By
Tzu Juan
The stubborn wildfires in Southern California
have been burning for several days. Some people have been
fortunate enough to have their homes still standing. Many
others helplessly watched their houses turn to ashes. The
Los Angeles Times reported that fires destroyed 2,786 structures
including more than 2,000 homes. Seven people have died. About
500,000 residents were ordered to evacuate their homes. One
teenager recounted how his palm trees caught fire, sending
about a hundred hot ambers out in the air, which ended up
burning people on theirs arms and legs. The blazing fires
were scary. Trying his best to save his house, he used what
he had - a little garden hose from which water didn't quite
come out fast enough. There were still others that, in spite
of the harsh reality, were able to let go of their worries,
being grateful to be alive. They also feel helping others
is more critical. These are all inspiring real life stories
of people stepping up in desperate times.
As we witness how merciless wildfires can be, we catch a
glimpse of how much love there is in this world. At the sincere
request of Master Cheng Yen (founder of Tzu Chi Foundation),
more than 3,500 volunteers from U.S. Tzu Chi offices in 20
states at over 350 locations joined in a collective effort
to street fundraise for disaster relief over the last weekend.
Fundraising proved to be challenging for volunteers especially
in out-of-state locations. Some people aren't willing to donate
without good reason. For example, some held: "California
is a rich state. Why should we give them money?" With
these opposing views, some of our volunteers felt wronged.
In the spirit of great love, fellow volunteers would console
them, saying: "This is an opportunity for us to practice
purifying our minds as well as a chance to purify others minds."
Master Cheng Yen said in today's Dharma talk: "Yes, that
is right. We seek to inspire people's love, and not just solicit
donations. At the same time, encourage people to have an attitude
of prudent caution and piety. So, fundraising on the streets
is also a kind of spiritual cultivation. It is not about the
amount raised, but about awakening the love in people's hearts.
Moreover, it is about encouraging people to recognize the
need to approach life with self-discipline and humble piety."
Unable to join the on-site relief efforts this time, I participated
in a Northern California fundraising outside a supermarket.
When disasters occur, we learn that people respond in various
ways. For instance, some parents took this chance to teach
their kids on giving by handing them money to put in our donation
box. Regardless of whether the kids gave or not, we gave them
smiley face stickers to encourage them. Elders were overjoyed
by receiving the stickers as well. "I don't have any
income," one old lady kindly murmured to me. Smiling,
I replied: "It's ok. We appreciate your stopping by."
She persisted and dug in her wallet for some coins. She didn't
have the heart to not help and repeated: "I don't have
much money." I thanked her for her generosity and she
left happy. Still there were four cases where the girl persuaded
the boyfriend to donate. Embarrassed, the boyfriend would
succumb to her request. Furthermore, a few locals who knew
about the relief work Tzu Chi does internationally sincerely
wished to support Tzu Chi. So, they personally brought over
their donations to Tzu Chi offices.
Indeed, street fundraising is a spiritual cultivation. For
example, two volunteers got scolded by the same elder. As
she entered the supermarket, the elder exclaimed to a volunteer
who joined street fundraising for the first time: "Those
are rich people in Southern California." Since he felt
the conditions weren't right for him to clarify, he simply
bowed and gave her a big smile. She bowed back and smiled.
Later, after shopping, she exited through another door where
a second team of volunteers were fundraising. Again, she said
quite loudly: "Other people need help. Those are rich
people in Southern California." A new volunteer gently
replied: "There are survivors who are poor too."
Immediately, she started to angrily express her disbelief.
We bowed to her and thanked her regardless. That pacified
her. The wonderful part is that none of the volunteers became
upset.
Bodhisattvas ("enlightened beings") are firm in
their principles and not moved by emotional reactions. Misunderstanding
is a common mistake of unenlightened beings and result in
unnecessary negative emotions and suffering. There is a saying
that goes:
Truly recognize your mistakes.
Don't talk about others' mistakes.
Others' mistakes are my own.
This is great compassion.
The faults of others may often be reflections of our own
faults. It is true merit that the volunteers didn't react
negatively and plant further mouth karma. After being a Tzu
Chi volunteer for many years, I learned not to be surprised
when tested in various ways. Without those tests, I may not
have the opportunity to transform my emotions. Without such
exercises, how would I truly learn to achieve a state of stillness
and clarity? These experiences give me a clearer picture of
where I am at in my spiritual cultivation. Master Cheng Yen
teaches us to be grateful in all situations. If one regards
Tzu Chi simply as a non-profit organization dedicated to helping
the needy, one misses the whole picture. Tzu Chi is not just
an organization for humanitarian efforts but also a path of
spiritual practice. This path of practice is the Bodhisattva
Path, which involves both inner and outer components - inner
cultivation and transformation; outer actions of serving selflessly.
Thanks to the generosity from our communities far and close
and to selfless volunteers, Tzu Chi is distributing debit
cards at the relief sites. Many people have come to collect
them. In times like this, we can pray with a sincere, loving
and selfless heart so there can be fewer calamities and disasters.
Let us contemplate the lessons learned from this disaster.
Life is just that impermanent. May we treasure every moment
in life and take better care of our earth and minds.
