上人說，正信的宗教、真誠的信仰，都是品德教育，教導人人有愛心。正信宗教都倡導開闊的愛，不同宗教要相互尊重，會合於這分無私的愛，尤其大家投入教育工作，更要發揮無私大愛，為了人間未來的希望而真誠付出。

現今天地災難頻繁，而且破壞力愈來愈強大。上人表示，若希望天地安定，人人都要戒慎虔誠；各宗教信仰都有戒律，教導人們安分守己；人人守規矩，就能讓社會人間祥和平安。

「正信的宗教，教導人們具有正知、正見，要有正確的見解，身體力行正道，不是遇到困難才來求保佑，此時抱佛腳，都是抱不住的，平常就要受教。所以無論信仰什麼宗教，都不要迷信；用什麼證明不迷信？就是表達對大眾的愛，所做的事都是利益他人。」

上人提及由「學」至「覺」，要力行菩薩道；大家投入教育工作，教育的對象是學「子」，其實人不只在學校學習，而是盡此生都要不斷學習，信仰宗教就要學習宗教的教法，依循引導掌握正確的方向。「佛法教育人們修菩薩行。我後方的這一尊菩薩像，是觀世音菩薩，佛教徒會向觀世音菩薩求平安；而我是坐在觀世音菩薩像前面對大家說話，說一條在人間該走的道路，看得清楚的道路，就是覺道。」

上人形容凡夫眾生是懵懂無知的孩「子」，佛菩薩是已經看「見」道理的覺者；凡夫要到覺悟的境界，中間需要在菩薩道上學習、見習。「慈濟人受證之前，要經過見習、培訓，見習就是讓他們知道如何做慈濟，知道了就要學習如何做，有很清楚的方向，很清楚的目標，要達到目標就要走菩薩道，發揮大愛，像父母愛孩子一樣地為眾生付出。」

「學無止境，大家要好好學習，用心走這條菩薩道，也就是覺道；凡事都要看清楚，放下身段學習，如同孩子求學，學會如何為人間付出，成為覺悟的有情人，也就是菩薩，達成佛陀的教育。」

本專欄為靜思人文出版之《證嚴上人衲履足跡》精簡版；更完整的慈濟脈動與開示內容，以及師徒之間的感人對談，請展閱每季出版的《證嚴上人衲履足跡》

4.26《農三月‧十八》

【靜思小語】走一條看得清楚方向的路，盡此生學習如何為人間付出，就是覺道。

《證嚴上人衲履足跡》有聲書，由慈濟人文志業廣播內容創作中心提供，更多精彩的廣播節目，歡迎到「大愛網路電台」收聽。

主動修繕，無私行善

四月三日強震以及後續的強烈餘震，造成花蓮許多房屋損傷，除了傾斜、倒塌的建築已經拆除，列為結構毀損無法復原的危屋，居民另行安置，許多住屋有牆面龜裂、磁磚掉落等狀況，雖然經專業研判主結構無損，但是造成生活不便。花蓮縣政府與慈濟、台積電合力為受災鄉親修繕家園。

來自臺北、桃園、新竹、高雄、宜蘭等地的修繕志工，自四月十八日陸續抵達花蓮，與花蓮慈濟人會合，走入吉安、新城及秀林鄉協助鄉親修繕住家。全臺修繕團隊返回精舍與上人座談，上人感恩大家的熱心、熱情，得知花蓮有需要就前來付出，讓民眾安心；師父還不知道有這群弟子回來，大家就已經做得這麼周到，花蓮慈濟人和花蓮民眾要向臺灣各地的慈濟人說感恩。

師兄們歡喜表示這是應該做的，心甘情願。上人說：「有做就有得，自己做、自己得，得到歡喜。你們付出無所求，也要讓花蓮鄉親了解你們為何來幫忙，而且許多人是放下自己的家業、事業而來。所以要教育，把人與人之間互愛互助的情牽緊，人間才會不斷有這樣無私行善的好事。」

「這個時候慈濟來幫忙，是不請自來，但並非理所當然。師父讚歎你們付出無所求的精神，但是我們為了未來，要把握當下的因緣做教育，不要讓人將來變成無情的理所當然，不懂得如何說感恩。再者，法脈宗門的精神脈絡一定要暢通，讓慧命連結不斷；如果此時沒有把制度建立好，很快就會中斷。」

「雖說志工跟職工不同，你們是發心立願，用志願的心無私付出，但仍要在法脈宗門的系統裏，一定要有緊密的連結。你們都是幹部，平時在社區領導人，大家經常聯絡，我很自豪這群弟子真正的合和互協，啟動很快速，師徒貼心；現在要再培養下一代，延續法脈的脈絡，並且與本會的粽串繩結通達，要做什麼事情，除了事先的報備，且人人都很清楚狀況，就像一個人的身體，大腦健康，左右手動作協調，要拿東西就會很順利、很穩。」

上人請師兄師姊在幫助受災鄉親修繕的同時，傳法教育他們，這麼強烈的地震，大家能夠安然無恙，只是牆壁有損傷，修繕之後就好了，這是很值得慶幸與感恩的。

「最近這段時間，發生地震之前，師父常對你們說，心裏有一種感覺，看不到、擋不住，所以教大家要戒慎虔誠，並且推動素食。你們認識師父幾十年了，應該從來沒有聽過師父像最近這一、二年，愈來愈頻繁地教你們要戒慎虔誠、要推素，祈求平安，祈求吉祥，因為我一直掛心著，所以很希望慈濟人弘法利生。」上人請師兄師姊們回到各地以後，把握機會對法親、會眾分享在花蓮修繕的見聞，同樣要教人人感恩，戒慎虔誠、茹素齋戒。

「需要幫忙修繕的家庭，有的是外觀看來無恙，裏面的牆裂開、天花板塌陷或鋅板折彎了，這就是無常，在地震瞬間變形了，即告訴我們天地威力之強，是天地在教育我們，大哉教育啊！天地給我們這麼大的教育，我們要虔誠接受，要警悟，警覺還要有覺悟，向天地求饒，不能再罔顧道理而恣意妄為，這樣才是真正覺悟。所以你們的無私付出，並且對大家分享見聞，無不都是利益人群，傳法教育，功德無量！」

走路要輕，怕地會痛

印尼雅加達慈濟大愛學校、山口洋慈濟大愛學校教育團隊返回精舍，與上人座談，印尼分會劉素美執行長、黃榮年副執行長等人連線參與。

「我時常說，大地有呼吸；也常說，走路要輕，怕地會痛。期盼人人都有這一念疼惜大地的心，教育也要用這樣的心情教導學生，疼惜時間、空間、人與人之間。而你們來到臺灣，是有一分情牽著你們，與慈濟有因緣，為了慈濟精神、理念而教育。」老師們有不同的宗教信仰，上人說，正信的宗教、真誠的信仰，都是品德教育，教導人人有愛心。正信宗教都倡導開闊的愛，不同宗教要相互尊重，會合於這分無私的愛，尤其大家投入教育工作，更要發揮無私大愛，為了人間未來的希望而真誠付出。

現今天地災難頻繁，而且破壞力愈來愈強大。上人表示，若希望天地安定，人人都要戒慎虔誠；各宗教信仰都有戒律，教導人們安分守己；人人守規矩，就能讓社會人間祥和平安。

「正信的宗教，教導人們具有正知、正見，要有正確的見解，身體力行正道，不是遇到困難才來求保佑，此時抱佛腳，都是抱不住的，平常就要受教。所以無論信仰什麼宗教，都不要迷信；用什麼證明不迷信？就是表達對大眾的愛，所做的事都是利益他人。」

上人提及由「學」至「覺」，要力行菩薩道；大家投入教育工作，教育的對象是學「子」，其實人不只在學校學習，而是盡此生都要不斷學習，信仰宗教就要學習宗教的教法，依循引導掌握正確的方向。「佛法教育人們修菩薩行。我後方的這一尊菩薩像，是觀世音菩薩，佛教徒會向觀世音菩薩求平安；而我是坐在觀世音菩薩像前面對大家說話，說一條在人間該走的道路，看得清楚的道路，就是覺道。」

上人形容凡夫眾生是懵懂無知的孩「子」，佛菩薩是已經看「見」道理的覺者；凡夫要到覺悟的境界，中間需要在菩薩道上學習、見習。「慈濟人受證之前，要經過見習、培訓，見習就是讓他們知道如何做慈濟，知道了就要學習如何做，有很清楚的方向，很清楚的目標，要達到目標就要走菩薩道，發揮大愛，像父母愛孩子一樣地為眾生付出。」

「學無止境，大家要好好學習，用心走這條菩薩道，也就是覺道；凡事都要看清楚，放下身段學習，如同孩子求學，學會如何為人間付出，成為覺悟的有情人，也就是菩薩，達成佛陀的教育。」

本專欄為靜思人文出版之《證嚴上人衲履足跡》精簡版；更完整的慈濟脈動與開示內容，以及師徒之間的感人對談，請展閱每季出版的《證嚴上人衲履足跡》

一至二日 從學道到悟道

撰文／ 釋德𠆩
4.1~2《農二月‧二十三至二十四》

【靜思小語】從學道到悟道，必經菩薩道。

《證嚴上人衲履足跡》有聲書，由慈濟人文志業廣播內容創作中心提供，更多精彩的廣播節目，歡迎到「大愛網路電台」收聽。

謹慎每秒間的每一念

四月一日，聆聽基金會主管同仁報告與分享後，上人開示，知足常樂，不知足的心態會造成種種人間禍患。常常從大愛新聞或是非洲慈濟人的簡報畫面中，看見非洲婦女用頭頂著沉重的物資走路、渡河；因為物資用頭頂著，所以雙手就能空出來，邊走邊唱歌邊搖擺，很輕鬆、很歡喜。

