Always a Child in My Mom’s Eyes

Narrated by Bashar Kerdi
Compiled by Wei Yu-xian
Translated by Wu Hsiao-ting
Photo by Jessica Yang

I kissed my parents’ foreheads the day I left Syria, and gave another kiss to my beloved homeland. Tearfully, my mom said, “I hope you stay, but I also hope you go, because only then can you stay safe.”

Bashar Kerdi, the head of the registration department at El Menahil, is pictured with two children during a visit to Tainan Tzu Chi Senior High School in southern Taiwan. The school includes a high school, junior high, elementary division, and a kindergarten.

Back in Syria, I served as a school principal while also running a computer repair shop. My wife was also an educator, a teacher. We had two children, owned our house and car, and led a comfortable life.

In 2011, the war transformed Syria into a nightmarish place. Despite my efforts to continue living there, I had to leave in 2016. On the day of my departure, I kissed my parents’ foreheads and bid farewell to my beloved homeland. Tearfully, my mother told me, “Your three sisters have already left; you are all I have left. I hope you stay, but I also hope you go because only then can you stay safe.”

I left my children and pregnant wife behind because I didn’t know what the future held. I went to Idlib first, near Türkiye, but couldn’t find work. A month later, I fled to Antakya, Türkiye, but the cost of living was too high. Eventually, I moved to Istanbul, where I opened a computer repair store.

In 2018, I decided to give up my computer repair business and joined the staff at El Menahil school. The school provided a sense of belonging, wrapping me in a warmth reminiscent of my mother’s embrace. I missed my family dearly, being away from them for so long. Fortunately, in the same year, I successfully arranged for my wife and three children to join me in Türkiye. The greatest joy was when we all acquired Turkish citizenship.

On February 6, 2023, massive earthquakes shook Türkiye. Many of my relatives lived in the heavily affected area of Antakya; over ten of them lost their lives. Tzu Chi didn’t leave us to our own devices; the next day, they took me to the disaster area on a school bus, allowing me to bring back three families.

I currently serve as the head of the enrollment department at El Menahil. Many parents wish to enroll their children in our school, yet available spots are limited. For children, the most challenging part is feeling inferior to their peers. They perceive the world through the pure lens of their souls, wondering, “Why do some children go to school every morning but I can’t?”

One day, a little girl and her mother came to El Menahil. The girl gazed at me with hopeful eyes, yearning for admission into our school. Both of them cried in front of me. The mother pleaded, “Sir, I bought her a school uniform, a backpack, and shoes. One day, she hugged them and cried herself to sleep. Please make her dream come true.”

I stood before them helplessly, facing one of the most challenging situations of my life. Many children were like this girl—El Menahil was akin to their paradise. How I wished to fulfill all these children’s dream.

After becoming refugees, we were reduced to mere numbers. This stripped us of our dignity, but Tzu Chi has played a pivotal role in helping us regain it. The foundation also gave us an opportunity to serve the needy. On this trip to Taiwan, I brought a gift from Türkiye—a decoration hand-knitted by my mother. In crafting this work, she poured seven years of longing for me, imbuing it with her motherly concerns and love—the kind that never forsakes you under any circumstances.

In my mother’s eyes, I am still a child. How I yearn to be embraced by her once again! I want to give this cherished knitting to Master Cheng Yen, who is like a mother to us, as a heartfelt token of gratitude for all that Tzu Chi has done for us.

Narrated by Bashar Kerdi
Compiled by Wei Yu-xian
Translated by Wu Hsiao-ting
Photo by Jessica Yang

I kissed my parents’ foreheads the day I left Syria, and gave another kiss to my beloved homeland. Tearfully, my mom said, “I hope you stay, but I also hope you go, because only then can you stay safe.”

Bashar Kerdi, the head of the registration department at El Menahil, is pictured with two children during a visit to Tainan Tzu Chi Senior High School in southern Taiwan. The school includes a high school, junior high, elementary division, and a kindergarten.

Back in Syria, I served as a school principal while also running a computer repair shop. My wife was also an educator, a teacher. We had two children, owned our house and car, and led a comfortable life.

In 2011, the war transformed Syria into a nightmarish place. Despite my efforts to continue living there, I had to leave in 2016. On the day of my departure, I kissed my parents’ foreheads and bid farewell to my beloved homeland. Tearfully, my mother told me, “Your three sisters have already left; you are all I have left. I hope you stay, but I also hope you go because only then can you stay safe.”

I left my children and pregnant wife behind because I didn’t know what the future held. I went to Idlib first, near Türkiye, but couldn’t find work. A month later, I fled to Antakya, Türkiye, but the cost of living was too high. Eventually, I moved to Istanbul, where I opened a computer repair store.

In 2018, I decided to give up my computer repair business and joined the staff at El Menahil school. The school provided a sense of belonging, wrapping me in a warmth reminiscent of my mother’s embrace. I missed my family dearly, being away from them for so long. Fortunately, in the same year, I successfully arranged for my wife and three children to join me in Türkiye. The greatest joy was when we all acquired Turkish citizenship.

On February 6, 2023, massive earthquakes shook Türkiye. Many of my relatives lived in the heavily affected area of Antakya; over ten of them lost their lives. Tzu Chi didn’t leave us to our own devices; the next day, they took me to the disaster area on a school bus, allowing me to bring back three families.

I currently serve as the head of the enrollment department at El Menahil. Many parents wish to enroll their children in our school, yet available spots are limited. For children, the most challenging part is feeling inferior to their peers. They perceive the world through the pure lens of their souls, wondering, “Why do some children go to school every morning but I can’t?”

One day, a little girl and her mother came to El Menahil. The girl gazed at me with hopeful eyes, yearning for admission into our school. Both of them cried in front of me. The mother pleaded, “Sir, I bought her a school uniform, a backpack, and shoes. One day, she hugged them and cried herself to sleep. Please make her dream come true.”

I stood before them helplessly, facing one of the most challenging situations of my life. Many children were like this girl—El Menahil was akin to their paradise. How I wished to fulfill all these children’s dream.

After becoming refugees, we were reduced to mere numbers. This stripped us of our dignity, but Tzu Chi has played a pivotal role in helping us regain it. The foundation also gave us an opportunity to serve the needy. On this trip to Taiwan, I brought a gift from Türkiye—a decoration hand-knitted by my mother. In crafting this work, she poured seven years of longing for me, imbuing it with her motherly concerns and love—the kind that never forsakes you under any circumstances.

In my mother’s eyes, I am still a child. How I yearn to be embraced by her once again! I want to give this cherished knitting to Master Cheng Yen, who is like a mother to us, as a heartfelt token of gratitude for all that Tzu Chi has done for us.

關鍵字

A No-Wait System

Narrated by Basel Khalil
Compiled by Wei Yu-xian
Translated by Wu Hsiao-ting
Photo by Abdulrahman Hritani

I endured a four-hour wait under the scorching sun, standing in a queue until I finally received my supplies. Wanting to spare others from similar painful experiences, I created the No-Wait System.

Basel Khalil (left) serves at a Tzu Chi distribution for victims of the February 2023 earthquakes in Türkiye, ready to step in whenever needed.

Two moments in my life stand out prominently to me. The first was when I donned the Tzu Chi volunteer vest; the second was in 2019 when I visited Taiwan and met Master Cheng Yen. I presented the Master with a Family Card during that visit, the same card used during Tzu Chi’s distributions in Türkiye, affectionately named “Master.” This occurred shortly after my marriage, and in return, Master Cheng Yen gave a gift to my wife. Fast forward to October 2023, when I visited Taiwan again, this time as a proud father of a daughter.

I was in my third year of studying software engineering at a university in Damascus, Syria, when the war broke out, forcing my family and me to leave our home and move to another province. I left home at six in the morning each day, got to school by noon, and hurried back home after two classes. Delaying meant having no place to stay for the night. I spent a significant amount of time commuting every day just to attend classes.

We relied on aid from charitable organizations for survival, queuing up for supplies, which was a painful experience. I tried to convince my brother to join me during a distribution during Ramadan, while we were fasting, but he refused. I had to go alone. I stood in a queue under the hot sun for four hours, but finally got my supplies. I informed the distribution staff I was a software engineering student and could help improve the queuing system.

Every day, I thought about designing a system that could spare people from long waiting times, as I had experienced. The organization could only serve a hundred families a day before I offered to create a No-Wait System for them, and even that took a considerable amount of time. After implementing my system, they were able to assist up to 800 families a day.

I joined the charitable organization after offering to create the system for them, and I remained with them even after obtaining my university degree. Working for them was an experience unlike anything in the regular job market. However, war eventually forced me to leave my home country. I’ll never forget the pain my departure caused my father. He didn’t want to say goodbye; his eyes were filled with sadness, but he tried his best not to show it.

The desire to see my father again never left me in Türkiye, not for a single day. After five years of separation, he told me he could finally visit me with my mother. Tragically, the day he got his passport, he passed away. My heart was broken.

I became an employee at El Menahil school after arriving in Türkiye. A month after I joined the school, I was asked to help with a distribution event on that weekend. I was surprised and asked, “We are a school; what are we distributing?” They replied, “El Menahil was founded by a charitable organization, so we are part of the organization.”

The next day at the distribution site, I saw people checking a wall for their names, just like students checking exam results. At that moment, I finally understood that the two years I spent working for the charity organization in Syria were to train myself to help these people!

As I had done in Syria, I successfully developed a software system to expedite Tzu Chi’s distributions. By sending distribution information to the care recipients, allowing them to register for the preferred date and time to collect our aid, and integrating this information to notify them when they could come to the distribution venue, the process became more efficient. On distribution day, after verifying their identity using the check-in system, claim slips would be printed, enabling them to receive their aid. This streamlined process provided more time for volunteers to interact with the care recipients. Additionally, the system could be monitored remotely online. It became a helpful tool during Tzu Chi’s distributions for Ukrainian refugees in Poland, and we were allowed to understand the entire progress of the events from Türkiye.

A team is like a computer; it must have power, and the power source for our team is Master Cheng Yen and everyone else in Tzu Chi. With the support from Tzu Chi, our “computer” can handle everything. I sincerely thank Master Cheng Yen. Her compassion has warmed everyone’s heart.

Narrated by Basel Khalil
Compiled by Wei Yu-xian
Translated by Wu Hsiao-ting
Photo by Abdulrahman Hritani

I endured a four-hour wait under the scorching sun, standing in a queue until I finally received my supplies. Wanting to spare others from similar painful experiences, I created the No-Wait System.

Basel Khalil (left) serves at a Tzu Chi distribution for victims of the February 2023 earthquakes in Türkiye, ready to step in whenever needed.

Two moments in my life stand out prominently to me. The first was when I donned the Tzu Chi volunteer vest; the second was in 2019 when I visited Taiwan and met Master Cheng Yen. I presented the Master with a Family Card during that visit, the same card used during Tzu Chi’s distributions in Türkiye, affectionately named “Master.” This occurred shortly after my marriage, and in return, Master Cheng Yen gave a gift to my wife. Fast forward to October 2023, when I visited Taiwan again, this time as a proud father of a daughter.

I was in my third year of studying software engineering at a university in Damascus, Syria, when the war broke out, forcing my family and me to leave our home and move to another province. I left home at six in the morning each day, got to school by noon, and hurried back home after two classes. Delaying meant having no place to stay for the night. I spent a significant amount of time commuting every day just to attend classes.

We relied on aid from charitable organizations for survival, queuing up for supplies, which was a painful experience. I tried to convince my brother to join me during a distribution during Ramadan, while we were fasting, but he refused. I had to go alone. I stood in a queue under the hot sun for four hours, but finally got my supplies. I informed the distribution staff I was a software engineering student and could help improve the queuing system.

Every day, I thought about designing a system that could spare people from long waiting times, as I had experienced. The organization could only serve a hundred families a day before I offered to create a No-Wait System for them, and even that took a considerable amount of time. After implementing my system, they were able to assist up to 800 families a day.

