To our Kind Fellow Friends of American Tzu Chi Offices:

I have heard the shocking news that happened at 8:45 AM on September 11. The terrorists who hijacked the several jetliners, using a "suicidal method" to crash into the World Trade Center's twin towers in New York City, the Pentagon in Washington D.C. as well as the surprise attack car bombs in Capitol Hill area, resulting in the situation of destruction of buildings and critical human death toll. All we have seen is frightening and shocking images, rocking the entire world. It makes Cheng Yen and all Tzu Chi people around the world together weep in grief.

From yesterday evening's news of the unfortunate attack, our hearts burn with fear because we could not call through international phone calls. Worried and alarmed, we sustained through a night. This morning, I finally received call from New Jersey, New York, and southern California that all is safe. The hanging fears alleviated, but we still feel concern for the innumerable families that were broken apart in an instant. How can we not weep in sadness for the many wounded?

"This world is impermanent. The land is fragile." The entire world's common earthquakes, floods, droughts, and other natural disasters can claim the lives of tens and thousands of people. But manmade disasters are even more horrific. If a small minority has twisted attitudes, radical malevolent beliefs, not only can they level hundred-story buildings, but also they can take away tens and thousands of innocent lives, bringing to the world great calamities.

"The human realm has great disasters, Tzu Chi has great love." We are grateful for each kind benefactor in America who is waiting to aid the distressed. Aside from cooperating with the Red Cross, calling out for blood donations and rolling up their sleeves to transfuse their blood, all of the greater New York area, including New Jersey, New York, Long Island, etc., you fellow friends have also prepared mineral water, bread, cola, and other essential goods, urgently delivering it to hospitals. Furthermore, the Tzu Chi International Medical Association (TIMA) of greater New York are in full uniform, ready to depart and participate in the entourage of saving lives at any time.

How many lives were suddenly stolen? It truly makes our hearts ache. It feels just like after the Taiwan September 21, 1999 earthquake-the inexpressible feeling of grief trembles through our bodies! Only with a heart of love and benevolent collective karma can we transform a tragedy into peace. Let us pray with a heart of utmost sincerity, and bless those who have passed away to rest in peace. Let us pray that there be no more disasters. Master prays that fellow friends may accompany them, care for them, and with great love relieve their great suffering. Presently our hearts are in panic and alarm until these terrorist attacks come to an end. As our fellow friends act benevolently to save lives, please pay attention to attitude of the entire American society. Please pay even more attention to your safety. Lastly, I bless fellow friends in cultivating kindness and wisdom, peace and tranquility.

Shih Cheng Yen
Buddhist Compassion Tzu Chi Relief Foundation
September 12, 2001