非洲許多國家的底層居民極為貧困，生活環境惡劣，讓人看了很不捨，但是他們很純樸，得到一點點就很滿足；許多生活在富裕環境裏的人，反而患得患失，擁有得多還要更多，永遠不滿足。上人說，很多人追求財富，心情總是隨著數據高低起伏，就如海浪升高時有數丈高，隨後海浪退去又到低潮，高低之間暗藏危機，而迷茫的人貪戀其中，隨著時間累積了很重的業力。

「佛陀接引眾生從學道到悟道，學與覺、迷與悟，差之毫釐、失於千里；我們找到了正確方向，走上這條道路，就不能偏差，既然選擇佛法，凡事以佛法為重，不能總是在迷茫煩惱中，要學與覺。而學與覺要借重慈濟，讓我們從臺灣開闊到國際，這麼多國家地區有慈濟人，從慈善援助行動中，也看見人間重重危機。」

上人指出，感受到人間有重重難關、重重危機，更要自我警惕，謹慎每一秒鐘的每一個念頭；要從學到覺，要在人間行菩薩道，看見各種人間相，從而體會無常、苦、空、因緣果報等道理。天堂難成佛，地獄也難成佛，因為天堂的生活很享受，快樂得不覺得需要修行；地獄太苦了，眾生缺乏聽聞佛法的因緣。但是有福得生天堂，在享樂中度日，福報享盡就顯現業報，要回歸人間或墮入三惡道。

「在安逸的天堂，學佛難；落入地獄受苦，難聞法；我們在苦樂參半的人間可以學法，也能走菩薩道，直到覺悟。要把握因緣，過了這段人生，不知來世又在哪裏？只要我們心中有種子，播種之後，殷勤耕耘，一定會成長，再開花結果，道糧豐收。總而言之，做就有得，不做就不得。」

清淨的校內閱讀空間

四月二日，蔡青兒師姊分享至中南部完成九間靜思閱讀書軒設置。上人肯定師姊用活潑的方法帶動人文精神，接起善因緣；一句好話，也許是有緣人一輩子的正確方向。

上人說，孩童或許聽不懂大人說的道理，但對於曾經參與的慈濟活動，會有清晰的記憶，就像在心地播下種子，將來會聚因緣，慧命自然會隨著時間增長。

「我們出版書籍，若只放在圖書館，孩子不見得會去翻閱；我們在學校為他們開闢閱讀空間，讓孩子們下課有一個空間可以靜下心來讀書，讓道理隨著文字走入他們的心。要維護赤子之心，這個清淨園地就需要有人去耕耘與維護。」

慈濟醫療不變的初衷

菲律賓李偉嵩師兄、史美勝醫師等人陪實業家施恭旗先生到精舍與上人談話。上人說，菲律賓的慈濟志業可以說是慈善與醫療同步邁進，因緣很殊勝；菲律賓有很多生活窮困的居民，貧病交加而缺乏醫療，很需要慈濟義診，尤其是能讓貧困的眼科患者重見光明，就有辦法工作，從而改善家庭生活。

上人說，醫療愈發達，貧苦的居民患病卻無力就醫，慈濟設立醫療機構，就是要幫助有困難的人，不會因為所治療的對象是貧困人就不盡心；眾生平等，慈濟所愛的是需要幫助的人，對於窮困人會更用心去幫助，因為貧病者前來求醫，慈濟若沒有好好為他們治療，他們可能就再也沒有機會接受治療了，而慈濟永遠疼惜貧困的人。

「有心做事，就要有力量，要有人力、物力，最重要的是心力，也就是團隊合心的力量；菲律賓眼科的因緣特別好，因為很多眼科醫師很投入，現在又有大福、大善的人發心來護持，大家都很願意做，所以有人、有心又有力，最重要的是大家合心，師父很相信你們一定能完成心願。」

上人說，菲律賓還有很多需要幫助的人，慈濟人還沒有接觸到，他們也不知道慈濟，無從求助；菲律賓慈濟志業若能在師兄師姊合和互協的推展之下，基礎規模更大且廣為人知，一般民眾及苦難人就有更多機會聽到，知道有這個團體在施醫施藥，更有可能得救。「好事做大是很好，但是話說回來，一定要有人，而且不只是投入的人數多，最重要的是心要合，否則人多卻心不合，要做事反而更困難。」

上人指出，守護生命、守護健康、守護愛，是慈濟醫療永遠不變的精神宗旨，要把人守護得健健康康，生命平平安安，最重要的就是「愛」，而且是無私的大愛。能做到這三點，醫療慧命就能建立穩固。大家有心要做，就要做得歡喜，才有功德；而且是為了利益眾生而付出，不是謀取自身利益，真誠無私故功德無量。

本專欄為靜思人文出版之《證嚴上人衲履足跡》精簡版；更完整的慈濟脈動與開示內容，以及師徒之間的感人對談，請展閱每季出版的《證嚴上人衲履足跡》

4.1~2《農二月‧二十三至二十四》

【靜思小語】從學道到悟道，必經菩薩道。

《證嚴上人衲履足跡》有聲書，由慈濟人文志業廣播內容創作中心提供，更多精彩的廣播節目，歡迎到「大愛網路電台」收聽。

謹慎每秒間的每一念

四月一日，聆聽基金會主管同仁報告與分享後，上人開示，知足常樂，不知足的心態會造成種種人間禍患。常常從大愛新聞或是非洲慈濟人的簡報畫面中，看見非洲婦女用頭頂著沉重的物資走路、渡河；因為物資用頭頂著，所以雙手就能空出來，邊走邊唱歌邊搖擺，很輕鬆、很歡喜。

非洲許多國家的底層居民極為貧困，生活環境惡劣，讓人看了很不捨，但是他們很純樸，得到一點點就很滿足；許多生活在富裕環境裏的人，反而患得患失，擁有得多還要更多，永遠不滿足。上人說，很多人追求財富，心情總是隨著數據高低起伏，就如海浪升高時有數丈高，隨後海浪退去又到低潮，高低之間暗藏危機，而迷茫的人貪戀其中，隨著時間累積了很重的業力。

「佛陀接引眾生從學道到悟道，學與覺、迷與悟，差之毫釐、失於千里；我們找到了正確方向，走上這條道路，就不能偏差，既然選擇佛法，凡事以佛法為重，不能總是在迷茫煩惱中，要學與覺。而學與覺要借重慈濟，讓我們從臺灣開闊到國際，這麼多國家地區有慈濟人，從慈善援助行動中，也看見人間重重危機。」

上人指出，感受到人間有重重難關、重重危機，更要自我警惕，謹慎每一秒鐘的每一個念頭；要從學到覺，要在人間行菩薩道，看見各種人間相，從而體會無常、苦、空、因緣果報等道理。天堂難成佛，地獄也難成佛，因為天堂的生活很享受，快樂得不覺得需要修行；地獄太苦了，眾生缺乏聽聞佛法的因緣。但是有福得生天堂，在享樂中度日，福報享盡就顯現業報，要回歸人間或墮入三惡道。

「在安逸的天堂，學佛難；落入地獄受苦，難聞法；我們在苦樂參半的人間可以學法，也能走菩薩道，直到覺悟。要把握因緣，過了這段人生，不知來世又在哪裏？只要我們心中有種子，播種之後，殷勤耕耘，一定會成長，再開花結果，道糧豐收。總而言之，做就有得，不做就不得。」

清淨的校內閱讀空間

四月二日，蔡青兒師姊分享至中南部完成九間靜思閱讀書軒設置。上人肯定師姊用活潑的方法帶動人文精神，接起善因緣；一句好話，也許是有緣人一輩子的正確方向。

上人說，孩童或許聽不懂大人說的道理，但對於曾經參與的慈濟活動，會有清晰的記憶，就像在心地播下種子，將來會聚因緣，慧命自然會隨著時間增長。

「我們出版書籍，若只放在圖書館，孩子不見得會去翻閱；我們在學校為他們開闢閱讀空間，讓孩子們下課有一個空間可以靜下心來讀書，讓道理隨著文字走入他們的心。要維護赤子之心，這個清淨園地就需要有人去耕耘與維護。」

慈濟醫療不變的初衷

菲律賓李偉嵩師兄、史美勝醫師等人陪實業家施恭旗先生到精舍與上人談話。上人說，菲律賓的慈濟志業可以說是慈善與醫療同步邁進，因緣很殊勝；菲律賓有很多生活窮困的居民，貧病交加而缺乏醫療，很需要慈濟義診，尤其是能讓貧困的眼科患者重見光明，就有辦法工作，從而改善家庭生活。

上人說，醫療愈發達，貧苦的居民患病卻無力就醫，慈濟設立醫療機構，就是要幫助有困難的人，不會因為所治療的對象是貧困人就不盡心；眾生平等，慈濟所愛的是需要幫助的人，對於窮困人會更用心去幫助，因為貧病者前來求醫，慈濟若沒有好好為他們治療，他們可能就再也沒有機會接受治療了，而慈濟永遠疼惜貧困的人。

「有心做事，就要有力量，要有人力、物力，最重要的是心力，也就是團隊合心的力量；菲律賓眼科的因緣特別好，因為很多眼科醫師很投入，現在又有大福、大善的人發心來護持，大家都很願意做，所以有人、有心又有力，最重要的是大家合心，師父很相信你們一定能完成心願。」