I joined the charitable organization after offering to create the system for them, and I remained with them even after obtaining my university degree. Working for them was an experience unlike anything in the regular job market. However, war eventually forced me to leave my home country. I’ll never forget the pain my departure caused my father. He didn’t want to say goodbye; his eyes were filled with sadness, but he tried his best not to show it.

The desire to see my father again never left me in Türkiye, not for a single day. After five years of separation, he told me he could finally visit me with my mother. Tragically, the day he got his passport, he passed away. My heart was broken.

I became an employee at El Menahil school after arriving in Türkiye. A month after I joined the school, I was asked to help with a distribution event on that weekend. I was surprised and asked, “We are a school; what are we distributing?” They replied, “El Menahil was founded by a charitable organization, so we are part of the organization.”

The next day at the distribution site, I saw people checking a wall for their names, just like students checking exam results. At that moment, I finally understood that the two years I spent working for the charity organization in Syria were to train myself to help these people!

As I had done in Syria, I successfully developed a software system to expedite Tzu Chi’s distributions. By sending distribution information to the care recipients, allowing them to register for the preferred date and time to collect our aid, and integrating this information to notify them when they could come to the distribution venue, the process became more efficient. On distribution day, after verifying their identity using the check-in system, claim slips would be printed, enabling them to receive their aid. This streamlined process provided more time for volunteers to interact with the care recipients. Additionally, the system could be monitored remotely online. It became a helpful tool during Tzu Chi’s distributions for Ukrainian refugees in Poland, and we were allowed to understand the entire progress of the events from Türkiye.

A team is like a computer; it must have power, and the power source for our team is Master Cheng Yen and everyone else in Tzu Chi. With the support from Tzu Chi, our “computer” can handle everything. I sincerely thank Master Cheng Yen. Her compassion has warmed everyone’s heart.

關鍵字

A Symphony of Sustainability—Elderly Eco-Heroes

By Cai Li-li
Translated by Wu Hsiao-ting
Photos by Huang Xiao-zhe

Despite their age, elderly volunteers at Tzu Chi’s Gangshan Campus create an inspiring eco-symphony as they work together to process discarded cables and electronics for recycling, minimizing waste and easing the Earth’s burden.

An open metal structure stands under a mango tree near the recycling station at the Tzu Chi Gangshan Campus in Kaohsiung, southern Taiwan. Even from a distance, you can hear knocking and banging emanating from it. Stepping closer reveals a group of recycling volunteers, with an average age of 80, working at a relaxed pace. While age has slowed them down a bit, they skillfully disassemble electrical appliances and extract copper wires from cables, using both their hands and their feet.

Within the metal structure, seven volunteers work together in a loose production line, creating a slow-motion symphony with their hands and feet as they cut, slice, and hammer on the electrical cables. Focused on their tasks, they share a clear goal: to sell recycled resources at a good price, supporting the production of high-quality programs for Tzu Chi’s Da Ai TV.

These volunteers, old enough to be grandparents, are like superheroes in the world of dismantling electrical appliances and cables for recycling. The youngest is 71, the oldest 85. Though age may not be on their side, their dedication to service remains unwavering as they enthusiastically embrace their role as the Earth’s guardians.

Striving for zero waste

Du Yu-zhu (杜玉珠), 81, serves as a dedicated volunteer at the recycling station, managing tasks that include receiving and organizing second-hand clothes and cleaning up after the daily recycling activities. With seemingly effortless grace, she juggles her various responsibilities while sharing stories about the station and fellow volunteers, radiating a gentle warmth that touches the hearts of those around her.

Over four years ago, the Tzu Chi Liuqiao and Houhong Recycling Stations in Kaohsiung’s Gangshan District merged with the station at the Gangshan Campus. After the merger, Du Yu-zhu repurposed a shipping container from the Liuqiao Recycling Station to store second-hand clothes. Later, when nearby factories donated discarded electrical cables, on-site volunteers began stripping them for recycling. They also recycled discarded household appliances.

Electrical devices and cables consist of various materials, such as stainless steel, copper, bronze, and plastic. Not all materials are accepted by recycling companies. The station’s volunteers diligently process and separate these materials, making every effort to reduce waste and environmental pollution.

Another remarkable volunteer at the station is Yu Cai Xiu (余蔡秀), 83, who works alongside her husband, Yu Yi-xiong (余益雄), affectionately known as Big Brother among their fellow volunteers. The dedicated couple has been actively involved in recycling work for many years, consistently working from morning till afternoon every day. Interestingly, nearly everyone in Yu Yi-xiong’s family volunteers for Tzu Chi, a fact that brings immense joy to Yu Cai Xiu.

Clad in recycled second-hand clothes and sporting makeshift boots crafted from plastic bags, she layers three pairs of gloves—two plastic and one cotton. Her protective ensemble is designed to guard against oil stains. Lowering herself onto a small stool, she places a basin filled with crushed gravel and sand in front of her. Into this, she adds long, hard cables coated with thick black oil. Methodically, she begins rolling the cables within the gravel and sand to remove the oil. In no time, her cotton gloves are covered with a thick layer of grease.

After Yu Cai Xiu finishes cleaning the cables, 81-year-old Yu Bang-shao (余邦紹) cuts them into small sections and works with her to peel off the insulation. Chen Mei-yu (陳美玉), 71, manages to remove further insulation before passing the cables to 76-year-old Zhu Chen Xiu-luan (朱陳秀鸞) and 84-year-old Huang Xie Min (黃謝敏) for the final steps. The entire team treats the extracted copper wires from the recycled cables with the utmost care, as if they were treasures.

Chen Mei-yu is the youngest among the volunteers and prefers to work quietly. She has battled and overcome COVID-19, but is still dealing with a lingering cough. Every cough causes discomfort in her back, but she doesn’t let that stop her from volunteering at the recycling station. She dislikes being idle or at loose ends.

Once Yu Bang-shao completes his work with the cables, he returns to his small stool to continue disassembling electrical appliances. He and his wife, 75-year-old Luo Jia-zhen (羅家蓁), are regulars at the recycling station, showing up every day. Once he starts working, he easily loses track of everything else. After a quick chat with others, he swiftly immerses himself in his work once more.

Luo Jia-zhen joined Tzu Chi’s recycling efforts in 2003. At the station, she often uses a hammer to take apart recycling items on the trunk of a lychee tree over ten years old. The tree trunk is now concave from years of use, speaking volumes about the effort she’s put in on it. Despite dealing with back pain and soreness, applying pain relief ointment as needed, Luo persists in her work. She remains motivated by the continuous influx of items awaiting dismantling, emphasizing, “Our hands never stop; if we don’t work hard, we won’t keep up with our workload. We practically start early and finish late every day.”

In January 2023, Luo began cancer treatment, facing all the challenges that accompanied it. Throughout it all, she maintained an optimistic and resilient outlook, viewing life and death as predetermined and facing it with courage. While undergoing chemotherapy, with reduced energy and weakened resistance, she temporarily paused her dismantling tasks at the recycling station. However, she continued sorting recyclables at home because neighbors continued bringing them over. Her son took over that part of her work during her hospital stay.

Now, she has returned to the recycling station and resumed disassembling appliances there. She says, “I want to be a good disciple of Master Cheng Yen, so I give my best effort. Even when unwell, I do what I can. I’m glad my actions enable me to not only support Da Ai TV but also care for the Earth.”

Volunteers with an average age of 80 carefully disassemble discarded electrical cables and appliances before organizing the components by type or material for recycling. This labor-intensive task demands patience and hard work, showcasing the dedication of these volunteers.

Staying focused to avoid sorrow

Even at the age of 85, Chen Cai Yue-ying (陳蔡月英) adeptly handles a power drill, effortlessly dismantling devices. Two years ago, she experienced the heartbreaking loss of her youngest son to cancer, a pain that lingers. Her daily volunteering now serves as a haven, providing solace from sorrow and the ache of longing.

Life recently threw her another curveball—her husband was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Nevertheless, she remains steadfast, once again finding strength in her commitment to recycling amidst life’s uncertainties.

Mao Chen Xiu (毛陳秀), 83, boasts a round figure. She speaks sparingly, wholly focused on the task at hand. Perched in a small plastic chair, she skillfully pounds on a steel frame with a hammer to extract a bundle of copper wires embedded within. When the wires are exposed, her face lights up with satisfaction and joy, much like a child discovering their favorite candy, smiling with pure delight.

In 2003, Mao Chen Xiu began volunteering at Tzu Chi hospitals in Hualien and Dalin, located respectively in eastern and southern Taiwan. After her husband, also a Tzu Chi volunteer, passed away, she donned a volunteer vest he once wore, determined to fulfill both his and her share of volunteer duties. However, as the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded, coupled with her advancing age, she chose to forgo traveling to Hualien and Dalin for hospital volunteering. Instead, she now takes the 8:05 a.m. bus daily to the Gangshan Campus for volunteering and returns on the 4:00 p.m. bus. During volunteer Luo Jia-zhen’s cancer treatment, she took on the responsibility of opening and closing the area designated for dismantling.

Mao Chen Xiu lives by herself but doesn’t feel lonely. Her two sons have brought her to stay with them on multiple occasions and even expressed their desire for her to move in, but she prefers her home in Gangshan District, which makes volunteering at the Gangshan Campus convenient. “Idleness doesn’t suit me,” she says. “Life is short, especially at our age. We don’t know when we’ll depart this world, so it’s important to contribute while we can. Time and tide wait for no one.”

She shared that when she married into her husband’s family decades ago, she took on many responsibilities in line with the traditions of older Chinese society, given her husband’s status as the eldest son. With two brothers and six sisters in the family, it wasn’t until they also had married and started their own families that she finally had some free time, allowing her to pursue volunteering. As she reflects on these past experiences, her smile maintains a constant presence on her face.

From left: Luo Jia-zhen, Chen Mei-yu, Yu Cai Xiu, Mao Chen Xiu, Chen Cai Yue-ying, Huang Xie Min, and Du Yu-zhu, smiling with joy as they strive to safeguard a beautiful environment for future generations.

Extending the lifespan of items

Whenever volunteer Sun Xiang-han (孫湘涵) joins recycling activities at the Gangshan Campus, she makes a point of visiting the dismantling area and spending time with the group of elderly volunteers. Their pure intentions and actions for the environment move her deeply. Despite their age, they dedicate their entire days to recycling work, sometimes even foregoing breaks at noon, and only heading home after four in the afternoon.

Their meticulous efforts extend beyond reclaiming and recycling copper wires; they also ensure that no second-hand clothes brought to the station go to waste. They carefully select wearable garments, then pack and store them for later use. Even clothes considered unwearable are treasures to Du Yu-zhu. She hands them over to Huang Xie Min, skilled in tailoring, who cuts them into pieces for reuse by factories. The volunteers consistently prioritize extending the lifespan of items, reducing waste, and lightening the burden on the Earth.

Eighty-four-year-old Huang Xie Min excels not only in cutting fabrics but also in stripping cables to retrieve wires. Taking a break from her task of cutting cables with a utility knife, she expresses her appreciation for being able to serve at the recycling station. Sitting idly at home triggers unwanted thoughts and worries, she says. Volunteering at the recycling station keeps her engaged, diverting her from those unwelcome thoughts. She also enjoys chatting with fellow volunteers at the station and values the mutual care they provide for each other.

Du Yu-zhu oversees the operations of the recycling station, staying busy every day and finding joy in her work. She chuckles, mentioning that if she ever has a free moment and her hands aren’t occupied, she might doze off. Besides her recycling station duties, she sorts recyclables at the entrance of her home. She also attends funerals on Tzu Chi’s behalf, chants the Buddha’s name for the deceased, and cares for families of the departed. When asked about her boundless energy, she attributes it to the teachings of Dharma Master Cheng Yen, which give her the vitality and strength to handle various tasks and responsibilities.

In the small space beneath the mango tree, the senior volunteers move at a measured pace, diligently performing various tasks. They take the labor-intensive nature of their work in stride, remaining steadfast and unwavering. Even with their face masks on, one can perceive happiness and contentment in their eyes.

