Realizing the Great Love of Humanity

By Master Cheng Yen
Date: September 13, 2001
Speech transcript, as taken from Da Ai TV's Life Wisdom program

At this time, let us share a moment of silence. With our most sincere hearts, let us pray together with all Tzu Chi members in the world. Let us faithfully pray for those devastated by the great tragedy in America.

From yesterday until now, there is emptiness in my heart. Or perhaps it is heaviness. I do not know. In any case, it is a terrible feeling-the feeling of the impermanence of human existence.

Sometimes, a person's destructive thought cannot be overcome in a single instant. If that thought is not overcome in an instant, it brings monstrous destruction. It hurts oneself, hurts the entire society, hurts the entire country, and it hurts the entire world. These kinds of mental demons are extremely terrifying. Our mind can be a Buddha's mind. But it can also be a demon's mind and create horrific disasters. If we can overcome it-if we can transform a single thought-and give birth to a thought of love and kindness, then this will certainly bring peace to the world. No disasters will befall us. This is simply Buddha nature.

Two nights ago in Taiwan, which was yesterday morning in America, a tragedy of historic proportions happened in a blink of an eye. The twin towers of the World Trade Center in America were attacked and destroyed. Not only were buildings demolished, but human lives were also stolen away. The numbers of human lives buried inside the debris and rubble is still unknown. We still do not know at this point. How many families were torn apart? Some still do not know if their loved ones are dead or alive. That kind of burning grief is torturous.

Currently, American Tzu Chi members are all in full uniform, waiting to depart, waiting to learn how they can join in and contribute. They began an all night vigil yesterday, ready to give any aid. Some families in Taiwan didn't know whether their children were safe or not. Tzu Chi volunteers on the watch in America helped students could not call back home, so they relayed the message of their safety back to Taiwan. Some families requested help to find their missing children. This is a service that Tzu Chi U.S.A. can provide. Some exchange students in America needed a peaceful and safe place to stay. This became another service that Tzu Chi U.S.A. can provide.

According to the fax report this morning about ten Taiwanese exchange students stranded in Seattle and were unable to return to their schools. They were stranded in Seattle, so at that time Tzu Chi volunteers exercised their abilities to give comfort and make necessary arrangements. They took care of these students. Although they were not in New York but in Seattle, which are far apart, but they were still able to realize the ability of giving comfort and care for those in need.

This morning we also received request from the Red Cross. They need our physicians to participate in the support effort. I believe our medical association in America is already prepared and waiting to be called upon. The Red Cross also requested Tzu Chi to help provide material goods and supplies such as blankets.

In the main Tzu Chi office in Los Angeles, everyone kept vigil. In their service work, they have played a significant leadership role. My deep thanks go out to all of you. My blessings are with you all. Everyone must keep calm. To save others is a benevolent deed, but you must remember to protect yourself as well.

I pray that we can all realize the full potential of love. Love knows no ethnic divides. Love has no country boundaries. Tzu Chi people in America-do whatever you can with what you have to give and contribute. If your resources are not enough, call out even more sincerely to the community. Interact with the local residents to realize the great potential of love. Let everyone contribute together, give together. If there are people in America from faraway lands, regardless of whether they are students or are employed-if they have any hardships, or need a place to stay, please have all Tzu Chi offices lovingly help. Please give special care to those who have lost their dwellings. Presently, it does not yet seem safe, so please help to comfort them and give them lodging.

These words are addressed to all American Tzu Chi people. If you need anything from Taiwan or other Tzu Chi people around the world-any kind of support-please send us news at anytime. Don't worry if it is midnight here, you can still call in or fax us. We have people at the switchboard and in front of the computer around the clock. At this moment, may everyone greater realize the great love of humanity.