上人說，菲律賓還有很多需要幫助的人，慈濟人還沒有接觸到，他們也不知道慈濟，無從求助；菲律賓慈濟志業若能在師兄師姊合和互協的推展之下，基礎規模更大且廣為人知，一般民眾及苦難人就有更多機會聽到，知道有這個團體在施醫施藥，更有可能得救。「好事做大是很好，但是話說回來，一定要有人，而且不只是投入的人數多，最重要的是心要合，否則人多卻心不合，要做事反而更困難。」

上人指出，守護生命、守護健康、守護愛，是慈濟醫療永遠不變的精神宗旨，要把人守護得健健康康，生命平平安安，最重要的就是「愛」，而且是無私的大愛。能做到這三點，醫療慧命就能建立穩固。大家有心要做，就要做得歡喜，才有功德；而且是為了利益眾生而付出，不是謀取自身利益，真誠無私故功德無量。

本專欄為靜思人文出版之《證嚴上人衲履足跡》精簡版；更完整的慈濟脈動與開示內容，以及師徒之間的感人對談，請展閱每季出版的《證嚴上人衲履足跡》

祈願靈山法會永不散

二千五百多年前，佛陀於印度王舍城靈鷲山上宣講法華；今年慈濟五十八周年當天，一百三十多位星馬、印度與臺灣慈濟志工於說法臺坐定，與時差兩小時半、三千七百公里遠的花蓮靜思精舍連線志工早會，發願靈山會上，永遠追隨上人與佛同在。連線結束，眾人於晨曦中虔誠唱誦《無量義經‧德行品》梵唄。

攝影／許俊吉　印度比哈爾省王舍城　2024.5.2

二千五百多年前，佛陀於印度王舍城靈鷲山上宣講法華；今年慈濟五十八周年當天，一百三十多位星馬、印度與臺灣慈濟志工於說法臺坐定，與時差兩小時半、三千七百公里遠的花蓮靜思精舍連線志工早會，發願靈山會上，永遠追隨上人與佛同在。連線結束，眾人於晨曦中虔誠唱誦《無量義經‧德行品》梵唄。

攝影／許俊吉　印度比哈爾省王舍城　2024.5.2

二十九至三十日 挑擔向前行

撰文／ 釋德𠆩
4.29~30《農三月‧二十一至二十二》

【靜思小語】扁擔扛在肩上，是一邊要箍、一邊要顧；所謂承擔，也就是一邊要度、一邊要顧。

《證嚴上人衲履足跡》有聲書，由慈濟人文志業廣播內容創作中心提供，更多精彩的廣播節目，歡迎到「大愛網路電台」收聽。

眾生平安，菩薩就歡喜

四月二十九日，第二梯次修繕團隊向上人告假，上人感恩臺灣各地慈濟菩薩當「不請之師」，快速響應號召而來幫忙花蓮鄉親修繕受損的住屋。「雖然感恩能夠平安度過強震，但若常常看著房子的裂痕卻沒有辦法修好，老實說住起來也不安心。這群慈濟菩薩，無分男女，慈誠菩薩做『大工』，委員菩薩做『小工』；很多人是放下事業，走出辦公室，修繕工具自己帶來，按照縣政府給我們的戶別，走入鄉親的家，投入粗重的泥作工程，扛水泥、搬磚等。」

「那些人不認識我們，看到你們來了，不知如何表態，但是對於『藍天白雲』，多少心裏有數，所以有些人很熱情，也是真誠感恩，奉熱茶、冷飲來表達。也有的不近人情，很冷漠，甚至不領情，這就是人間。我們在人間修行，從做人到學菩薩、修菩薩行，學得覺有情，表現出來的是神通廣大─哪裏有災就趕往哪裏救助。你們從臺灣各地趕來花蓮，就是聽到災難而心有同感，『人傷我痛，人苦我悲』，居民惶恐不安，這群菩薩就不請自來，自動付出。」

聽到師兄分享在缺乏器具的克難狀況下拌水泥，上人回憶早年為了做舊大殿外的水池，自己徒手去抓水泥黏鵝卵石，因水泥會咬手而破皮。「從此我就知道水泥會傷手，一定要戴手套，這就是要『學』；從幼小什麼都不懂，就開始學，邊學邊成長，直到懂事，知道人情世事。」

上人說，看到修繕團隊有夫妻檔、父子檔，有的連孫子都一起來，各盡所能去付出；父母長輩是孩子的好榜樣，孩子也會跟著做好事造福人群，跟著行菩薩道。

「師父常常教你們弘法利生，不需要多麼會講佛經道理，只要你們在做事，把好事做得好，與受助者結好緣，就要把握因緣對他們說，慈濟人是一片真誠的愛，付出無所求；當菩薩很簡單，自動走近、幫助需要的人。我們學做菩薩，看見道理而有所覺，所以慈濟人總是『做中學，學中覺』，不只付出無所求，還感恩有付出的機會，做得很歡喜；眾生平安，菩薩就歡喜。」上人表示，師兄師姊對鄉親說菩薩的意義，也邀請他們同行菩薩道；菩薩救拔苦難，「苦既拔已，復為說法」，要讓對方有所覺。

發菩薩心，是累生累世

四月三十日，上人與高雄方漢武師兄、黃昌裕師兄、溫玉香師姊等人，還有馬來西亞檳城慈濟人談話。「相互感恩，彼此學習；人間事是無窮無盡，菩薩道也是累生、累世、累劫要走的，要不斷地學、不斷地往前走。眾生不斷在苦難中輪迴，菩薩就要跟著眾生，呵護、教育眾生，這就是你們發菩薩心該有的心態。」

「若說承擔，就是一邊要度、一邊要顧；扁擔扛在肩上，是一邊要箍，一邊要顧。有的法親年紀大了，你們要多關心；還有很多年輕人等著你們接引，也要把握因緣。這就是一個擔子挑二頭，要半走半跑，若慢慢走反而更感沉重，所以要精進。」上人教導，接引人、「箍」人，不是只邀人捐款；只要有心投入，師父同樣歡喜。就如在座師兄師姊，自己做、自己得，做了多少就結了多少好緣，同時為師父牽來許多好緣，讓自己來生再來人間，只要招個手，就有許多人同行菩薩道。

本專欄為靜思人文出版之《證嚴上人衲履足跡》精簡版；更完整的慈濟脈動與開示內容，以及師徒之間的感人對談，請展閱每季出版的《證嚴上人衲履足跡》

礙於篇幅，還有更多重要開示無法刊登……

◤四月十四日─聽取製作團隊報告杜俊元師兄之紀錄片進程
◤四月二十二日─與文史處談歷史溯源訪談中的「情」
◤四月二十三日─聆聽馬來西亞人醫會手語演繹〈守著您〉歌曲有感
◤四月三十日─臺北大同聯絡處志工連線導覽會所、傾訴想師之情

※完整的每日行記以及師徒間感人對談，請關注靜思人文叢書處每季出版新書

→前往靜思網路書軒

4.29~30《農三月‧二十一至二十二》

【靜思小語】扁擔扛在肩上，是一邊要箍、一邊要顧；所謂承擔，也就是一邊要度、一邊要顧。

《證嚴上人衲履足跡》有聲書，由慈濟人文志業廣播內容創作中心提供，更多精彩的廣播節目，歡迎到「大愛網路電台」收聽。

眾生平安，菩薩就歡喜

四月二十九日，第二梯次修繕團隊向上人告假，上人感恩臺灣各地慈濟菩薩當「不請之師」，快速響應號召而來幫忙花蓮鄉親修繕受損的住屋。「雖然感恩能夠平安度過強震，但若常常看著房子的裂痕卻沒有辦法修好，老實說住起來也不安心。這群慈濟菩薩，無分男女，慈誠菩薩做『大工』，委員菩薩做『小工』；很多人是放下事業，走出辦公室，修繕工具自己帶來，按照縣政府給我們的戶別，走入鄉親的家，投入粗重的泥作工程，扛水泥、搬磚等。」

「那些人不認識我們，看到你們來了，不知如何表態，但是對於『藍天白雲』，多少心裏有數，所以有些人很熱情，也是真誠感恩，奉熱茶、冷飲來表達。也有的不近人情，很冷漠，甚至不領情，這就是人間。我們在人間修行，從做人到學菩薩、修菩薩行，學得覺有情，表現出來的是神通廣大─哪裏有災就趕往哪裏救助。你們從臺灣各地趕來花蓮，就是聽到災難而心有同感，『人傷我痛，人苦我悲』，居民惶恐不安，這群菩薩就不請自來，自動付出。」

聽到師兄分享在缺乏器具的克難狀況下拌水泥，上人回憶早年為了做舊大殿外的水池，自己徒手去抓水泥黏鵝卵石，因水泥會咬手而破皮。「從此我就知道水泥會傷手，一定要戴手套，這就是要『學』；從幼小什麼都不懂，就開始學，邊學邊成長，直到懂事，知道人情世事。」

上人說，看到修繕團隊有夫妻檔、父子檔，有的連孫子都一起來，各盡所能去付出；父母長輩是孩子的好榜樣，孩子也會跟著做好事造福人群，跟著行菩薩道。

「師父常常教你們弘法利生，不需要多麼會講佛經道理，只要你們在做事，把好事做得好，與受助者結好緣，就要把握因緣對他們說，慈濟人是一片真誠的愛，付出無所求；當菩薩很簡單，自動走近、幫助需要的人。我們學做菩薩，看見道理而有所覺，所以慈濟人總是『做中學，學中覺』，不只付出無所求，還感恩有付出的機會，做得很歡喜；眾生平安，菩薩就歡喜。」上人表示，師兄師姊對鄉親說菩薩的意義，也邀請他們同行菩薩道；菩薩救拔苦難，「苦既拔已，復為說法」，要讓對方有所覺。