By Cai Li-li
Translated by Wu Hsiao-ting
Photos by Huang Xiao-zhe

Despite their age, elderly volunteers at Tzu Chi’s Gangshan Campus create an inspiring eco-symphony as they work together to process discarded cables and electronics for recycling, minimizing waste and easing the Earth’s burden.

An open metal structure stands under a mango tree near the recycling station at the Tzu Chi Gangshan Campus in Kaohsiung, southern Taiwan. Even from a distance, you can hear knocking and banging emanating from it. Stepping closer reveals a group of recycling volunteers, with an average age of 80, working at a relaxed pace. While age has slowed them down a bit, they skillfully disassemble electrical appliances and extract copper wires from cables, using both their hands and their feet.

Within the metal structure, seven volunteers work together in a loose production line, creating a slow-motion symphony with their hands and feet as they cut, slice, and hammer on the electrical cables. Focused on their tasks, they share a clear goal: to sell recycled resources at a good price, supporting the production of high-quality programs for Tzu Chi’s Da Ai TV.

These volunteers, old enough to be grandparents, are like superheroes in the world of dismantling electrical appliances and cables for recycling. The youngest is 71, the oldest 85. Though age may not be on their side, their dedication to service remains unwavering as they enthusiastically embrace their role as the Earth’s guardians.

Striving for zero waste

Du Yu-zhu (杜玉珠), 81, serves as a dedicated volunteer at the recycling station, managing tasks that include receiving and organizing second-hand clothes and cleaning up after the daily recycling activities. With seemingly effortless grace, she juggles her various responsibilities while sharing stories about the station and fellow volunteers, radiating a gentle warmth that touches the hearts of those around her.

Over four years ago, the Tzu Chi Liuqiao and Houhong Recycling Stations in Kaohsiung’s Gangshan District merged with the station at the Gangshan Campus. After the merger, Du Yu-zhu repurposed a shipping container from the Liuqiao Recycling Station to store second-hand clothes. Later, when nearby factories donated discarded electrical cables, on-site volunteers began stripping them for recycling. They also recycled discarded household appliances.

Electrical devices and cables consist of various materials, such as stainless steel, copper, bronze, and plastic. Not all materials are accepted by recycling companies. The station’s volunteers diligently process and separate these materials, making every effort to reduce waste and environmental pollution.

Another remarkable volunteer at the station is Yu Cai Xiu (余蔡秀), 83, who works alongside her husband, Yu Yi-xiong (余益雄), affectionately known as Big Brother among their fellow volunteers. The dedicated couple has been actively involved in recycling work for many years, consistently working from morning till afternoon every day. Interestingly, nearly everyone in Yu Yi-xiong’s family volunteers for Tzu Chi, a fact that brings immense joy to Yu Cai Xiu.

Clad in recycled second-hand clothes and sporting makeshift boots crafted from plastic bags, she layers three pairs of gloves—two plastic and one cotton. Her protective ensemble is designed to guard against oil stains. Lowering herself onto a small stool, she places a basin filled with crushed gravel and sand in front of her. Into this, she adds long, hard cables coated with thick black oil. Methodically, she begins rolling the cables within the gravel and sand to remove the oil. In no time, her cotton gloves are covered with a thick layer of grease.

After Yu Cai Xiu finishes cleaning the cables, 81-year-old Yu Bang-shao (余邦紹) cuts them into small sections and works with her to peel off the insulation. Chen Mei-yu (陳美玉), 71, manages to remove further insulation before passing the cables to 76-year-old Zhu Chen Xiu-luan (朱陳秀鸞) and 84-year-old Huang Xie Min (黃謝敏) for the final steps. The entire team treats the extracted copper wires from the recycled cables with the utmost care, as if they were treasures.

Chen Mei-yu is the youngest among the volunteers and prefers to work quietly. She has battled and overcome COVID-19, but is still dealing with a lingering cough. Every cough causes discomfort in her back, but she doesn’t let that stop her from volunteering at the recycling station. She dislikes being idle or at loose ends.

Once Yu Bang-shao completes his work with the cables, he returns to his small stool to continue disassembling electrical appliances. He and his wife, 75-year-old Luo Jia-zhen (羅家蓁), are regulars at the recycling station, showing up every day. Once he starts working, he easily loses track of everything else. After a quick chat with others, he swiftly immerses himself in his work once more.

Luo Jia-zhen joined Tzu Chi’s recycling efforts in 2003. At the station, she often uses a hammer to take apart recycling items on the trunk of a lychee tree over ten years old. The tree trunk is now concave from years of use, speaking volumes about the effort she’s put in on it. Despite dealing with back pain and soreness, applying pain relief ointment as needed, Luo persists in her work. She remains motivated by the continuous influx of items awaiting dismantling, emphasizing, “Our hands never stop; if we don’t work hard, we won’t keep up with our workload. We practically start early and finish late every day.”

In January 2023, Luo began cancer treatment, facing all the challenges that accompanied it. Throughout it all, she maintained an optimistic and resilient outlook, viewing life and death as predetermined and facing it with courage. While undergoing chemotherapy, with reduced energy and weakened resistance, she temporarily paused her dismantling tasks at the recycling station. However, she continued sorting recyclables at home because neighbors continued bringing them over. Her son took over that part of her work during her hospital stay.

Now, she has returned to the recycling station and resumed disassembling appliances there. She says, “I want to be a good disciple of Master Cheng Yen, so I give my best effort. Even when unwell, I do what I can. I’m glad my actions enable me to not only support Da Ai TV but also care for the Earth.”

Volunteers with an average age of 80 carefully disassemble discarded electrical cables and appliances before organizing the components by type or material for recycling. This labor-intensive task demands patience and hard work, showcasing the dedication of these volunteers.

Staying focused to avoid sorrow

Even at the age of 85, Chen Cai Yue-ying (陳蔡月英) adeptly handles a power drill, effortlessly dismantling devices. Two years ago, she experienced the heartbreaking loss of her youngest son to cancer, a pain that lingers. Her daily volunteering now serves as a haven, providing solace from sorrow and the ache of longing.

Life recently threw her another curveball—her husband was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Nevertheless, she remains steadfast, once again finding strength in her commitment to recycling amidst life’s uncertainties.

Mao Chen Xiu (毛陳秀), 83, boasts a round figure. She speaks sparingly, wholly focused on the task at hand. Perched in a small plastic chair, she skillfully pounds on a steel frame with a hammer to extract a bundle of copper wires embedded within. When the wires are exposed, her face lights up with satisfaction and joy, much like a child discovering their favorite candy, smiling with pure delight.

In 2003, Mao Chen Xiu began volunteering at Tzu Chi hospitals in Hualien and Dalin, located respectively in eastern and southern Taiwan. After her husband, also a Tzu Chi volunteer, passed away, she donned a volunteer vest he once wore, determined to fulfill both his and her share of volunteer duties. However, as the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded, coupled with her advancing age, she chose to forgo traveling to Hualien and Dalin for hospital volunteering. Instead, she now takes the 8:05 a.m. bus daily to the Gangshan Campus for volunteering and returns on the 4:00 p.m. bus. During volunteer Luo Jia-zhen’s cancer treatment, she took on the responsibility of opening and closing the area designated for dismantling.

Mao Chen Xiu lives by herself but doesn’t feel lonely. Her two sons have brought her to stay with them on multiple occasions and even expressed their desire for her to move in, but she prefers her home in Gangshan District, which makes volunteering at the Gangshan Campus convenient. “Idleness doesn’t suit me,” she says. “Life is short, especially at our age. We don’t know when we’ll depart this world, so it’s important to contribute while we can. Time and tide wait for no one.”

She shared that when she married into her husband’s family decades ago, she took on many responsibilities in line with the traditions of older Chinese society, given her husband’s status as the eldest son. With two brothers and six sisters in the family, it wasn’t until they also had married and started their own families that she finally had some free time, allowing her to pursue volunteering. As she reflects on these past experiences, her smile maintains a constant presence on her face.

From left: Luo Jia-zhen, Chen Mei-yu, Yu Cai Xiu, Mao Chen Xiu, Chen Cai Yue-ying, Huang Xie Min, and Du Yu-zhu, smiling with joy as they strive to safeguard a beautiful environment for future generations.

Extending the lifespan of items

Whenever volunteer Sun Xiang-han (孫湘涵) joins recycling activities at the Gangshan Campus, she makes a point of visiting the dismantling area and spending time with the group of elderly volunteers. Their pure intentions and actions for the environment move her deeply. Despite their age, they dedicate their entire days to recycling work, sometimes even foregoing breaks at noon, and only heading home after four in the afternoon.

Their meticulous efforts extend beyond reclaiming and recycling copper wires; they also ensure that no second-hand clothes brought to the station go to waste. They carefully select wearable garments, then pack and store them for later use. Even clothes considered unwearable are treasures to Du Yu-zhu. She hands them over to Huang Xie Min, skilled in tailoring, who cuts them into pieces for reuse by factories. The volunteers consistently prioritize extending the lifespan of items, reducing waste, and lightening the burden on the Earth.

Eighty-four-year-old Huang Xie Min excels not only in cutting fabrics but also in stripping cables to retrieve wires. Taking a break from her task of cutting cables with a utility knife, she expresses her appreciation for being able to serve at the recycling station. Sitting idly at home triggers unwanted thoughts and worries, she says. Volunteering at the recycling station keeps her engaged, diverting her from those unwelcome thoughts. She also enjoys chatting with fellow volunteers at the station and values the mutual care they provide for each other.

Du Yu-zhu oversees the operations of the recycling station, staying busy every day and finding joy in her work. She chuckles, mentioning that if she ever has a free moment and her hands aren’t occupied, she might doze off. Besides her recycling station duties, she sorts recyclables at the entrance of her home. She also attends funerals on Tzu Chi’s behalf, chants the Buddha’s name for the deceased, and cares for families of the departed. When asked about her boundless energy, she attributes it to the teachings of Dharma Master Cheng Yen, which give her the vitality and strength to handle various tasks and responsibilities.

In the small space beneath the mango tree, the senior volunteers move at a measured pace, diligently performing various tasks. They take the labor-intensive nature of their work in stride, remaining steadfast and unwavering. Even with their face masks on, one can perceive happiness and contentment in their eyes.

關鍵字

Breaking Free—Jing-wei’s Triumph Over Limitations

By Leong Imm Chon
Abridged and translated by Wu Hsiao-ting
Photos courtesy of Chen Jing-wei

Despite living with a rare disease and being bound to a wheelchair, Chen Jing-wei fearlessly pursues his dreams. He earned recognition as one of Taiwan’s Ten Outstanding Young Persons in 2023.

Chen Jing-wei (陳景維), a 23-year-old resident of Yilan in northern Taiwan, daily confronts the challenges of spinal muscular atrophy, a genetic disorder affecting nerves and muscles, weakening the muscles over time. The Tzu Chi Foundation initiated support for him in 2019, enhancing the accessibility of his home, covering wheelchair maintenance expenses, and arranging monthly volunteer visits. These visits provide care and companionship for both him and his grandmother, Li Mei-hua (李美華), now 70. (For further details on Jing-wei’s story, please refer to the January 2021 issue of Tzu Chi Bimonthly.)

My connection with Jing-wei began in 2020, when I joined the Tzu Chi Foundation. He was a college sophomore at the time. His limbs and torso had already significantly weakened, and his spine had contorted. With his health in continual decline, life’s impermanence wasn’t an abstract concept, but an everyday truth.

By the end of 2020, only his right index finger retained mobility. By the end of 2021, even this sole movable finger began to stiffen and curve, compelling him to switch to an eye-controlled mouse in 2022.

Despite his physical condition, Jing-wei shared the vision of his life with me, fixing me with a crystal-clear gaze and full of anticipation for the future: “My life goals include successfully completing my university studies, publishing a book about my life’s journey, and stepping onto the TED stage.”

In my previous role as a school counselor in Malaysia, I provided guidance to many students, most of whom grappled with despondency in the face of illness or other challenges. Jing-wei, however, stood apart. He had learned to embrace his reality and coexist with a debilitating illness. Acutely aware of life’s delicate nature, he treasured every passing moment, striving to make the most of it.

