Translated by Teresa Chang
Life is impermanent—this is a constant truth, and a reminder I often share. This reality was underscored once again in late September, when torrential rains brought by Typhoon Ragasa caused a barrier lake in Hualien to overflow, sending torrents of muddy water surging into Guangfu Township. The devastation was unimaginable: Roads were cut off, a large bridge collapsed, and communities were submerged in mud. Lives were lost or went missing, leaving everyone deeply saddened. Fortunately, many people acted swiftly, heading straight to Guangfu to turn their love into action. Through their efforts, we witnessed genuine kindness flowing from the Taiwanese people.
People converged on Hualien shortly after the disaster, filling Guangfu Station. They came from all over Taiwan and weren’t necessarily Tzu Chi volunteers; anyone carrying a shovel or cleaning tools made it clear they had come to help. Despite the large crowds, there was no clamor or chaos. Guided by a sincere wish to assist, everyone moved in an orderly manner.
People often say, “Hualien’s soil is sticky.” Many might take this as a figure of speech [meaning that Hualien is a place you don’t want to leave], but anyone who has shoveled the mud in Guangfu knows it’s literally true. The mud clings like malt syrup, making it extremely difficult to remove. It’s so thick that when you step in it, your boots are nearly impossible to lift—sometimes you even need someone walking behind you to help pull your feet free. Yet in this harsh environment, volunteers entered residents’ homes to clean living rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms, and to help move cabinets and furniture, all in the hope of helping families’ lives return to normal. However tiring the work, their fatigue was only physical; in their hearts and minds, they felt peace and joy from being able to give.
Those who help disaster victims clean and restore their homes, easing their distress in times of misfortune—aren’t such people true bodhisattvas? The residents of Guangfu were, for the most part, strangers to these volunteers. Yet each helper acted out of compassion, unable to stand by in the face of others’ suffering. That compassion is the very embodiment of the Buddha’s heart. When others experience hardship, actively reaching out to offer help is to walk the Bodhisattva Path. Every shovel lifted and every bucket carried reflected a single, pure thought: to help victims find relief. Truly, their merit is immeasurable.
The true treasure of Taiwan lies in the kindness and love of its people. This is the kind of love that transcends self and others, inspiring sincere giving. I am deeply grateful to all who came to Guangfu with such open hearts. Each person contributed while also expressing gratitude toward fellow volunteers, working together to bring meaningful aid to those affected. Every volunteer acted with steadfast resolve, doing with their whole hearts whatever needed to be done. Such goodness and love are truly precious—a remarkable source of stability and strength in trying times.
Though the emergency relief phase has ended, our care for the residents of Guangfu must continue. Long-term support for families in need is essential. In today’s world, we need good people and good deeds to purify hearts and nurture a harmonious society. Whatever we are able to do, we should do mindfully, helping to create a world that flourishes in peace and safety. One person alone cannot accomplish this, but when many join hands, even the heaviest burdens can be lifted.
I feel deep joy knowing that Taiwan is blessed with so many warmhearted people. Every bodhisattva who extended a helping hand in Guangfu will surely carry this experience in their hearts, and even those who could only watch on television or online could feel this current of love. Now that this mission of compassion has come to completion, I offer my sincerest gratitude to all. May good deeds and good people continue to come together to safeguard our world, keeping love alive and enduring through all time.
Removing sticky mud is backbreaking work, yet volunteers of all ages, working in sync, steadily clear homes for those affected. Wei Guo-lin