發菩薩心，是累生累世

四月三十日，上人與高雄方漢武師兄、黃昌裕師兄、溫玉香師姊等人，還有馬來西亞檳城慈濟人談話。「相互感恩，彼此學習；人間事是無窮無盡，菩薩道也是累生、累世、累劫要走的，要不斷地學、不斷地往前走。眾生不斷在苦難中輪迴，菩薩就要跟著眾生，呵護、教育眾生，這就是你們發菩薩心該有的心態。」

「若說承擔，就是一邊要度、一邊要顧；扁擔扛在肩上，是一邊要箍，一邊要顧。有的法親年紀大了，你們要多關心；還有很多年輕人等著你們接引，也要把握因緣。這就是一個擔子挑二頭，要半走半跑，若慢慢走反而更感沉重，所以要精進。」上人教導，接引人、「箍」人，不是只邀人捐款；只要有心投入，師父同樣歡喜。就如在座師兄師姊，自己做、自己得，做了多少就結了多少好緣，同時為師父牽來許多好緣，讓自己來生再來人間，只要招個手，就有許多人同行菩薩道。

本專欄為靜思人文出版之《證嚴上人衲履足跡》精簡版；更完整的慈濟脈動與開示內容，以及師徒之間的感人對談，請展閱每季出版的《證嚴上人衲履足跡》

礙於篇幅，還有更多重要開示無法刊登……

◤四月十四日─聽取製作團隊報告杜俊元師兄之紀錄片進程
◤四月二十二日─與文史處談歷史溯源訪談中的「情」
◤四月二十三日─聆聽馬來西亞人醫會手語演繹〈守著您〉歌曲有感
◤四月三十日─臺北大同聯絡處志工連線導覽會所、傾訴想師之情

※完整的每日行記以及師徒間感人對談，請關注靜思人文叢書處每季出版新書

→前往靜思網路書軒

二十七至二十八日 幸好有你，幸好有我

撰文／ 釋德𠆩
4.27~28《農三月‧十九至二十》

【靜思小語】做出生命的價值，讓人由衷讚歎「幸好有你」；也要時常自我祝福，「幸好有我」。

《證嚴上人衲履足跡》有聲書，由慈濟人文志業廣播內容創作中心提供，更多精彩的廣播節目，歡迎到「大愛網路電台」收聽。

在暗室裏開一扇窗

菲律賓慈濟志業園區二○○七年成立義診中心，開設眼科與牙科；二○一六年設置專門的「慈濟眼科中心」。李偉嵩、蔡昇航師兄與眼科中心院長那巴洛（Bernardita Navarro）帶領六十位醫護、行政同仁及志工，於四月二十二日至四月二十八日來臺尋根；四月二十七日與上人座談。

上人感恩大家抽出寶貴的時間，發揮愛心，讓貧困的眼疾患者重見光明，每一次的眼科手術都是造福人間的希望大工程。「眼睛看不見，人生一片黑暗。我年紀大了，眼睛的功能也衰退，所以感受很深；聽到你們為患有眼疾的病人治療，讓他們恢復視覺、看見光明，我真誠地替每一位病人向你們說感恩！」

「人生本來就是苦，人的身體受病痛折磨，是苦上加苦。眼、耳、鼻、舌、身是我們接觸外境的五根，尤其要看見人間的萬事萬物，最重要的就是眼睛；有了眼睛，才能看見美好的環境。」上人說，醫師是病人生命中的貴人，開啟了他們的視窗，就如在暗室裏為他們開了一扇門，從黑暗走向光明。

「菲律賓有很多貧窮的地區，你們把握因緣，發揮愛的能量去救助，所以你們的生命很有價值；期待帶動出更多人醫會成員，多培養人才，技術不斷精進，未來的儀器也會更精密，可以幫助更多貧病人。」

上人提到世間天災人禍不斷，需要更多願意付出的好人，大家共同造福人間，凝聚旺盛的福氣，才能消弭災難。「人生時間不斷過去，同樣過生活，沒有意義的人生很可惜，我們要做出生命的價值，讓人由衷讚歎『幸好有你』。我也時常自我祝福，『幸好有我，才有慈濟』；各位也可以自我盤點，走入慈濟，認識很多的好人，大家共同一個方向，發揮愛心為苦難人付出，都是很有福、有價值的人生。」

志工誠意感動天地

四月二十八日，淨斯本草研究及應用中心報告後，上人提到四月三日花蓮強震後，蘇花公路坍方中斷，慈濟人有的搭飛機或從南迴鐵公路繞行而趕來花蓮支援；急難救助過後，又有來自臺灣各地的志工為受災家庭修繕。「這群菩薩，有的是企業家，自家的生活過得很好，師姊也一樣地投入，這都是出自一分不忍眾生受苦難的菩薩大愛，付出無所求，而且整修之後，還一直向住戶說感恩。」

上人說，慈濟人當「不請之師」，不必等人來請才要做事，災後主動而來，穿著整齊的慈濟制服，行儀莊嚴，真誠投入，讓鄉親感受到慈濟菩薩的真誠大愛，不只把損傷的部分修好，還幫忙整理乾淨才離開，愛無量、功德無量！

上人進一步說，慈濟人是用「工」、用「力」付出，而且自動自發去幫助，讓鄉親們的住家恢復如常，離開前還向鄉親說感恩，這分誠意感動天地；用「功」而得「德」，這分功德比去誦經求平安更加有效。天搖地動的大地震，是天地對人間的大教育，人人都要戒慎虔誠，請慈濟人持續推動愛生、護生，帶動大眾茹素齋戒，醫療、教育志業同樣要努力。

本專欄為靜思人文出版之《證嚴上人衲履足跡》精簡版；更完整的慈濟脈動與開示內容，以及師徒之間的感人對談，請展閱每季出版的《證嚴上人衲履足跡》

4.27~28《農三月‧十九至二十》

【靜思小語】做出生命的價值，讓人由衷讚歎「幸好有你」；也要時常自我祝福，「幸好有我」。

《證嚴上人衲履足跡》有聲書，由慈濟人文志業廣播內容創作中心提供，更多精彩的廣播節目，歡迎到「大愛網路電台」收聽。

在暗室裏開一扇窗

菲律賓慈濟志業園區二○○七年成立義診中心，開設眼科與牙科；二○一六年設置專門的「慈濟眼科中心」。李偉嵩、蔡昇航師兄與眼科中心院長那巴洛（Bernardita Navarro）帶領六十位醫護、行政同仁及志工，於四月二十二日至四月二十八日來臺尋根；四月二十七日與上人座談。

上人感恩大家抽出寶貴的時間，發揮愛心，讓貧困的眼疾患者重見光明，每一次的眼科手術都是造福人間的希望大工程。「眼睛看不見，人生一片黑暗。我年紀大了，眼睛的功能也衰退，所以感受很深；聽到你們為患有眼疾的病人治療，讓他們恢復視覺、看見光明，我真誠地替每一位病人向你們說感恩！」

「人生本來就是苦，人的身體受病痛折磨，是苦上加苦。眼、耳、鼻、舌、身是我們接觸外境的五根，尤其要看見人間的萬事萬物，最重要的就是眼睛；有了眼睛，才能看見美好的環境。」上人說，醫師是病人生命中的貴人，開啟了他們的視窗，就如在暗室裏為他們開了一扇門，從黑暗走向光明。

「菲律賓有很多貧窮的地區，你們把握因緣，發揮愛的能量去救助，所以你們的生命很有價值；期待帶動出更多人醫會成員，多培養人才，技術不斷精進，未來的儀器也會更精密，可以幫助更多貧病人。」

上人提到世間天災人禍不斷，需要更多願意付出的好人，大家共同造福人間，凝聚旺盛的福氣，才能消弭災難。「人生時間不斷過去，同樣過生活，沒有意義的人生很可惜，我們要做出生命的價值，讓人由衷讚歎『幸好有你』。我也時常自我祝福，『幸好有我，才有慈濟』；各位也可以自我盤點，走入慈濟，認識很多的好人，大家共同一個方向，發揮愛心為苦難人付出，都是很有福、有價值的人生。」

志工誠意感動天地

四月二十八日，淨斯本草研究及應用中心報告後，上人提到四月三日花蓮強震後，蘇花公路坍方中斷，慈濟人有的搭飛機或從南迴鐵公路繞行而趕來花蓮支援；急難救助過後，又有來自臺灣各地的志工為受災家庭修繕。「這群菩薩，有的是企業家，自家的生活過得很好，師姊也一樣地投入，這都是出自一分不忍眾生受苦難的菩薩大愛，付出無所求，而且整修之後，還一直向住戶說感恩。」

上人說，慈濟人當「不請之師」，不必等人來請才要做事，災後主動而來，穿著整齊的慈濟制服，行儀莊嚴，真誠投入，讓鄉親感受到慈濟菩薩的真誠大愛，不只把損傷的部分修好，還幫忙整理乾淨才離開，愛無量、功德無量！

上人進一步說，慈濟人是用「工」、用「力」付出，而且自動自發去幫助，讓鄉親們的住家恢復如常，離開前還向鄉親說感恩，這分誠意感動天地；用「功」而得「德」，這分功德比去誦經求平安更加有效。天搖地動的大地震，是天地對人間的大教育，人人都要戒慎虔誠，請慈濟人持續推動愛生、護生，帶動大眾茹素齋戒，醫療、教育志業同樣要努力。

本專欄為靜思人文出版之《證嚴上人衲履足跡》精簡版；更完整的慈濟脈動與開示內容，以及師徒之間的感人對談，請展閱每季出版的《證嚴上人衲履足跡》

Transforming the Lives of Young Tibetans With Scoliosis

Compiled by Li Wei-huang
Information provided by Bian Jing
Translated by Siri Su

Tzu Chi collaborates with Yushuzhou Hope Charity to help young Tibetan patients afflicted with scoliosis obtain medical treatment.