Mei-hua, Jing-wei’s grandmother, assumed multiple roles when he was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy at only eight months old. In addition to her role as a loving grandmother, she also became like a father and a mother. She sold breakfast and took on cleaning jobs to make a living while tending to Jing-wei’s needs the best she could. She never allowed the hardships she confronted to define her, empowering her grandson to bravely pursue his dreams.

“I hope I outlive him!” These words from Mei-hua reverberated in my mind for a long time. She was afraid that if she passed away first, there would be no one to take good care of Jing-wei. I wonder if I’d have her courage if I were in her shoes. She has dedicated her life to safeguarding Jing-wei, and her positive attitude allows her to face difficulties with a smile. Her influence inspired Jing-wei to approach each day with a smile as well. Like the best of partners, the grandmother and grandson have grown together through thick and thin, their mutual support bringing light to each other’s lives.

Achieving recognition

In April 2023, when Jing-wei expressed his desire to apply for the prestigious Ten Outstanding Young Persons Award, I couldn’t help but cry. Witnessing his determination to embrace life’s opportunities moved me to tears.

Addressing me as “Sister,” he asked, “Do you think I’m eligible to apply for the award?”

I encouraged him to give it a try and assisted in refining his autobiography, which was necessary for the application. It felt like I was helping him realize yet another dream. For three years, volunteers in Tzu Chi and I had been helping him to turn his dreams into reality:

We supported him in publishing his first book, The Little Me, Who Wants to Shake This World, written in about ten months, spanning approximately 108,000 words. By writing the book, he hoped to inspire people with his life story. We also helped create an audio version of the book, allowing the visually impaired and others like Jing-wei to access the content by listening. Additionally, we organized a trip to an ocean park where Jing-wei rode a Ferris wheel for the first time. His grandmother also enjoyed the carousel, accompanied by our volunteers.

Jing-wei’s original aspirations included delivering a talk on the TED stage. While this particular goal remains unfulfilled, Master De Xin (德昕) from the Jing Si Abode encouraged him with these words, “As big as your heart is, so too is your world.” This statement broadened our perspectives. We came to understand that it’s crucial not to fixate solely on the channels that might have the most significant impact. With that in mind, Jing-wei has since embraced every opportunity to speak, accumulating over 70 presentations to date, reaching an audience of tens of thousands.

In 2020, Jing-wei won the prestigious Presidential Education Award, which honors students who manage to thrive and shine despite tough circumstances. The recognition was followed two years later by the Golden Eagle Award, a prize that commends outstanding citizens with disabilities. His journey of triumph continued as he was named one of Taiwan’s Ten Outstanding Young Persons in September 2023. His path to these accolades wasn’t without obstacles and rejections along the way. Nonetheless, he was always quick to bounce back, and he continued to advocate passionately for people with disabilities.

Jing-wei wasn’t the only one in his family recognized with awards. In 2023, his grandmother was selected as one of the ten exemplary loving mothers in Taiwan. Mei-hua’s phone call to me sharing the happy news filled my heart with immense warmth. I feel privileged to have played a part in helping them receive well-deserved recognition. Their inspiring stories serve as a beacon, offering hope to others.

Chen Jing-wei has shared his life story with many people. During his visit to Jiaoxi Junior High School in northern Taiwan, he encouraged students to understand the challenges posed by his illness by replicating and experiencing the stiff body posture he endures.

Jing-wei’s professional journey

After Tzu Chi began caring for the family in 2019, we improved the accessibility of their home and provided subsidies for Jing-wei’s rehabilitation. The foundation offered additional assistance, such as for tuition and transportation fees, but Jing-wei graciously declined the support. To cover these expenses, he sought corporate sponsorships, actively delivered speeches, and applied for scholarships to alleviate his grandmother’s financial burden. Before completing his university studies, he established a home-based studio, taking on projects in graphic design, social media editing, event planning, and more. While the initial outlook appeared promising, a series of challenges surfaced, one after another.

In addition to caring for Jing-wei, Mei-hua also cared for her husband and her mother-in-law. As Mei-hua aged, lifting Jing-wei became increasingly difficult. Consequently, Jing-wei had to hire and cover the monthly salary for a full-time home caregiver. At the same time, his studio faced irregular project flow and an unstable income. Despite his efforts to secure a full-time remote job, his job applications seemed to vanish without a trace.

For more than a year since his graduation, securing a full-time job was the foremost thought on his mind every morning when he woke up. To assist him, I recommended his resume to Jing Si Publishing Company, highlighting his design and planning strengths alongside his current situation. Taking Jing-wei’s physical condition into account, the company’s human resources department carefully evaluated his suitability for the position, his support system, and the logistics of recording remote work attendance.

After several months of waiting, Jing-wei joyfully shared the good news over the phone one day: “I’m officially starting my role as a design specialist at Jing Si Publishing on October 18.” He expressed gratitude towards me and others who aided him in securing the position. Not only was he relieved that his grandmother no longer had to worry about the monthly caregiver fees, but he was also elated to have secured his first job, signifying the recognition of his professional capabilities.

Chen Jing-wei received the Ten Outstanding Young Persons Award in September 2023. His grandmother, Li Mei-hua, joined him in accepting the honor, sharing in the joy.

Limitless potential

While I couldn’t directly experience the pain of Jing-wei’s illness or his grandmother’s struggles, our shared exploration of life’s possibilities over the past few years has been a profound learning experience. Together, we have navigated the unknown, gaining insights and growing through the process, discovering hidden treasures within life’s challenges.

I came to realize through this journey that the key to overcoming life’s challenges lies not in the problems themselves but in our attitude towards them. Mei-hua chose to shoulder the responsibility of caring for Jing-wei, and Jing-wei chose to courageously embrace coexistence with a rare illness. Each choice revealed different landscapes. I chose to accompany and assist Jing-wei in realizing his dreams, supporting him in exploring his resources and abilities, and leveraging his strengths for positive change.

Letting go emerged as a precious gift I learned from Mei-hua and Jing-wei. It instilled strength in facing the challenges posed by a rare illness for both the grandmother and grandson. Jing-wei, by letting go of and not obsessing over his physical challenges, transformed his rare illness from an obstacle into a source of motivation, encouraging him to surpass limitations and live with vitality. Mei-hua, by letting go of questioning why her grandson faced such challenges, embraced the reality of the rare illness, willingly assuming the responsibility of caring for her grandson.

Life doesn’t adhere to a fixed formula, and that’s what makes it brim with possibilities. Despite having to deal with the torment of illness, physical limitations, and economic pressures, Jing-wei strives to explore endless opportunities, enriching his life’s journey to the full. As he exclaimed to me, “Sister, let’s continue to do more things and make a positive impact in the world!”

Only love and acceptance can lead us to a place where we can truly be ourselves, embracing life’s sorrows and navigating through pain with resilience. Let’s embrace our unique journey and make the most of it!

By Leong Imm Chon
Abridged and translated by Wu Hsiao-ting
Photos courtesy of Chen Jing-wei

Despite living with a rare disease and being bound to a wheelchair, Chen Jing-wei fearlessly pursues his dreams. He earned recognition as one of Taiwan’s Ten Outstanding Young Persons in 2023.

Chen Jing-wei (陳景維), a 23-year-old resident of Yilan in northern Taiwan, daily confronts the challenges of spinal muscular atrophy, a genetic disorder affecting nerves and muscles, weakening the muscles over time. The Tzu Chi Foundation initiated support for him in 2019, enhancing the accessibility of his home, covering wheelchair maintenance expenses, and arranging monthly volunteer visits. These visits provide care and companionship for both him and his grandmother, Li Mei-hua (李美華), now 70. (For further details on Jing-wei’s story, please refer to the January 2021 issue of Tzu Chi Bimonthly.)

My connection with Jing-wei began in 2020, when I joined the Tzu Chi Foundation. He was a college sophomore at the time. His limbs and torso had already significantly weakened, and his spine had contorted. With his health in continual decline, life’s impermanence wasn’t an abstract concept, but an everyday truth.

By the end of 2020, only his right index finger retained mobility. By the end of 2021, even this sole movable finger began to stiffen and curve, compelling him to switch to an eye-controlled mouse in 2022.

Despite his physical condition, Jing-wei shared the vision of his life with me, fixing me with a crystal-clear gaze and full of anticipation for the future: “My life goals include successfully completing my university studies, publishing a book about my life’s journey, and stepping onto the TED stage.”

In my previous role as a school counselor in Malaysia, I provided guidance to many students, most of whom grappled with despondency in the face of illness or other challenges. Jing-wei, however, stood apart. He had learned to embrace his reality and coexist with a debilitating illness. Acutely aware of life’s delicate nature, he treasured every passing moment, striving to make the most of it.

Mei-hua, Jing-wei’s grandmother, assumed multiple roles when he was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy at only eight months old. In addition to her role as a loving grandmother, she also became like a father and a mother. She sold breakfast and took on cleaning jobs to make a living while tending to Jing-wei’s needs the best she could. She never allowed the hardships she confronted to define her, empowering her grandson to bravely pursue his dreams.

“I hope I outlive him!” These words from Mei-hua reverberated in my mind for a long time. She was afraid that if she passed away first, there would be no one to take good care of Jing-wei. I wonder if I’d have her courage if I were in her shoes. She has dedicated her life to safeguarding Jing-wei, and her positive attitude allows her to face difficulties with a smile. Her influence inspired Jing-wei to approach each day with a smile as well. Like the best of partners, the grandmother and grandson have grown together through thick and thin, their mutual support bringing light to each other’s lives.

Achieving recognition

In April 2023, when Jing-wei expressed his desire to apply for the prestigious Ten Outstanding Young Persons Award, I couldn’t help but cry. Witnessing his determination to embrace life’s opportunities moved me to tears.

Addressing me as “Sister,” he asked, “Do you think I’m eligible to apply for the award?”

I encouraged him to give it a try and assisted in refining his autobiography, which was necessary for the application. It felt like I was helping him realize yet another dream. For three years, volunteers in Tzu Chi and I had been helping him to turn his dreams into reality:

We supported him in publishing his first book, The Little Me, Who Wants to Shake This World, written in about ten months, spanning approximately 108,000 words. By writing the book, he hoped to inspire people with his life story. We also helped create an audio version of the book, allowing the visually impaired and others like Jing-wei to access the content by listening. Additionally, we organized a trip to an ocean park where Jing-wei rode a Ferris wheel for the first time. His grandmother also enjoyed the carousel, accompanied by our volunteers.

Jing-wei’s original aspirations included delivering a talk on the TED stage. While this particular goal remains unfulfilled, Master De Xin (德昕) from the Jing Si Abode encouraged him with these words, “As big as your heart is, so too is your world.” This statement broadened our perspectives. We came to understand that it’s crucial not to fixate solely on the channels that might have the most significant impact. With that in mind, Jing-wei has since embraced every opportunity to speak, accumulating over 70 presentations to date, reaching an audience of tens of thousands.

In 2020, Jing-wei won the prestigious Presidential Education Award, which honors students who manage to thrive and shine despite tough circumstances. The recognition was followed two years later by the Golden Eagle Award, a prize that commends outstanding citizens with disabilities. His journey of triumph continued as he was named one of Taiwan’s Ten Outstanding Young Persons in September 2023. His path to these accolades wasn’t without obstacles and rejections along the way. Nonetheless, he was always quick to bounce back, and he continued to advocate passionately for people with disabilities.

Jing-wei wasn’t the only one in his family recognized with awards. In 2023, his grandmother was selected as one of the ten exemplary loving mothers in Taiwan. Mei-hua’s phone call to me sharing the happy news filled my heart with immense warmth. I feel privileged to have played a part in helping them receive well-deserved recognition. Their inspiring stories serve as a beacon, offering hope to others.

Chen Jing-wei has shared his life story with many people. During his visit to Jiaoxi Junior High School in northern Taiwan, he encouraged students to understand the challenges posed by his illness by replicating and experiencing the stiff body posture he endures.