Leaving his hometown in Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan Province, China, Nima embarked on an 800-kilometer (497-mile) journey to Chengdu, the provincial capital. After getting off the train, he headed straight to 416 Hospital. Although he was 20 years old, he stood only 145 centimeters (4’9’’) tall due to severe scoliosis.

Scoliosis is a condition in which a person’s spine has an abnormal curve, sometimes resembling an S shape. It occurs in about three percent of the population, but the cause of scoliosis has been elusive. Surgery is required in extreme cases. After corrective surgery, a metal ring is surgically fastened around both the patient’s head and waist, connected by four supporting rods. Traction applied through the head ring gradually reduces the spinal curvature, allowing patients to stand taller.

Nima underwent three corrective operations, gradually gaining the ability to stand straight within nine months of hospitalization, increasing his height to 165 centimeters (5’5”). Afterward, he was only required to wear orthoses for rehabilitation, which are devices designed to support or modify an injured or malformed part of the body. His greatest relief came in the form of improved breathing: “Breathing is no longer a struggle,” he said.

Nima’s father, Tapo, recalled his child being born with a noticeable spinal curve, which worsened with age. He feared his son might pass away at any moment. But if Tapo was so concerned, why did he wait until Nima was 20 years old to seek treatment?

Challenges hampering medical care

Yushuzhou Hope Charity (YHC), based in Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province, has long been helping young Tibetan patients with scoliosis receive medical care. According to Geding Pengcuo, head of YHC, such patients face challenges in accessing treatment due to their parents’ limited health awareness, inadequate access to related information, and physical distance from advanced medical resources.

Without proper treatment, a patient suffering from scoliosis may develop thoracic deformities, which can compress their nerves or impact the functions of their heart and lungs, potentially leading to respiratory failure. The average life expectancy for untreated patients is 45 years. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial. Surgery offers the best outcomes, minimizes rehabilitation challenges, and significantly reduces medical expenses.

In Beijing and Chengdu, there are three hospitals that specialize in treating severe scoliosis patients. YHC combines medical and charitable resources, regularly inviting specialized doctors to travel to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau for scoliosis screenings and arranging medical treatment for patients. Dr. Zhou Lijin (周立金), an orthopedic surgeon at Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, asserted, “Many Tibetans don’t know what scoliosis is or where to find medical treatment. To help them, we must reach out to the remote regions they live in, regardless of the distances.” Amidst their efforts, there have been instances where patients’ families had such limited understanding of the condition that doctors had to make multiple visits before convincing them to seek medical care.

In 2019, through YHC, Tzu Chi volunteers in Chengdu first came into contact with Tibetans afflicted by the condition in neighboring Qinghai Province. The volunteers witnessed firsthand the struggles of these young individuals, who lived at altitudes of 3,000 to 4,000 meters (9,840-13,125 feet). They observed the challenges they faced in accessing medical care due to limited resources, misconceptions, or economic difficulties, and clearly saw how this could profoundly impact their futures. A Tzu Chi care team was thus formed and joined YHC’s Caring for Tibetan Children project to support this group of children and adolescents through their demanding and costly medical journey.

The journey from Chengdu, about 500 meters above sea level, to Yushu Prefecture in Qinghai, with an average elevation of 4,200 meters, presents significant challenges for Tzu Chi volunteers. Every step or ascent requires caution to prevent altitude sickness. Sometimes, even the doctors themselves have to wear oxygen masks during screenings.

After screening, YHC arranges for scoliosis patients in need of surgery to go down the mountains for treatment. Generally, more severe cases of scoliosis require several corrective surgeries, with treatment spanning from six months to one year. The substantial medical expenses, exceeding 31,000 U.S. dollars, are partially covered by the government with additional support from Tzu Chi. Volunteers also assist with the patients’ daily needs during their hospitalization.

Health workers assess the condition of a young Tibetan suffering from scoliosis.

Courtesy of Tzu Chi Hualien headquarters

Care during hospitalization

On August 26, 2019, the first three patients receiving aid from Tzu Chi arrived in Chengdu for treatment, accompanied by their families; among them was Nima. The largest group in the following five years arrived on October 23, 2023: 39 people—consisting of 13 scoliosis patients, their family members, and YHC volunteers—endured a grueling 36-hour train journey from Tibet before reaching Chengdu.

Tzu Chi volunteers’ companionship typically begins with a warm welcome at the train station. Whether they are from western Sichuan, Qinghai, or Tibet, most patients and their families are visiting Chengdu for the first time. Volunteers hope to help them settle in as quickly as possible. They thoughtfully prepare Tibetan tea to accompany meals, assist with hospital admission procedures, and provide toiletries, buckets, and other daily necessities. They also supply suitable clothing according to the season. Due to differences in dietary habits between Tibetans and Han Chinese, the families of most patients choose to co-rent small kitchens to prepare their food. Volunteers ease their burdens by bringing them cooking and dining ware from their own homes.

Volunteer Ji Yahong (紀亞紅) mentioned that while a few school-going children can speak some Mandarin, their parents face language barriers. Such differences in language, culture, and living habits have proven to be significant obstacles in the process of seeking treatment. Since the families require assistance even in communicating with the medical staff, they need all the help they can get.

Tzu Chi volunteers visit patients every Tuesday throughout their extended hospital stays, helping them and their families cope with various challenges. Such visits continued uninterrupted even during the COVID-19 pandemic. When the children are emotionally affected due to pain from treatment, volunteers guide them to cultivate gratitude and actively cooperate with the treatment. Since they may encounter difficulties washing their hair after the head ring is installed, volunteers prepare toothbrushes, sponges, and face cloths and carefully clean their scalps. When parents worry about family members back home and feel down, volunteers listen to and comfort them, or prepare hot soup or dumplings for them to lift their spirits. Most of the young patients are unable to attend school due to their illnesses, so volunteers help them learn Mandarin.

A noticeable number of individuals among the patients are monastics. Geding Pengcuo explained to Tzu Chi volunteers that due to their religious beliefs, many Tibetans believe that serious illnesses are a result of karma from past lives. As a result, children born with congenital diseases or physical disabilities are often sent by their parents to monasteries for ordination, with the belief that doing so can resolve their karmic debts and alleviate their pain and suffering.

Bazang was one such monastic. He didn’t receive medical care until he was 30 years old. As a result, his medical journey was more challenging. Unlike others who left the hospital on foot after treatment, he required a year of rehabilitation after leaving the hospital before regaining mobility. Volunteer Wang Lin (王琳) confessed that it wasn’t until she helped Bazang change into surgical attire that she truly grasped the impact of scoliosis. “I was truly shocked to witness his deformed and twisted spine,” She remarked. “Treatment is absolutely essential for these patients.” Whenever volunteers see children discharged from the hospital after successful treatment, their joy matches that of parents.

Tzu Chi volunteers, in partnership with YHC, have provided support for more than 200 young Tibetans with scoliosis and their families over the past five years. In March of this year, 60 children were simultaneously undergoing treatment at two hospitals, marking the highest number to date. Tzu Chi and YHC also conduct screenings for Tibetan children and adolescents with congenital heart disease and congenital hip dislocation and help those severely in need of treatments receive care at hospitals in Chengdu, Xining, Beijing, and other locations. Wherever these individuals receive treatment, local Tzu Chi volunteers are there to provide support.

So, what’s Nima’s current situation? After recovering, he decided to stay and work in Chengdu. Now, when new patients arrive for treatment, he helps as an interpreter and assists volunteers with hospital admission procedures. Having gone through a similar journey, Nima’s presence offers encouragement to these young patients as they eagerly await their chance to recover.

A volunteer washes a scoliosis patient’s hair at 416 Hospital in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China.

Bian Jing

Compiled by Li Wei-huang
Information provided by Bian Jing
Translated by Siri Su

Tzu Chi collaborates with Yushuzhou Hope Charity to help young Tibetan patients afflicted with scoliosis obtain medical treatment.

Leaving his hometown in Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan Province, China, Nima embarked on an 800-kilometer (497-mile) journey to Chengdu, the provincial capital. After getting off the train, he headed straight to 416 Hospital. Although he was 20 years old, he stood only 145 centimeters (4’9’’) tall due to severe scoliosis.

Scoliosis is a condition in which a person’s spine has an abnormal curve, sometimes resembling an S shape. It occurs in about three percent of the population, but the cause of scoliosis has been elusive. Surgery is required in extreme cases. After corrective surgery, a metal ring is surgically fastened around both the patient’s head and waist, connected by four supporting rods. Traction applied through the head ring gradually reduces the spinal curvature, allowing patients to stand taller.

Nima underwent three corrective operations, gradually gaining the ability to stand straight within nine months of hospitalization, increasing his height to 165 centimeters (5’5”). Afterward, he was only required to wear orthoses for rehabilitation, which are devices designed to support or modify an injured or malformed part of the body. His greatest relief came in the form of improved breathing: “Breathing is no longer a struggle,” he said.

Nima’s father, Tapo, recalled his child being born with a noticeable spinal curve, which worsened with age. He feared his son might pass away at any moment. But if Tapo was so concerned, why did he wait until Nima was 20 years old to seek treatment?

Challenges hampering medical care

Yushuzhou Hope Charity (YHC), based in Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province, has long been helping young Tibetan patients with scoliosis receive medical care. According to Geding Pengcuo, head of YHC, such patients face challenges in accessing treatment due to their parents’ limited health awareness, inadequate access to related information, and physical distance from advanced medical resources.