Jing-wei’s professional journey

After Tzu Chi began caring for the family in 2019, we improved the accessibility of their home and provided subsidies for Jing-wei’s rehabilitation. The foundation offered additional assistance, such as for tuition and transportation fees, but Jing-wei graciously declined the support. To cover these expenses, he sought corporate sponsorships, actively delivered speeches, and applied for scholarships to alleviate his grandmother’s financial burden. Before completing his university studies, he established a home-based studio, taking on projects in graphic design, social media editing, event planning, and more. While the initial outlook appeared promising, a series of challenges surfaced, one after another.

In addition to caring for Jing-wei, Mei-hua also cared for her husband and her mother-in-law. As Mei-hua aged, lifting Jing-wei became increasingly difficult. Consequently, Jing-wei had to hire and cover the monthly salary for a full-time home caregiver. At the same time, his studio faced irregular project flow and an unstable income. Despite his efforts to secure a full-time remote job, his job applications seemed to vanish without a trace.

For more than a year since his graduation, securing a full-time job was the foremost thought on his mind every morning when he woke up. To assist him, I recommended his resume to Jing Si Publishing Company, highlighting his design and planning strengths alongside his current situation. Taking Jing-wei’s physical condition into account, the company’s human resources department carefully evaluated his suitability for the position, his support system, and the logistics of recording remote work attendance.

After several months of waiting, Jing-wei joyfully shared the good news over the phone one day: “I’m officially starting my role as a design specialist at Jing Si Publishing on October 18.” He expressed gratitude towards me and others who aided him in securing the position. Not only was he relieved that his grandmother no longer had to worry about the monthly caregiver fees, but he was also elated to have secured his first job, signifying the recognition of his professional capabilities.

Chen Jing-wei received the Ten Outstanding Young Persons Award in September 2023. His grandmother, Li Mei-hua, joined him in accepting the honor, sharing in the joy.

Limitless potential

While I couldn’t directly experience the pain of Jing-wei’s illness or his grandmother’s struggles, our shared exploration of life’s possibilities over the past few years has been a profound learning experience. Together, we have navigated the unknown, gaining insights and growing through the process, discovering hidden treasures within life’s challenges.

I came to realize through this journey that the key to overcoming life’s challenges lies not in the problems themselves but in our attitude towards them. Mei-hua chose to shoulder the responsibility of caring for Jing-wei, and Jing-wei chose to courageously embrace coexistence with a rare illness. Each choice revealed different landscapes. I chose to accompany and assist Jing-wei in realizing his dreams, supporting him in exploring his resources and abilities, and leveraging his strengths for positive change.

Letting go emerged as a precious gift I learned from Mei-hua and Jing-wei. It instilled strength in facing the challenges posed by a rare illness for both the grandmother and grandson. Jing-wei, by letting go of and not obsessing over his physical challenges, transformed his rare illness from an obstacle into a source of motivation, encouraging him to surpass limitations and live with vitality. Mei-hua, by letting go of questioning why her grandson faced such challenges, embraced the reality of the rare illness, willingly assuming the responsibility of caring for her grandson.

Life doesn’t adhere to a fixed formula, and that’s what makes it brim with possibilities. Despite having to deal with the torment of illness, physical limitations, and economic pressures, Jing-wei strives to explore endless opportunities, enriching his life’s journey to the full. As he exclaimed to me, “Sister, let’s continue to do more things and make a positive impact in the world!”

Only love and acceptance can lead us to a place where we can truly be ourselves, embracing life’s sorrows and navigating through pain with resilience. Let’s embrace our unique journey and make the most of it!

關鍵字

Tzu Chi’s Aid Efforts After Morocco’s Powerful Quake

Text and photos provided by the Tzu Chi Foundation
Translated by Wu Hsiao-ting

On September 8, 2023, a magnitude 6.8 earthquake rocked Morocco in North Africa, marking the most powerful seismic occurrence in the region’s recorded history. The temblor wreaked havoc on villages in the Atlas Mountains and claimed nearly 3,000 lives. The aftermath of the disaster included landslides, collapsed homes, and severed roads. Many people were still living in tents two months after the quake, enduring tough conditions.

Even though the Tzu Chi Foundation didn’t have an office in Morocco, its personnel actively sought ways to provide relief. They decided to partner with the Jood Association, a local charity, for aid distribution.

A series of relief distributions unfolded in various villages beginning on November 8. Tzu Chi provided aid packages containing food such as rice, noodles, chickpeas, and cooking oil, totaling 87 kilograms (190 pounds)—a weight requiring two men to manage. This supply is sufficient for families of five for three months. Hygiene products and blankets were also part of the aid packages. As of early December, over 3,000 households, comprising more than 20,000 individuals, had received assistance. Tzu Chi has also donated two mobile shower units and aims to help 12,000 households by early 2024.

Text and photos provided by the Tzu Chi Foundation
Translated by Wu Hsiao-ting

On September 8, 2023, a magnitude 6.8 earthquake rocked Morocco in North Africa, marking the most powerful seismic occurrence in the region’s recorded history. The temblor wreaked havoc on villages in the Atlas Mountains and claimed nearly 3,000 lives. The aftermath of the disaster included landslides, collapsed homes, and severed roads. Many people were still living in tents two months after the quake, enduring tough conditions.

Even though the Tzu Chi Foundation didn’t have an office in Morocco, its personnel actively sought ways to provide relief. They decided to partner with the Jood Association, a local charity, for aid distribution.

A series of relief distributions unfolded in various villages beginning on November 8. Tzu Chi provided aid packages containing food such as rice, noodles, chickpeas, and cooking oil, totaling 87 kilograms (190 pounds)—a weight requiring two men to manage. This supply is sufficient for families of five for three months. Hygiene products and blankets were also part of the aid packages. As of early December, over 3,000 households, comprising more than 20,000 individuals, had received assistance. Tzu Chi has also donated two mobile shower units and aims to help 12,000 households by early 2024.

關鍵字

Quake-Affected Schools Resume Classes Amid Challenges

By Goh Lam Kia
Translated by Wu Hsiao-ting
Photos by Unish Khyaju

A shallow earthquake with a magnitude of 5.6 struck Jajarkot District, Karnali Province, Nepal, on November 3, 2023. This disaster resulted in over 150 fatalities, more than 300 injuries, and severe damage to 6,000 houses and other structures. Bheri Tribeni Secondary School (BTSS) in Rimna village, only 25 kilometers (16 miles) from the epicenter, lost 11 classrooms. Despite the challenges, classes resumed on November 20. Local residents set up makeshift tents using plastic sheets and bamboo, with students attending lessons on the ground.

Tzu Chi volunteers arrived following the quake from Lumbini, over 310 kilometers (193 miles) away, to assess the damage. They decided to build 40 temporary classrooms for five schools and evaluate the possibility of assisting in the reconstruction of BTSS.

Construction materials for the temporary classrooms were transported from Lumbini. Using the BTSS grounds as a demonstration site, volunteers employed local villagers for labor. They taught them to use power tools and understand construction drawings for assembling the framework and wall panels. Within two days, the first classroom was completed. Once finished, children eagerly moved in with desks and chairs. Volunteers provided additional help by offering new textbooks and school supplies. Construction followed in the other four schools to ensure that students could receive lessons in more comfortable settings as soon as possible.

Photo by Zhang Bo-lin

By Goh Lam Kia
Translated by Wu Hsiao-ting
Photos by Unish Khyaju

A shallow earthquake with a magnitude of 5.6 struck Jajarkot District, Karnali Province, Nepal, on November 3, 2023. This disaster resulted in over 150 fatalities, more than 300 injuries, and severe damage to 6,000 houses and other structures. Bheri Tribeni Secondary School (BTSS) in Rimna village, only 25 kilometers (16 miles) from the epicenter, lost 11 classrooms. Despite the challenges, classes resumed on November 20. Local residents set up makeshift tents using plastic sheets and bamboo, with students attending lessons on the ground.

Tzu Chi volunteers arrived following the quake from Lumbini, over 310 kilometers (193 miles) away, to assess the damage. They decided to build 40 temporary classrooms for five schools and evaluate the possibility of assisting in the reconstruction of BTSS.

Construction materials for the temporary classrooms were transported from Lumbini. Using the BTSS grounds as a demonstration site, volunteers employed local villagers for labor. They taught them to use power tools and understand construction drawings for assembling the framework and wall panels. Within two days, the first classroom was completed. Once finished, children eagerly moved in with desks and chairs. Volunteers provided additional help by offering new textbooks and school supplies. Construction followed in the other four schools to ensure that students could receive lessons in more comfortable settings as soon as possible.

Photo by Zhang Bo-lin

關鍵字

Tzu Chi Chronicles—Notable Highlights From Nov. 10 to Dec. 22, 2023

Nov. 11 – 12

The Eighth Tzu Chi Forum, “Fostering a New Era of Equal­ity,” was held in New Taipei City

The Eighth Tzu Chi Forum, “Fostering a New Era of Equality,” convened at the Xindian Jing Si Hall in northern Taiwan. Issues of inequality were addressed in regards to employment, housing, homeless care, energy, and food resources. Possible solutions were also proposed. Fifty scholars and experts from Taiwan and abroad delivered speeches and engaged in panel discussions, presenting a total of 35 papers. Additionally, the Tzu Chi Foundation signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Garwood Center for Corporate Innovation at the University of California, Berkeley, with plans to host an innovation forum involving businesses from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Taiwan.

Nov. 15

Lin Chin-Lon, CEO of the Tzu Chi medical mission, was awarded Taiwan’s Outstanding Sus­tainability Achieve­ment Award

Lin Chin-Lon (林俊龍), CEO of the Tzu Chi medical mission, received the Outstanding Sustainability Achievement Award at the 16th Taiwan Corporate Sustainability Awards (TCSA) on November 15. In October, CEO Lin learned of his inclusion in the 2022 Annual Scientific Influence Ranking released by Stanford University. This additional recognition at the TCSA marked a double celebration of his achievements

Nov. 20

Tzu Chi Hospital Indonesia successfully performed Indonesia’s first pediatric stem cell transplant

The bone marrow (stem cell) transplant team at Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital in eastern Taiwan assisted Tzu Chi Hospital Indonesia in Jakarta in successfully performing Indonesia’s first pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant for patient Assyifa, diagnosed with severe thalassemia. Assyifa’s brother, Alfatih, served as the compatible donor. Since September 2020, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital has provided training in stem cell transplantation for four Indonesian doctors, 14 nurses, and two medical technologists.

Nov. 24

Vice Superintendent Lin Ming-nan honored for advancing Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital as an international environmental benchmark

For more than a decade, Vice Superintendent Lin Ming-nan (林名男) of Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital in southern Taiwan has championed environmental awareness within Taiwan’s medical community, establishing the hospital as an exemplar for environmental practices. He has also played a pivotal role in helping the hospital win the Outstanding Fulfillment of WHO Health Promoting Hospital Standards Award. In recognition of his contributions to environmental sustainability and health promotion, he was honored with the 2023 Taiwan Medical Contribution Award from the Taiwan Medical Association. Dr. Lin sees this award a testament to the collaborative efforts of the entire hospital team.

Nov. 30 – Dec. 13

Tzu Chi shared practical experiences in addressing climate change at COP28

The 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference, known as COP28, took place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The Tzu Chi delegation attended as an official observer to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and in the capacity of co-chair of the Multi-Faith Advisory Council. Through participating in forums and organizing an exhibition, the Tzu Chi delegation shared the foundation’s specific accomplishments in promoting environmental protection, reducing plastic usage, lowering medical carbon footprint, and enhancing public environmental awareness. The goal is to harness the efforts of various religious groups to together address climate issues. Vice Superintendent Lin Ming-nan of Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital was also invited to elaborate on the relationship between vegetarianism, health, and the environment during side meetings.

Dec. 6

Aid provided to 130,000 people affected by floods in Pakistan

In 2022, floods in Pakistan impacted over 33 million people, prompting collaboration between Tzu Chi and six NGOs to provide assistance. In 2023, recurring floods damaged around 45 percent of the country’s agricultural land. Coupled with inflation reaching nearly a 49-year high, the population has faced daunting financial challenges. Tzu Chi, once again partnering with the Al-Madinah Islamic Research Center and three other NGOs, renewed efforts to offer aid in the form of food, blankets, and free medical clinics. As of December 6, 2023, a total of 131,301 people had benefited from the assistance. (Repeated services are counted as separate recipients.)

Dec. 9

Vision Future Incubator Results Presentation offered effective solutions to social issues

The Tzu Chi Foundation held the Sixth Vision Future Incubator (VFI) Results Presentation at the Huashan 1914 Creative Park in Taipei. They also announced the participants selected for the 7th VFI. VFI is a sponsorship program for people under 40 with innovative ideas to improve the world. Participants receive grants and guidance from mentors to implement their projects. The 11 teams in the 6th VFI presented solutions addressing subjects like stray animals, small farmers, the elderly, and children. The VFI program exemplifies Tzu Chi’s commitment to fostering positive change and making a meaningful impact on diverse societal challenges.

Dec. 10

The Tzu Chi International Youth Sustainability Conference showcased youth achievements in sustainability

The Second Annual Tzu Chi International Youth Association Sustainability Conference, centered around the theme “Sustainable Vitality, I DO!”, took place at Taipei’s Plantarium. The event highlighted Tzu Chi youth’s year-long accomplishments in sustainability, encompassing contributions to the foundation’s assistive device program, outreach to inmates at Hualien Prison in eastern Taiwan, and other efforts. There were related exhibitions on-site. The conference brought together young people, demonstrating their commitment and proactive efforts in promoting sustainability.

Dec. 18

Tzu Chi initiated distributions to quake victims in Gansu Province, China

At 11:59 p.m. on December 18, a powerful magnitude 6.2 earthquake struck Jishishan County, Gansu Province, resulting in the tragic loss of over 150 lives in Gansu and Haidong City, Qinghai Province. With temperatures below freezing in the disaster area, Tzu Chi volunteers quickly mobilized to provide essential supplies such as folding beds, blankets, cotton tents, electric blankets, coal stoves, and medical kits. Arriving in the disaster area on the evening of the 21st, volunteers initiated aid distributions to four villages in three townships the following day.

Nov. 11 – 12

The Eighth Tzu Chi Forum, “Fostering a New Era of Equal­ity,” was held in New Taipei City

The Eighth Tzu Chi Forum, “Fostering a New Era of Equality,” convened at the Xindian Jing Si Hall in northern Taiwan. Issues of inequality were addressed in regards to employment, housing, homeless care, energy, and food resources. Possible solutions were also proposed. Fifty scholars and experts from Taiwan and abroad delivered speeches and engaged in panel discussions, presenting a total of 35 papers. Additionally, the Tzu Chi Foundation signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Garwood Center for Corporate Innovation at the University of California, Berkeley, with plans to host an innovation forum involving businesses from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Taiwan.

Nov. 15

Lin Chin-Lon, CEO of the Tzu Chi medical mission, was awarded Taiwan’s Outstanding Sus­tainability Achieve­ment Award

Lin Chin-Lon (林俊龍), CEO of the Tzu Chi medical mission, received the Outstanding Sustainability Achievement Award at the 16th Taiwan Corporate Sustainability Awards (TCSA) on November 15. In October, CEO Lin learned of his inclusion in the 2022 Annual Scientific Influence Ranking released by Stanford University. This additional recognition at the TCSA marked a double celebration of his achievements

Nov. 20

Tzu Chi Hospital Indonesia successfully performed Indonesia’s first pediatric stem cell transplant

The bone marrow (stem cell) transplant team at Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital in eastern Taiwan assisted Tzu Chi Hospital Indonesia in Jakarta in successfully performing Indonesia’s first pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant for patient Assyifa, diagnosed with severe thalassemia. Assyifa’s brother, Alfatih, served as the compatible donor. Since September 2020, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital has provided training in stem cell transplantation for four Indonesian doctors, 14 nurses, and two medical technologists.

Nov. 24

Vice Superintendent Lin Ming-nan honored for advancing Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital as an international environmental benchmark

For more than a decade, Vice Superintendent Lin Ming-nan (林名男) of Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital in southern Taiwan has championed environmental awareness within Taiwan’s medical community, establishing the hospital as an exemplar for environmental practices. He has also played a pivotal role in helping the hospital win the Outstanding Fulfillment of WHO Health Promoting Hospital Standards Award. In recognition of his contributions to environmental sustainability and health promotion, he was honored with the 2023 Taiwan Medical Contribution Award from the Taiwan Medical Association. Dr. Lin sees this award a testament to the collaborative efforts of the entire hospital team.

Nov. 30 – Dec. 13

Tzu Chi shared practical experiences in addressing climate change at COP28

The 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference, known as COP28, took place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The Tzu Chi delegation attended as an official observer to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and in the capacity of co-chair of the Multi-Faith Advisory Council. Through participating in forums and organizing an exhibition, the Tzu Chi delegation shared the foundation’s specific accomplishments in promoting environmental protection, reducing plastic usage, lowering medical carbon footprint, and enhancing public environmental awareness. The goal is to harness the efforts of various religious groups to together address climate issues. Vice Superintendent Lin Ming-nan of Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital was also invited to elaborate on the relationship between vegetarianism, health, and the environment during side meetings.

Dec. 6

Aid provided to 130,000 people affected by floods in Pakistan

In 2022, floods in Pakistan impacted over 33 million people, prompting collaboration between Tzu Chi and six NGOs to provide assistance. In 2023, recurring floods damaged around 45 percent of the country’s agricultural land. Coupled with inflation reaching nearly a 49-year high, the population has faced daunting financial challenges. Tzu Chi, once again partnering with the Al-Madinah Islamic Research Center and three other NGOs, renewed efforts to offer aid in the form of food, blankets, and free medical clinics. As of December 6, 2023, a total of 131,301 people had benefited from the assistance. (Repeated services are counted as separate recipients.)

Dec. 9

Vision Future Incubator Results Presentation offered effective solutions to social issues

The Tzu Chi Foundation held the Sixth Vision Future Incubator (VFI) Results Presentation at the Huashan 1914 Creative Park in Taipei. They also announced the participants selected for the 7th VFI. VFI is a sponsorship program for people under 40 with innovative ideas to improve the world. Participants receive grants and guidance from mentors to implement their projects. The 11 teams in the 6th VFI presented solutions addressing subjects like stray animals, small farmers, the elderly, and children. The VFI program exemplifies Tzu Chi’s commitment to fostering positive change and making a meaningful impact on diverse societal challenges.

Dec. 10

The Tzu Chi International Youth Sustainability Conference showcased youth achievements in sustainability

The Second Annual Tzu Chi International Youth Association Sustainability Conference, centered around the theme “Sustainable Vitality, I DO!”, took place at Taipei’s Plantarium. The event highlighted Tzu Chi youth’s year-long accomplishments in sustainability, encompassing contributions to the foundation’s assistive device program, outreach to inmates at Hualien Prison in eastern Taiwan, and other efforts. There were related exhibitions on-site. The conference brought together young people, demonstrating their commitment and proactive efforts in promoting sustainability.

Dec. 18

Tzu Chi initiated distributions to quake victims in Gansu Province, China

At 11:59 p.m. on December 18, a powerful magnitude 6.2 earthquake struck Jishishan County, Gansu Province, resulting in the tragic loss of over 150 lives in Gansu and Haidong City, Qinghai Province. With temperatures below freezing in the disaster area, Tzu Chi volunteers quickly mobilized to provide essential supplies such as folding beds, blankets, cotton tents, electric blankets, coal stoves, and medical kits. Arriving in the disaster area on the evening of the 21st, volunteers initiated aid distributions to four villages in three townships the following day.

關鍵字

The Illustrated Jing Si Aphorisms

The Buddha says:

If you personally experience the Dharma
by practicing it in daily life,
you will immediately get results.
Only very wise people can experience the Dharma
just by reflecting inwardly.

No matter how high a mountain is, there is always a spring of water at the top. Water can run as high as any mountaintop or as low as any valley.

In other words, no matter how old people may be or how much education they may have, they all possess a compassionate nature and pure wisdom.

I want to spend my whole life promoting peace in this world.

Dharma Master Cheng Yen: “It is all right for young people to be far-sighted. However, as you move forward, remember to pay attention to the present. You can only reach your ideals by being realistic. If you want to promote world peace, you must start by cultivating your own mind. You must love yourself before you can love others.”

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

The Buddha says:

If you personally experience the Dharma
by practicing it in daily life,
you will immediately get results.
Only very wise people can experience the Dharma
just by reflecting inwardly.

No matter how high a mountain is, there is always a spring of water at the top. Water can run as high as any mountaintop or as low as any valley.

In other words, no matter how old people may be or how much education they may have, they all possess a compassionate nature and pure wisdom.

I want to spend my whole life promoting peace in this world.

Dharma Master Cheng Yen: “It is all right for young people to be far-sighted. However, as you move forward, remember to pay attention to the present. You can only reach your ideals by being realistic. If you want to promote world peace, you must start by cultivating your own mind. You must love yourself before you can love others.”

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

關鍵字

二十六日 合群的方法

撰文／ 釋德𠆩
11.26《農十月‧十四》

【靜思小語】與人互動調整的過程也是在修行，修的是身、口、意。

《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。

辭親割愛，奉獻人間

上人對即將於明日圓頂的近住女以及將要受證的清修士開示：「大家真正要自我發心，而且誠懇立願。你們投入常住生活已經有一段時間，很清楚精舍的生活規則，且精舍是全球慈濟人的家，精舍裏常常有來自不同國家地區的慈濟人。」

「國際間的慈濟人回來，就是要求法；心中有法，才會真正發心立願，回到居住地承擔慈濟事。慈濟人是為天下苦難人、需要的人而承擔責任，回來精舍，也是為了學習如何成為慈濟人，守慈濟人的規則，學會慈濟人做事的方法。」

上人說，要受證為慈濟委員、慈誠，從見習到培訓圓滿，也要經過二年，甚至更長的時間；這期間走入慈濟，要學習與大眾合群的方法，還要相互提醒、彼此調整，讓菩薩隊伍很整齊。人人來自不同的家庭背景、有不同的社會地位，也各有習氣，所以這個互動調整的過程也是在修行，修的是身、口、意，直到能夠與其他人合和互協。

「佛法談『空』，但是很注重『相』。慈濟人回到精舍，都穿著代表身分的制服，讓人一看就知道這是還在見習、培訓的，或者已經受證的慈濟人，這就是團體的相。法本無相，不過要借相來表達，接引人們體會道理。」

「你們在常住生活中，或是職場工作中，慢慢體會人間的苦、空、無常，以及出家的價值觀，思考要如何運用生命功能，出家之後現出家相，可以為大眾指引宗教方向，走上大道。出家入僧團，相與心、行都要一致；你們若有這分心，出家要有出家相，還有出家的心、出家的願力，就要守規戒。若是清修士，我也立了清修士該守的規則，同樣也是辭親割愛，身心投入奉獻，為人間做事，等於半出家，已經有出家的心。」

「出家有出家的戒律、清修有清修的規矩，與一般居士不同。在家居士有家庭，攜家帶眷；清修士辭親割愛，只是沒有現出家相，但是要守出家人的規律，心念要清淨，沒有現出家相是方便在人群中做事。你們自己清楚了解，也要讓家裏的人，包括父母長輩、兄弟姊妹都要清楚，共同來參與圓頂以及受證典禮，為你們歡喜祝福。」

確立方向，導正方向

臺北、桃園、新竹、宜蘭、花蓮、臺東的培訓委員慈誠於花蓮靜思堂參與尋根暨精神研習會。上人於圓緣時分，感恩大家發心立願投入人間，實行菩薩道，菩薩是覺悟的有情人，已經不是迷迷糊糊的無明凡夫，而是學習佛陀正法，體會人間疾苦，走往人生正道的智慧人生。