Without proper treatment, a patient suffering from scoliosis may develop thoracic deformities, which can compress their nerves or impact the functions of their heart and lungs, potentially leading to respiratory failure. The average life expectancy for untreated patients is 45 years. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial. Surgery offers the best outcomes, minimizes rehabilitation challenges, and significantly reduces medical expenses.

In Beijing and Chengdu, there are three hospitals that specialize in treating severe scoliosis patients. YHC combines medical and charitable resources, regularly inviting specialized doctors to travel to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau for scoliosis screenings and arranging medical treatment for patients. Dr. Zhou Lijin (周立金), an orthopedic surgeon at Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, asserted, “Many Tibetans don’t know what scoliosis is or where to find medical treatment. To help them, we must reach out to the remote regions they live in, regardless of the distances.” Amidst their efforts, there have been instances where patients’ families had such limited understanding of the condition that doctors had to make multiple visits before convincing them to seek medical care.

In 2019, through YHC, Tzu Chi volunteers in Chengdu first came into contact with Tibetans afflicted by the condition in neighboring Qinghai Province. The volunteers witnessed firsthand the struggles of these young individuals, who lived at altitudes of 3,000 to 4,000 meters (9,840-13,125 feet). They observed the challenges they faced in accessing medical care due to limited resources, misconceptions, or economic difficulties, and clearly saw how this could profoundly impact their futures. A Tzu Chi care team was thus formed and joined YHC’s Caring for Tibetan Children project to support this group of children and adolescents through their demanding and costly medical journey.

The journey from Chengdu, about 500 meters above sea level, to Yushu Prefecture in Qinghai, with an average elevation of 4,200 meters, presents significant challenges for Tzu Chi volunteers. Every step or ascent requires caution to prevent altitude sickness. Sometimes, even the doctors themselves have to wear oxygen masks during screenings.

After screening, YHC arranges for scoliosis patients in need of surgery to go down the mountains for treatment. Generally, more severe cases of scoliosis require several corrective surgeries, with treatment spanning from six months to one year. The substantial medical expenses, exceeding 31,000 U.S. dollars, are partially covered by the government with additional support from Tzu Chi. Volunteers also assist with the patients’ daily needs during their hospitalization.

Health workers assess the condition of a young Tibetan suffering from scoliosis.

Courtesy of Tzu Chi Hualien headquarters

Care during hospitalization

On August 26, 2019, the first three patients receiving aid from Tzu Chi arrived in Chengdu for treatment, accompanied by their families; among them was Nima. The largest group in the following five years arrived on October 23, 2023: 39 people—consisting of 13 scoliosis patients, their family members, and YHC volunteers—endured a grueling 36-hour train journey from Tibet before reaching Chengdu.

Tzu Chi volunteers’ companionship typically begins with a warm welcome at the train station. Whether they are from western Sichuan, Qinghai, or Tibet, most patients and their families are visiting Chengdu for the first time. Volunteers hope to help them settle in as quickly as possible. They thoughtfully prepare Tibetan tea to accompany meals, assist with hospital admission procedures, and provide toiletries, buckets, and other daily necessities. They also supply suitable clothing according to the season. Due to differences in dietary habits between Tibetans and Han Chinese, the families of most patients choose to co-rent small kitchens to prepare their food. Volunteers ease their burdens by bringing them cooking and dining ware from their own homes.

Volunteer Ji Yahong (紀亞紅) mentioned that while a few school-going children can speak some Mandarin, their parents face language barriers. Such differences in language, culture, and living habits have proven to be significant obstacles in the process of seeking treatment. Since the families require assistance even in communicating with the medical staff, they need all the help they can get.

Tzu Chi volunteers visit patients every Tuesday throughout their extended hospital stays, helping them and their families cope with various challenges. Such visits continued uninterrupted even during the COVID-19 pandemic. When the children are emotionally affected due to pain from treatment, volunteers guide them to cultivate gratitude and actively cooperate with the treatment. Since they may encounter difficulties washing their hair after the head ring is installed, volunteers prepare toothbrushes, sponges, and face cloths and carefully clean their scalps. When parents worry about family members back home and feel down, volunteers listen to and comfort them, or prepare hot soup or dumplings for them to lift their spirits. Most of the young patients are unable to attend school due to their illnesses, so volunteers help them learn Mandarin.

A noticeable number of individuals among the patients are monastics. Geding Pengcuo explained to Tzu Chi volunteers that due to their religious beliefs, many Tibetans believe that serious illnesses are a result of karma from past lives. As a result, children born with congenital diseases or physical disabilities are often sent by their parents to monasteries for ordination, with the belief that doing so can resolve their karmic debts and alleviate their pain and suffering.

Bazang was one such monastic. He didn’t receive medical care until he was 30 years old. As a result, his medical journey was more challenging. Unlike others who left the hospital on foot after treatment, he required a year of rehabilitation after leaving the hospital before regaining mobility. Volunteer Wang Lin (王琳) confessed that it wasn’t until she helped Bazang change into surgical attire that she truly grasped the impact of scoliosis. “I was truly shocked to witness his deformed and twisted spine,” She remarked. “Treatment is absolutely essential for these patients.” Whenever volunteers see children discharged from the hospital after successful treatment, their joy matches that of parents.

Tzu Chi volunteers, in partnership with YHC, have provided support for more than 200 young Tibetans with scoliosis and their families over the past five years. In March of this year, 60 children were simultaneously undergoing treatment at two hospitals, marking the highest number to date. Tzu Chi and YHC also conduct screenings for Tibetan children and adolescents with congenital heart disease and congenital hip dislocation and help those severely in need of treatments receive care at hospitals in Chengdu, Xining, Beijing, and other locations. Wherever these individuals receive treatment, local Tzu Chi volunteers are there to provide support.

So, what’s Nima’s current situation? After recovering, he decided to stay and work in Chengdu. Now, when new patients arrive for treatment, he helps as an interpreter and assists volunteers with hospital admission procedures. Having gone through a similar journey, Nima’s presence offers encouragement to these young patients as they eagerly await their chance to recover.

A volunteer washes a scoliosis patient’s hair at 416 Hospital in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China.

Bian Jing

關鍵字

The Illustrated Jing Si Aphorisms

The Buddha says:

My fellow monks!
Do not accept my teachings just because you respect me.
You should be like fire which tries pure gold.
You must personally test and prove the Dharma I teach.
Recognize the Dharma from the fruit it produces.

Buddhist disciples should not worship the Buddha as a god. We should think of the Buddha as a saint—a great educator who exceeds earthly intelligence and reveals true wisdom. He serves as a role model for us to follow.

This approach establishes a solid foundation for life and encompasses the rich educational essence of Buddhism.

Master Cheng Yen, people always want to get, but you teach people to give. Doesn’t this go against human nature?

Is it possible to always take without ever giving? It’s like always wanting to withdraw money from a bank account without ever making any deposits. It’s impossible.

Translated by E. E. Ho and W. L. Rathje; drawings by Tsai Chih-chung; coloring by May E. Gu

The Buddha says:

My fellow monks!
Do not accept my teachings just because you respect me.
You should be like fire which tries pure gold.
You must personally test and prove the Dharma I teach.
Recognize the Dharma from the fruit it produces.

Buddhist disciples should not worship the Buddha as a god. We should think of the Buddha as a saint—a great educator who exceeds earthly intelligence and reveals true wisdom. He serves as a role model for us to follow.

This approach establishes a solid foundation for life and encompasses the rich educational essence of Buddhism.

Master Cheng Yen, people always want to get, but you teach people to give. Doesn’t this go against human nature?

Is it possible to always take without ever giving? It’s like always wanting to withdraw money from a bank account without ever making any deposits. It’s impossible.

Translated by E. E. Ho and W. L. Rathje; drawings by Tsai Chih-chung; coloring by May E. Gu

關鍵字

A Volunteer’s Visual Journey With Tzu Chi

Narrated by Chen Rong-feng
Interviewed and written by Lin Mei-hong
Abridged and translated by Wu Hsiao-ting
Photos by Chen Rong-feng

I’ve loved taking photos since my teenage years. After joining Tzu Chi, I kept growing my photography and videography skills, eventually venturing into aerial imagery. My goal is simple—I want to use my skills to capture the beauty and goodness of the world.

—Chen Rong-feng

Photo by Lin Mei-hong

I have been curious about “new” things since childhood, especially when it comes to electronic products and devices. In elementary school, I even dismantled a radio my dad bought to study its inner workings. During high school, I developed a fascination with cameras. I recall waking up one morning at two to capture the school gate, using a B shutter speed for 20 seconds. In the interplay of moonlight and car lights, the majestic school gate showcased the beauty of a dignified academic institution. I submitted the work to an intramural competition and won first place.

Time flew quickly after high school. My eldest son was born in 1991, when I was 28. While on a business trip to Japan, I purchased a mini digital video camera, marking the beginning of my journey into videography. In 2006, I attended a Tzu Chi year-end blessing ceremony for the first time. At the volunteer recruitment area, I enthusiastically noted my expertise in photography and videography on a form. Soon thereafter, I received an invitation to join Tzu Chi as a documenting volunteer. I began training in 2008 to become a certified volunteer.

I always followed my own approach through my years of taking photos, doing things as I liked. When I first joined the foundation, I was uncertain about which aspects of a Tzu Chi event to capture. I vividly recall my dissatisfaction with my work at my first Tzu Chi camp. However, when I submitted the photos I had taken to Jian Hong-zheng (簡宏正), the coordinator for the Image Team, I was pleasantly surprised. Looking at my photos, Brother Jian exclaimed, “Everything I needed is right here!” This affirmation greatly cheered me and set me on my determined journey as a documenting volunteer, motivating me to continuously refine my skills.

In early 2010, I joined fellow Tzu Chi volunteers from Taiwan on a mission to Guizhou Province, China, to distribute aid to the needy. When we arrived at the distribution venue in Pingyan Township, Luodian County, we were greeted by the heartwarming sight of hundreds of villagers and children forming two rows, applauding and warmly welcoming us. The sight moved me deeply. I found myself wondering, “What have I done to deserve such warmth from people I have never met?” I followed the other volunteers without saying a word, afraid that if I spoke, tears of emotion would spill from my eyes.

During home visits, we were welcomed into their households as if we were part of their family. This heartfelt reception stemmed from the love nurtured by my fellow volunteers during their ten years of work in Guizhou. I felt deeply grateful that my role as a documenting volunteer brought me to Guizhou, allowing me to be showered in such warmth while I captured one poignant scene after another through my lens.

The rural homes we visited were typically basic, crude structures that provided minimal shelter from wind and rain. I vividly remember a home visit to the Li family. Mr. Li had suffered a bone fracture, and lacking the financial means for medical treatment, his arm had become deformed. His wife, experiencing back pain, struggled to carry water for the family. The family had no source of income at all. We checked their pot and saw some poor-looking corn porridge inside. When we learned that such meager fare was their main food for three daily meals, I couldn’t contain my emotions. I rushed outside and began crying uncontrollably.

I used to think that crying was embarrassing for a man, but I couldn’t hold back my tears that day. They just couldn’t stop flowing. It was the first time I had shed tears in 40 years, and I must have cried without stopping for a good half hour.

After this trip to Guizhou, I set aside my love for the pursuit of enjoyment and pleasure. Before, I used to travel abroad for sightseeing once or twice a year. Although such travels brought me happiness, the joy was short-lived. The charitable mission to Guizhou, however, left an indelible mark on me. After that trip, almost every time I traveled abroad, it was for Tzu Chi.

Innovative solutions

I faced several challenges after taking on the role of coordinator for a community documentation team. At the time, our documenting volunteers lacked a dedicated database for their work, making it difficult for some of them to find photos to complement their articles. To address this issue, I collaborated with other volunteers to establish a dedicated File Transfer Protocol platform. This platform allowed our volunteers to easily upload and share data. Additionally, I worked with computer engineers to develop an online event schedule, which helped us post information about our community’s Tzu Chi activities. This saved us a lot of time and money. It reduced the need for phone calls to disseminate event information and encouraged greater participation from those interested in the events.

The challenge of not having a storage system for articles and photos extended beyond our specific community. I recognized that our volunteers’ hard work was not adequately preserved and that a considerable amount of time and manpower was spent gathering relevant data, so I began contemplating cross-district data integration. I started collaborating with Zhang Ting-xu (張廷旭), a volunteer from Tzu Chi’s central Taiwan Information Technology Team. We developed a dedicated software system for data integration. After we were successful, Zhang remarked in friendly banter, “This software was created at your request; you’re responsible for promoting it!”

In response, I reached out every day to the coordinators for documenting teams in different districts in central Taiwan, providing explanations and tutorials on archiving using our software system. After a year of efforts, relevant records from across the central Taiwan district began to be uploaded to the system, easily accessible through a simple search. Eventually, this system expanded to include other areas in Taiwan.

Later, I became the coordinator for Tzu Chi’s central Taiwan Image Team. I pondered: “How can I attract new volunteers? More importantly, how can I rekindle the initial enthusiasm of our senior volunteers?” I decided to introduce courses in 2018 to tackle these questions. The course design was diverse, allowing instructors to use personal photos for storytelling or inviting professional photographers to engage with our volunteers. Photos can speak volumes; for instance, instructor Chen Jian-hua (陳建華) used pictures of his mother to reflect on accompanying her through the last leg of her life, while Li Ying-qing (李盈青) shared the challenges she had experienced in her life through photos documenting her growth and development. Everyone got to know the instructors better through their photos, but also gained insight into the art of storytelling through photography.

I also collaborated with bakeries and dessert shops, requesting their products for volunteers to photograph. The resulting photos became promotional materials for the businesses. I invited commercial photographer and Tzu Chi volunteer Ye Tang-ming (葉唐銘) to share insights on composition and the use of light and shadow in pastry photography. During class, everyone arranged and presented the pastries provided by our collaborating businesses. Ye reminded everyone that the direction of light sources would change at different times, resulting in various effects, and that photography is subjective, with no definitive right or wrong. Following the instructor’s guidance, participants took their photos and then uploaded their work to a messaging app group chat for immediate sharing and discussion. Afterwards, the participants were able to eat the pastries, bringing sweetness to palates and hearts alike.

At the end of the course, I used the Kahoot! app as a fun, interactive way for participants to review what they had learned. I gave prizes to the top three scorers in the review game. It was a lot of fun to see participants navigate through a series of tense and joyful moments during the activity. Creating classes that were eagerly anticipated by our volunteers became what I considered my greatest achievement.

Chen Rong-feng developed a passion for photography during high school and often went outdoors for photoshoots.

Courtesy of Chen Rong-feng

Tzu Chi volunteers went to Luodian, Guizhou, China, in 2010 to distribute aid to the needy. Here is a touching moment captured by Chen Rong-feng.

Aerial imagery

My foray into aerial imagery began in 2014. That year, Tzu Chi held a Buddha Day ceremony at the Taichung Intercontinental Baseball Stadium in Taichung, central Taiwan. While I was documenting the ceremony with a camera, a buzzing sound caught my attention. Following the sound, I looked up and saw a drone for the first time. Involuntarily, my gaze followed it as it soared into the sky, and I found myself drawn closer to the drone operator. I was completely mesmerized when I saw the spectacular aerial view captured by the drone.

I couldn’t get the image of a drone out of my mind after that and purchased a drone the following year. I practiced flying it whenever time allowed and shared the videos I took online. Some people left negative comments upon seeing my footage, saying things like: “It’s not just about flying high in aerial imagery.” Instead of becoming disheartened by such comments, I recognized my inadequacies from their perspectives and encouraged myself to keep improving my skills.

I established an aerial imagery team in 2018, with the goal of sharing my drone flying skills and learning from more enthusiasts. The next year, I joined the Taichung City Fire Department’s aerial imagery unit to contribute to disaster relief efforts. This involved surveying the origins of fires, assisting on-site commanders in making accurate decisions for firefighting, participating in search and rescue missions for missing mountain climbers, and deploying lifebuoys for drowning victims. The aerial imagery team I established also collaborates with the Coast Guard Administration to fly over the sea and document the ecology of white dolphins.

Driven by a passion for aerial imagery, Chen Rong-feng organized a Tzu Chi drone team to enhance the perspective of documentary photography and filming.

Courtesy of Chen Rong-feng

In 2020, the Taiwanese government began regulating drones. To help fellow Tzu Chi volunteers pass licensing exams, I began designing mock test questions and organizing flying technique practice sessions in open areas. Everyone endured the scorching sun without shade during the practice sessions, so I offered cool refreshments and snacks for relief. We mutually encouraged and learned from each other. A total of 68 volunteers have successfully obtained certifications.

Organizing a flying practice session, whether for exam purposes or not, entails careful planning. It includes finding an appropriate outdoor space, providing diverse flight training, and prioritizing safety. Once an outdoor space is chosen, I conduct repeated site inspections. In addition to training in mountain and sea flying techniques, I incorporate rescue scenarios. As an example, I strategically place five mannequins in grassy areas or along riverbanks, turning the exercise into a friendly competition to see who can locate the most mannequins in the shortest time.

I’ve been with Tzu Chi for over 15 years. The number of volunteers participating in our photography classes or learning sessions has grown from dozens to over 200. The aerial imagery team has also welcomed many new members, with participants now spread across Taiwan. Our numbers are steadily increasing. While one person may move swiftly, a group can go much farther. Preserving Tzu Chi’s history is not a task achievable by one person alone; it requires the collective effort of many. That’s why we must encourage participation and new blood in our documenting work.

I’ve seen a constant evolution in photography and video equipment during my time with Tzu Chi. My viewfinder has expanded from ground-level to aerial perspectives. I enjoy learning and growing along my life’s journey. I’m not one with grand plans. My goal for life is simple—to use my skills and abilities for the common good. As I share on my Facebook page: “My love for photography dates back to my youth. Images and visuals drive me forward. From photography and videography to editing and aerial imagery, I’m on a continuous learning journey. I am genuinely passionate about my work. I’m Chen Rong-feng [陳榮豐].”

Chen Rong-feng used a drone to aid in aerial reconnaissance and investigate the point of ignition at a fire scene in Taichung, central Taiwan.

In 2021, Chen Rong-feng captured aerial footage of the Tzu Chi Dongda Campus in central Taiwan after the main construction was completed and landscaping was beginning.

Narrated by Chen Rong-feng
Interviewed and written by Lin Mei-hong
Abridged and translated by Wu Hsiao-ting
Photos by Chen Rong-feng

I’ve loved taking photos since my teenage years. After joining Tzu Chi, I kept growing my photography and videography skills, eventually venturing into aerial imagery. My goal is simple—I want to use my skills to capture the beauty and goodness of the world.

—Chen Rong-feng

Photo by Lin Mei-hong

I have been curious about “new” things since childhood, especially when it comes to electronic products and devices. In elementary school, I even dismantled a radio my dad bought to study its inner workings. During high school, I developed a fascination with cameras. I recall waking up one morning at two to capture the school gate, using a B shutter speed for 20 seconds. In the interplay of moonlight and car lights, the majestic school gate showcased the beauty of a dignified academic institution. I submitted the work to an intramural competition and won first place.