「佛陀來人間度眾生，指引迷糊的凡夫眾生走往正確道路。佛教是宗教，但也不分宗教；在慈濟這條道路，期待所有正確方向的宗教合而為一，合於無私大愛。人生最寶貴的就是愛，但不是私己的小愛，只愛自我，愛我所愛，別人與我無關；但也就因為這樣，拉大了人與人之間的距離，或是彼此拉扯得四分五裂，讓原本平衡圓滿的人間破碎。」

失衡破裂的人間，需要用方法調整與彌合。上人表示此時氣候變遷，天地生機偏差失調，就如人體的「氣」不調和，就會生病。如何讓人間正氣調和？就要有方法，帶動人們走回正向，所以需要宗教的力量。然而現在人口多，許多人的觀念已經偏差，只求自己的利益，愈偏愈遠，要調整回來，要花很多時間，用很多的方法，才能調適得人人都能接受。

「我們現在已經走在佛法中，每一位都有好因緣，共同在慈濟。剛剛看到一家三代來培訓，今年就要受證了，這就是以善傳家，一代一代不斷傳下去。受證是確立方向，受證之後也要在人間引導正方向；慈濟以正向入人群，會合愛的能量。」

上人說，「菩薩」意謂「覺有情」，是覺悟的有情人。佛陀覺悟後，為了度眾生，還要進入有情界；有情眾生各有不一樣的習氣，不同地區有不同的習俗，所以佛陀來人間說法，就要把不同的習俗會合起來，讓人人不偏離正道。

「只要是正信的宗教，法的宗旨都是一樣的。法譬如水，就像人需要水才能活，任何一個國家都一樣，沒有水就無法生存；任何一片土地，沒有水就沒有生機。法就是宗教的規律，用真理的方法解開人的心結，開闊心胸，人間有愛，互愛尊重，人人才會有尊嚴。」上人說，法就像木工的墨斗，對準的方向，拉繩子一彈就是一條直線，「菩提大道直」，這條直直的大道通向覺悟的目的地。

「慈濟人行慈濟法，行菩薩道；我們用慈濟的方法，立菩薩的道。慈濟有十戒，你們走入慈濟就要守慈濟的規矩，守十戒就要行十法。」上人教大家念出慈濟十戒：「一、不殺生，二、不偷盜，三、不邪淫，四、不妄語，五、不飲酒，六、不抽菸、不吸毒、不嚼檳榔，七、不賭博、不投機取巧，八、孝順父母、調和聲色，九、遵守交通規則，十、不參與政治活動、示威遊行。」

上人說：「你們都是在家居士，有家業、有職業，共同一心向佛法，要依照佛法的教育，日常守規戒，就是最正確的生活。若能以佛法為家規，家庭和睦，也能影響社會、普及人間。所以佛法需要在家居士在人間廣傳，你們在各行各業都有行規，要做的事業還是要利益人群的事業；生活在人間，就要守人間的規戒，不要違法、違規。要做一個如規如矩的善良老百姓，維護社會的祥和，守好家庭，守好社會的規律，這就是慈濟人要奉行的。」

上人期許全球慈濟人帶動大眾，成就如規如矩的好人生；慈濟人要知道如何守規矩，所以要上課培訓，聞法知道理。尤其現在網路科技傳訊便利，可以突破地理距離，在不同時區同時聞法，例如此時可以看到大家莊嚴整齊的形象，也能聽到大家的聞法心得與發願。所以要把握因緣，廣傳佛法在人間；與所有的正信宗教會合起來，凝聚人類的愛，從不同的國度連接大愛，在人間菩薩道上不斷接力。

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》

11.26《農十月‧十四》

【靜思小語】與人互動調整的過程也是在修行，修的是身、口、意。

《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。

辭親割愛，奉獻人間

上人對即將於明日圓頂的近住女以及將要受證的清修士開示：「大家真正要自我發心，而且誠懇立願。你們投入常住生活已經有一段時間，很清楚精舍的生活規則，且精舍是全球慈濟人的家，精舍裏常常有來自不同國家地區的慈濟人。」

「國際間的慈濟人回來，就是要求法；心中有法，才會真正發心立願，回到居住地承擔慈濟事。慈濟人是為天下苦難人、需要的人而承擔責任，回來精舍，也是為了學習如何成為慈濟人，守慈濟人的規則，學會慈濟人做事的方法。」

上人說，要受證為慈濟委員、慈誠，從見習到培訓圓滿，也要經過二年，甚至更長的時間；這期間走入慈濟，要學習與大眾合群的方法，還要相互提醒、彼此調整，讓菩薩隊伍很整齊。人人來自不同的家庭背景、有不同的社會地位，也各有習氣，所以這個互動調整的過程也是在修行，修的是身、口、意，直到能夠與其他人合和互協。

「佛法談『空』，但是很注重『相』。慈濟人回到精舍，都穿著代表身分的制服，讓人一看就知道這是還在見習、培訓的，或者已經受證的慈濟人，這就是團體的相。法本無相，不過要借相來表達，接引人們體會道理。」

「你們在常住生活中，或是職場工作中，慢慢體會人間的苦、空、無常，以及出家的價值觀，思考要如何運用生命功能，出家之後現出家相，可以為大眾指引宗教方向，走上大道。出家入僧團，相與心、行都要一致；你們若有這分心，出家要有出家相，還有出家的心、出家的願力，就要守規戒。若是清修士，我也立了清修士該守的規則，同樣也是辭親割愛，身心投入奉獻，為人間做事，等於半出家，已經有出家的心。」

「出家有出家的戒律、清修有清修的規矩，與一般居士不同。在家居士有家庭，攜家帶眷；清修士辭親割愛，只是沒有現出家相，但是要守出家人的規律，心念要清淨，沒有現出家相是方便在人群中做事。你們自己清楚了解，也要讓家裏的人，包括父母長輩、兄弟姊妹都要清楚，共同來參與圓頂以及受證典禮，為你們歡喜祝福。」

確立方向，導正方向

臺北、桃園、新竹、宜蘭、花蓮、臺東的培訓委員慈誠於花蓮靜思堂參與尋根暨精神研習會。上人於圓緣時分，感恩大家發心立願投入人間，實行菩薩道，菩薩是覺悟的有情人，已經不是迷迷糊糊的無明凡夫，而是學習佛陀正法，體會人間疾苦，走往人生正道的智慧人生。

「佛陀來人間度眾生，指引迷糊的凡夫眾生走往正確道路。佛教是宗教，但也不分宗教；在慈濟這條道路，期待所有正確方向的宗教合而為一，合於無私大愛。人生最寶貴的就是愛，但不是私己的小愛，只愛自我，愛我所愛，別人與我無關；但也就因為這樣，拉大了人與人之間的距離，或是彼此拉扯得四分五裂，讓原本平衡圓滿的人間破碎。」

失衡破裂的人間，需要用方法調整與彌合。上人表示此時氣候變遷，天地生機偏差失調，就如人體的「氣」不調和，就會生病。如何讓人間正氣調和？就要有方法，帶動人們走回正向，所以需要宗教的力量。然而現在人口多，許多人的觀念已經偏差，只求自己的利益，愈偏愈遠，要調整回來，要花很多時間，用很多的方法，才能調適得人人都能接受。

「我們現在已經走在佛法中，每一位都有好因緣，共同在慈濟。剛剛看到一家三代來培訓，今年就要受證了，這就是以善傳家，一代一代不斷傳下去。受證是確立方向，受證之後也要在人間引導正方向；慈濟以正向入人群，會合愛的能量。」

上人說，「菩薩」意謂「覺有情」，是覺悟的有情人。佛陀覺悟後，為了度眾生，還要進入有情界；有情眾生各有不一樣的習氣，不同地區有不同的習俗，所以佛陀來人間說法，就要把不同的習俗會合起來，讓人人不偏離正道。

「只要是正信的宗教，法的宗旨都是一樣的。法譬如水，就像人需要水才能活，任何一個國家都一樣，沒有水就無法生存；任何一片土地，沒有水就沒有生機。法就是宗教的規律，用真理的方法解開人的心結，開闊心胸，人間有愛，互愛尊重，人人才會有尊嚴。」上人說，法就像木工的墨斗，對準的方向，拉繩子一彈就是一條直線，「菩提大道直」，這條直直的大道通向覺悟的目的地。

「慈濟人行慈濟法，行菩薩道；我們用慈濟的方法，立菩薩的道。慈濟有十戒，你們走入慈濟就要守慈濟的規矩，守十戒就要行十法。」上人教大家念出慈濟十戒：「一、不殺生，二、不偷盜，三、不邪淫，四、不妄語，五、不飲酒，六、不抽菸、不吸毒、不嚼檳榔，七、不賭博、不投機取巧，八、孝順父母、調和聲色，九、遵守交通規則，十、不參與政治活動、示威遊行。」

上人說：「你們都是在家居士，有家業、有職業，共同一心向佛法，要依照佛法的教育，日常守規戒，就是最正確的生活。若能以佛法為家規，家庭和睦，也能影響社會、普及人間。所以佛法需要在家居士在人間廣傳，你們在各行各業都有行規，要做的事業還是要利益人群的事業；生活在人間，就要守人間的規戒，不要違法、違規。要做一個如規如矩的善良老百姓，維護社會的祥和，守好家庭，守好社會的規律，這就是慈濟人要奉行的。」

上人期許全球慈濟人帶動大眾，成就如規如矩的好人生；慈濟人要知道如何守規矩，所以要上課培訓，聞法知道理。尤其現在網路科技傳訊便利，可以突破地理距離，在不同時區同時聞法，例如此時可以看到大家莊嚴整齊的形象，也能聽到大家的聞法心得與發願。所以要把握因緣，廣傳佛法在人間；與所有的正信宗教會合起來，凝聚人類的愛，從不同的國度連接大愛，在人間菩薩道上不斷接力。

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》

二十八至三十日 無爭

撰文／ 釋德𠆩
11.28~30《農十月‧十六至十八》

【靜思小語】真正的道理不需要爭辯。若總是執著自己有理，這一口氣鬆不開，會很辛苦。

《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。

慈濟的修行法門，無量義

十一月二十八日，聆聽志工分享投入臨終關懷的心得，上人說，若問臨終要念什麼經，其實最重要的是在健康平安時下功夫，實踐佛陀的教導；平時什麼都沒有做，只是在即將往生時念佛，無法削減業力，也並非念佛就能往生西方極樂世界。「阿彌陀佛」有無量光、無量壽的意涵，心光無量、大愛無邊，要靠平時的修行與涵養。

「我每天最在意的是時間，時間不斷過去，我的生命也跟著時間過去，但是我如如不動，總是在這裏等著大家歸來。精舍是大家的家，這個家有這麼多家人，有相同的心志，而且『志玄虛漠』；我們要『守之不動』，堅定我們的信仰，志願宏大無邊，廣納虛空，無邊無際，這就是『心包太虛』。」

「若說往生就要念佛，是要有莊嚴的氣氛，其實若只播放《無量義 法髓頌》的音樂也可以，文詞是《無量義經》的精髓，你們平時就會唱，讓大家聽了很歡喜，心很靜。總而言之，不要執著，『不知生，焉知死』；做人的道理不清楚，只是執著於死的時候要念佛，是本末倒置。人生自然法則，每個人都會有這一天，要讓人人平靜接受，化悲悽為輕安。」

「其實順理就是法，順理就心安；我們的心若圓，諸事都會圓滿。不須與人爭辯道理；不必辯，就能讓人認同，是真正的道理，人與人之間才會圓。光是為了爭一口氣，一直與人爭辯，是沒有用的。就說《無量義經》：『靜寂清澄，志玄虛漠；守之不動，億百千劫』這幾句，是否接受入心？我這輩子修行幾十年，這幾句話就是我的慧命。」

上人期待師兄師姊們把《無量義經》的道理融會貫通，並且實際做到，在人間有需要的時候加以運用；這些法能夠用得通順，「經就是道，道就是路」，這條路走得通，就好好去走，與人無爭、與事無爭、與世無爭；清楚人間道理，就沒有必要去爭。「做慈濟，心就要開闊；我們往這條路直直走，絕對不會後悔。若一天到晚與人爭，覺得別人沒有道理，自己很有道理，這一口氣鬆不開，會很辛苦。」