Time flew quickly after high school. My eldest son was born in 1991, when I was 28. While on a business trip to Japan, I purchased a mini digital video camera, marking the beginning of my journey into videography. In 2006, I attended a Tzu Chi year-end blessing ceremony for the first time. At the volunteer recruitment area, I enthusiastically noted my expertise in photography and videography on a form. Soon thereafter, I received an invitation to join Tzu Chi as a documenting volunteer. I began training in 2008 to become a certified volunteer.

I always followed my own approach through my years of taking photos, doing things as I liked. When I first joined the foundation, I was uncertain about which aspects of a Tzu Chi event to capture. I vividly recall my dissatisfaction with my work at my first Tzu Chi camp. However, when I submitted the photos I had taken to Jian Hong-zheng (簡宏正), the coordinator for the Image Team, I was pleasantly surprised. Looking at my photos, Brother Jian exclaimed, “Everything I needed is right here!” This affirmation greatly cheered me and set me on my determined journey as a documenting volunteer, motivating me to continuously refine my skills.

In early 2010, I joined fellow Tzu Chi volunteers from Taiwan on a mission to Guizhou Province, China, to distribute aid to the needy. When we arrived at the distribution venue in Pingyan Township, Luodian County, we were greeted by the heartwarming sight of hundreds of villagers and children forming two rows, applauding and warmly welcoming us. The sight moved me deeply. I found myself wondering, “What have I done to deserve such warmth from people I have never met?” I followed the other volunteers without saying a word, afraid that if I spoke, tears of emotion would spill from my eyes.

During home visits, we were welcomed into their households as if we were part of their family. This heartfelt reception stemmed from the love nurtured by my fellow volunteers during their ten years of work in Guizhou. I felt deeply grateful that my role as a documenting volunteer brought me to Guizhou, allowing me to be showered in such warmth while I captured one poignant scene after another through my lens.

The rural homes we visited were typically basic, crude structures that provided minimal shelter from wind and rain. I vividly remember a home visit to the Li family. Mr. Li had suffered a bone fracture, and lacking the financial means for medical treatment, his arm had become deformed. His wife, experiencing back pain, struggled to carry water for the family. The family had no source of income at all. We checked their pot and saw some poor-looking corn porridge inside. When we learned that such meager fare was their main food for three daily meals, I couldn’t contain my emotions. I rushed outside and began crying uncontrollably.

I used to think that crying was embarrassing for a man, but I couldn’t hold back my tears that day. They just couldn’t stop flowing. It was the first time I had shed tears in 40 years, and I must have cried without stopping for a good half hour.

After this trip to Guizhou, I set aside my love for the pursuit of enjoyment and pleasure. Before, I used to travel abroad for sightseeing once or twice a year. Although such travels brought me happiness, the joy was short-lived. The charitable mission to Guizhou, however, left an indelible mark on me. After that trip, almost every time I traveled abroad, it was for Tzu Chi.

Innovative solutions

I faced several challenges after taking on the role of coordinator for a community documentation team. At the time, our documenting volunteers lacked a dedicated database for their work, making it difficult for some of them to find photos to complement their articles. To address this issue, I collaborated with other volunteers to establish a dedicated File Transfer Protocol platform. This platform allowed our volunteers to easily upload and share data. Additionally, I worked with computer engineers to develop an online event schedule, which helped us post information about our community’s Tzu Chi activities. This saved us a lot of time and money. It reduced the need for phone calls to disseminate event information and encouraged greater participation from those interested in the events.

The challenge of not having a storage system for articles and photos extended beyond our specific community. I recognized that our volunteers’ hard work was not adequately preserved and that a considerable amount of time and manpower was spent gathering relevant data, so I began contemplating cross-district data integration. I started collaborating with Zhang Ting-xu (張廷旭), a volunteer from Tzu Chi’s central Taiwan Information Technology Team. We developed a dedicated software system for data integration. After we were successful, Zhang remarked in friendly banter, “This software was created at your request; you’re responsible for promoting it!”

In response, I reached out every day to the coordinators for documenting teams in different districts in central Taiwan, providing explanations and tutorials on archiving using our software system. After a year of efforts, relevant records from across the central Taiwan district began to be uploaded to the system, easily accessible through a simple search. Eventually, this system expanded to include other areas in Taiwan.

Later, I became the coordinator for Tzu Chi’s central Taiwan Image Team. I pondered: “How can I attract new volunteers? More importantly, how can I rekindle the initial enthusiasm of our senior volunteers?” I decided to introduce courses in 2018 to tackle these questions. The course design was diverse, allowing instructors to use personal photos for storytelling or inviting professional photographers to engage with our volunteers. Photos can speak volumes; for instance, instructor Chen Jian-hua (陳建華) used pictures of his mother to reflect on accompanying her through the last leg of her life, while Li Ying-qing (李盈青) shared the challenges she had experienced in her life through photos documenting her growth and development. Everyone got to know the instructors better through their photos, but also gained insight into the art of storytelling through photography.

I also collaborated with bakeries and dessert shops, requesting their products for volunteers to photograph. The resulting photos became promotional materials for the businesses. I invited commercial photographer and Tzu Chi volunteer Ye Tang-ming (葉唐銘) to share insights on composition and the use of light and shadow in pastry photography. During class, everyone arranged and presented the pastries provided by our collaborating businesses. Ye reminded everyone that the direction of light sources would change at different times, resulting in various effects, and that photography is subjective, with no definitive right or wrong. Following the instructor’s guidance, participants took their photos and then uploaded their work to a messaging app group chat for immediate sharing and discussion. Afterwards, the participants were able to eat the pastries, bringing sweetness to palates and hearts alike.

At the end of the course, I used the Kahoot! app as a fun, interactive way for participants to review what they had learned. I gave prizes to the top three scorers in the review game. It was a lot of fun to see participants navigate through a series of tense and joyful moments during the activity. Creating classes that were eagerly anticipated by our volunteers became what I considered my greatest achievement.

Chen Rong-feng developed a passion for photography during high school and often went outdoors for photoshoots.

Courtesy of Chen Rong-feng

Tzu Chi volunteers went to Luodian, Guizhou, China, in 2010 to distribute aid to the needy. Here is a touching moment captured by Chen Rong-feng.

Aerial imagery

My foray into aerial imagery began in 2014. That year, Tzu Chi held a Buddha Day ceremony at the Taichung Intercontinental Baseball Stadium in Taichung, central Taiwan. While I was documenting the ceremony with a camera, a buzzing sound caught my attention. Following the sound, I looked up and saw a drone for the first time. Involuntarily, my gaze followed it as it soared into the sky, and I found myself drawn closer to the drone operator. I was completely mesmerized when I saw the spectacular aerial view captured by the drone.

I couldn’t get the image of a drone out of my mind after that and purchased a drone the following year. I practiced flying it whenever time allowed and shared the videos I took online. Some people left negative comments upon seeing my footage, saying things like: “It’s not just about flying high in aerial imagery.” Instead of becoming disheartened by such comments, I recognized my inadequacies from their perspectives and encouraged myself to keep improving my skills.

I established an aerial imagery team in 2018, with the goal of sharing my drone flying skills and learning from more enthusiasts. The next year, I joined the Taichung City Fire Department’s aerial imagery unit to contribute to disaster relief efforts. This involved surveying the origins of fires, assisting on-site commanders in making accurate decisions for firefighting, participating in search and rescue missions for missing mountain climbers, and deploying lifebuoys for drowning victims. The aerial imagery team I established also collaborates with the Coast Guard Administration to fly over the sea and document the ecology of white dolphins.

Driven by a passion for aerial imagery, Chen Rong-feng organized a Tzu Chi drone team to enhance the perspective of documentary photography and filming.

Courtesy of Chen Rong-feng

In 2020, the Taiwanese government began regulating drones. To help fellow Tzu Chi volunteers pass licensing exams, I began designing mock test questions and organizing flying technique practice sessions in open areas. Everyone endured the scorching sun without shade during the practice sessions, so I offered cool refreshments and snacks for relief. We mutually encouraged and learned from each other. A total of 68 volunteers have successfully obtained certifications.

Organizing a flying practice session, whether for exam purposes or not, entails careful planning. It includes finding an appropriate outdoor space, providing diverse flight training, and prioritizing safety. Once an outdoor space is chosen, I conduct repeated site inspections. In addition to training in mountain and sea flying techniques, I incorporate rescue scenarios. As an example, I strategically place five mannequins in grassy areas or along riverbanks, turning the exercise into a friendly competition to see who can locate the most mannequins in the shortest time.

I’ve been with Tzu Chi for over 15 years. The number of volunteers participating in our photography classes or learning sessions has grown from dozens to over 200. The aerial imagery team has also welcomed many new members, with participants now spread across Taiwan. Our numbers are steadily increasing. While one person may move swiftly, a group can go much farther. Preserving Tzu Chi’s history is not a task achievable by one person alone; it requires the collective effort of many. That’s why we must encourage participation and new blood in our documenting work.

I’ve seen a constant evolution in photography and video equipment during my time with Tzu Chi. My viewfinder has expanded from ground-level to aerial perspectives. I enjoy learning and growing along my life’s journey. I’m not one with grand plans. My goal for life is simple—to use my skills and abilities for the common good. As I share on my Facebook page: “My love for photography dates back to my youth. Images and visuals drive me forward. From photography and videography to editing and aerial imagery, I’m on a continuous learning journey. I am genuinely passionate about my work. I’m Chen Rong-feng [陳榮豐].”

Chen Rong-feng used a drone to aid in aerial reconnaissance and investigate the point of ignition at a fire scene in Taichung, central Taiwan.

In 2021, Chen Rong-feng captured aerial footage of the Tzu Chi Dongda Campus in central Taiwan after the main construction was completed and landscaping was beginning.

關鍵字