「大慈無悔，愛無量─走這條路不後悔，因為愛無量，大愛無邊界。大悲無怨，願無量──菩薩不捨眾生受苦，得知哪裏有人受苦，就想方法幫助他，是自己發願要去的，這分大悲心平等無分別，不會挑選自己愛的才去幫助、不喜歡的就不理他。慈濟人都是發大心、立大願，發大悲心幫助人，願力無量。」

「大喜無憂，樂無量─看到受災受難的人因為我們的幫助而得救，內心自然會很歡喜，而且圓滿之後，就不再掛礙、擔心，所以輕安快樂。大捨無求，恩無量─幫助人的好事做過之後，我們就放下了，不會計較對方有沒有來道謝，放不下的心態也會很辛苦，要捨得無求回報，心才會開闊。」

「總而言之，學佛要學得心開闊，這輩子若說自己有什麼修行，其實我總是平凡過生活，與人無爭、與事無爭、與世無爭，該做的事認真做，不該做的事不做，所以心很靜，天天都在『靜寂清澄、志玄虛漠』的境界，立志為天下眾生，所以心量很寬廣，這就是慈濟的修行法門。」

對的事做就對了，很單純

十一月二十九日，上人於印證教育基金會董事會中開示：「我做事情一向很單純，只要覺得人間需要，該做的就要做，做對的事就心無掛礙，總是認定了對的方向，踏踏實實，爭取時間做就對了。慈濟人也認定『做就對了』，就是這麼簡單，很好記、很好用，每一個人都可以做得到。聽得懂、做得到，就是真道理，不要被名相綁住。」

「佛陀所傳的道理其實很簡單，是後來的人使之複雜化，執著於字相，讓人感覺佛法艱深，使得有心要學佛的人難以入門。慈濟很簡單，就是為人間拔苦，若是『學』而不『行』，就好像白老鼠踏轉輪一樣，再怎麼用力、跑得再快，還是只在輪子裏轉。」

慈濟四大志業其中一項很重要的就是教育；教育培育人才，而慈善也需要教育，因為慈善要入世，走入國際，付出無所求是慈濟的法則，一定要培養「心包太虛，量周沙界」的開闊心胸。所以，慈濟學校若有國際學生來求學，很期待讓他們帶著慈濟精神回去，這樣慈濟辦學才有意義。

淨化人心、祥和社會，就是慈濟宗門最重要的教育。上人表示，雖然總有「來不及」之感，也因為覺得來不及，更懇切地想要做好慈濟宗門的教育。慈濟在這個時代，確實對人間有貢獻，尤其慈善國際化，全球慈濟人就地、就近幫助苦難人，或是把握因緣跨國馳援，急難救助過後，若有因緣，還有中長期的援助與關懷，從各方面扶助他們直到能夠自立，讓貧苦人翻轉世代窮困的宿命，而且有許多受助者加入慈濟志工，翻轉手心成為幫助人的人間菩薩。

上人欣見教育志業主管、教授老師們有心來探討慈濟，請大家重視慈濟法，多投入、多研究，讓慈濟法門在人間永恆開啟，精神永恆傳承。「研究不只在文字裏，最好自己親身體驗，否則只是用口說的也沒有用；傳法重在實踐，要做到讓人人都可以受用，不分宗教都能運用。」

當前的慈濟人、事、物齊在，上人期待將慈濟歷史、慈濟藏經建立完整，且有書籍出版傳世，這也是教育的責任。「靜思法脈已傳承，慈濟宗門的方向已立，為了讓靜思法脈代代相傳，宗門世世延續，要將五十多年的資料考據、編輯完整，這是一個很大的工程。」上人說，五十多年的慈濟人事物，與佛法道理融合，就是慈濟宗的教育內容，請大家用心把「慈濟學」做得扎實，名相、事相、理相俱全，名副其實。

把職業變成志業，要有愛

十一月三十日醫療志策會，各院報告院務後，上人開示：「我很關心醫療志業，而且非常希望永恆守護著它，因為醫療能夠最直接為眾生拔苦予樂。人生最痛苦莫過於病痛，尤其是年長者愈多，社會人口愈漸老化，老人家身有病痛或意外受傷，缺乏家人在身邊照顧，有許多狀況漸漸浮現。」

「慈濟人長年以來就在社區裏關懷、幫助貧病家庭還有獨居長者，不過現在老年長照更需要醫療與教育的支持，期待大家有志一同，用愛的教育，把職業變成志業精神，打從內心用愛服務人間。」上人說，要世世代代守護慈濟醫療志業，就要從現在開始，用方法教育、引導醫療人員，傳承慈濟醫療人文精神；要有良師教育良醫，良師、良醫是未來人間的希望。

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……

◤十一月十一日─高雄線上讀書會「針線情」團隊分享
◤十一月十三日─對高雄志工解說何謂「人醫」及「仁醫」
◤十一月二十四日─與加拿大志工談慈濟道場建築涵義

※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

11.28~30《農十月‧十六至十八》

【靜思小語】真正的道理不需要爭辯。若總是執著自己有理，這一口氣鬆不開，會很辛苦。

《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。

慈濟的修行法門，無量義

十一月二十八日，聆聽志工分享投入臨終關懷的心得，上人說，若問臨終要念什麼經，其實最重要的是在健康平安時下功夫，實踐佛陀的教導；平時什麼都沒有做，只是在即將往生時念佛，無法削減業力，也並非念佛就能往生西方極樂世界。「阿彌陀佛」有無量光、無量壽的意涵，心光無量、大愛無邊，要靠平時的修行與涵養。

「我每天最在意的是時間，時間不斷過去，我的生命也跟著時間過去，但是我如如不動，總是在這裏等著大家歸來。精舍是大家的家，這個家有這麼多家人，有相同的心志，而且『志玄虛漠』；我們要『守之不動』，堅定我們的信仰，志願宏大無邊，廣納虛空，無邊無際，這就是『心包太虛』。」

「若說往生就要念佛，是要有莊嚴的氣氛，其實若只播放《無量義 法髓頌》的音樂也可以，文詞是《無量義經》的精髓，你們平時就會唱，讓大家聽了很歡喜，心很靜。總而言之，不要執著，『不知生，焉知死』；做人的道理不清楚，只是執著於死的時候要念佛，是本末倒置。人生自然法則，每個人都會有這一天，要讓人人平靜接受，化悲悽為輕安。」

「其實順理就是法，順理就心安；我們的心若圓，諸事都會圓滿。不須與人爭辯道理；不必辯，就能讓人認同，是真正的道理，人與人之間才會圓。光是為了爭一口氣，一直與人爭辯，是沒有用的。就說《無量義經》：『靜寂清澄，志玄虛漠；守之不動，億百千劫』這幾句，是否接受入心？我這輩子修行幾十年，這幾句話就是我的慧命。」

上人期待師兄師姊們把《無量義經》的道理融會貫通，並且實際做到，在人間有需要的時候加以運用；這些法能夠用得通順，「經就是道，道就是路」，這條路走得通，就好好去走，與人無爭、與事無爭、與世無爭；清楚人間道理，就沒有必要去爭。「做慈濟，心就要開闊；我們往這條路直直走，絕對不會後悔。若一天到晚與人爭，覺得別人沒有道理，自己很有道理，這一口氣鬆不開，會很辛苦。」

「大慈無悔，愛無量─走這條路不後悔，因為愛無量，大愛無邊界。大悲無怨，願無量──菩薩不捨眾生受苦，得知哪裏有人受苦，就想方法幫助他，是自己發願要去的，這分大悲心平等無分別，不會挑選自己愛的才去幫助、不喜歡的就不理他。慈濟人都是發大心、立大願，發大悲心幫助人，願力無量。」

「大喜無憂，樂無量─看到受災受難的人因為我們的幫助而得救，內心自然會很歡喜，而且圓滿之後，就不再掛礙、擔心，所以輕安快樂。大捨無求，恩無量─幫助人的好事做過之後，我們就放下了，不會計較對方有沒有來道謝，放不下的心態也會很辛苦，要捨得無求回報，心才會開闊。」

「總而言之，學佛要學得心開闊，這輩子若說自己有什麼修行，其實我總是平凡過生活，與人無爭、與事無爭、與世無爭，該做的事認真做，不該做的事不做，所以心很靜，天天都在『靜寂清澄、志玄虛漠』的境界，立志為天下眾生，所以心量很寬廣，這就是慈濟的修行法門。」

對的事做就對了，很單純

十一月二十九日，上人於印證教育基金會董事會中開示：「我做事情一向很單純，只要覺得人間需要，該做的就要做，做對的事就心無掛礙，總是認定了對的方向，踏踏實實，爭取時間做就對了。慈濟人也認定『做就對了』，就是這麼簡單，很好記、很好用，每一個人都可以做得到。聽得懂、做得到，就是真道理，不要被名相綁住。」

「佛陀所傳的道理其實很簡單，是後來的人使之複雜化，執著於字相，讓人感覺佛法艱深，使得有心要學佛的人難以入門。慈濟很簡單，就是為人間拔苦，若是『學』而不『行』，就好像白老鼠踏轉輪一樣，再怎麼用力、跑得再快，還是只在輪子裏轉。」

慈濟四大志業其中一項很重要的就是教育；教育培育人才，而慈善也需要教育，因為慈善要入世，走入國際，付出無所求是慈濟的法則，一定要培養「心包太虛，量周沙界」的開闊心胸。所以，慈濟學校若有國際學生來求學，很期待讓他們帶著慈濟精神回去，這樣慈濟辦學才有意義。

淨化人心、祥和社會，就是慈濟宗門最重要的教育。上人表示，雖然總有「來不及」之感，也因為覺得來不及，更懇切地想要做好慈濟宗門的教育。慈濟在這個時代，確實對人間有貢獻，尤其慈善國際化，全球慈濟人就地、就近幫助苦難人，或是把握因緣跨國馳援，急難救助過後，若有因緣，還有中長期的援助與關懷，從各方面扶助他們直到能夠自立，讓貧苦人翻轉世代窮困的宿命，而且有許多受助者加入慈濟志工，翻轉手心成為幫助人的人間菩薩。

上人欣見教育志業主管、教授老師們有心來探討慈濟，請大家重視慈濟法，多投入、多研究，讓慈濟法門在人間永恆開啟，精神永恆傳承。「研究不只在文字裏，最好自己親身體驗，否則只是用口說的也沒有用；傳法重在實踐，要做到讓人人都可以受用，不分宗教都能運用。」

當前的慈濟人、事、物齊在，上人期待將慈濟歷史、慈濟藏經建立完整，且有書籍出版傳世，這也是教育的責任。「靜思法脈已傳承，慈濟宗門的方向已立，為了讓靜思法脈代代相傳，宗門世世延續，要將五十多年的資料考據、編輯完整，這是一個很大的工程。」上人說，五十多年的慈濟人事物，與佛法道理融合，就是慈濟宗的教育內容，請大家用心把「慈濟學」做得扎實，名相、事相、理相俱全，名副其實。

把職業變成志業，要有愛

十一月三十日醫療志策會，各院報告院務後，上人開示：「我很關心醫療志業，而且非常希望永恆守護著它，因為醫療能夠最直接為眾生拔苦予樂。人生最痛苦莫過於病痛，尤其是年長者愈多，社會人口愈漸老化，老人家身有病痛或意外受傷，缺乏家人在身邊照顧，有許多狀況漸漸浮現。」

「慈濟人長年以來就在社區裏關懷、幫助貧病家庭還有獨居長者，不過現在老年長照更需要醫療與教育的支持，期待大家有志一同，用愛的教育，把職業變成志業精神，打從內心用愛服務人間。」上人說，要世世代代守護慈濟醫療志業，就要從現在開始，用方法教育、引導醫療人員，傳承慈濟醫療人文精神；要有良師教育良醫，良師、良醫是未來人間的希望。

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……

◤十一月十一日─高雄線上讀書會「針線情」團隊分享
◤十一月十三日─對高雄志工解說何謂「人醫」及「仁醫」
◤十一月二十四日─與加拿大志工談慈濟道場建築涵義

※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

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