Soothe Wounds with Great Love

By Master Cheng Yen
Date: September 14, 2001
Speech transcript, as taken from Da Ai TV's Life Wisdom program

At every moment, we need to make good resolutions so that the world may be free from war and calamities. We should sincerely pray for the peace and harmony of society, and eliminate interpersonal conflicts. And we must all the more pray that all humankind may purify their hearts, so that everyone can bring forth love, peace and forgiveness to dissolve strife.

One by one, Tzu Chi offices around the U.S. have been calling back to report on their situation. This morning, the Cleveland Tzu Chi office reported that some have sought their help in finding missing persons. At this point, some still have not been found, while others have already been located. One of them was an medical intern in Manhattan. At first, everyone was very worried, as he was not to be found anywhere. But finally, he was located. He is not only safe and sound at this moment, but has already joined in the medical rescue effort.

Tzu Chi volunteers in New Jersey reported that human remains dug up from New York are being shipped to New Jersey for handling. Officials in New Jersey have asked the New Jersey Branch Office to provide body bags. Now, Tzu Chi volunteers in New Jersey are actively purchasing body bags.

In New York City, many areas are highly secured and restricted. It was difficult to enter for the first two days. Last night, Tzu Chi received an entrance permit from local authorities. Our Tzu Chi volunteers can freely go into the disaster site to give support. Actually, for the last two days, Tzu Chi volunteers have worked under the Red Cross and the Salvation Army, entering the disaster site and providing beverages. What rescuers needed most were mineral water, blankets, pillows, towels and other necessities, because some still cannot return home while others are still on duty for the rescue effort.

In this tragedy, the lives of many firefighters have been lost. According to the news report, at least three hundred of the most capable, skilled and well-trained firefighters and policemen are presumed dead. They were heroes who cared not for their safety but only the safety of others. Over three hundred of them are still missing, but it is already the third day. Thinking of this, my heart truly grieves.

At this time, we must sincerely pray. We pray that the spirits of the deceased may find peace and freedom, that the injured my soon recover, and very importantly, that the families of the victims may calm their hearts and find peace. Only then can the souls of their deceased rest in peace.

This tragedy has already happened – despondency sorrow, grief or hatred can do no good now. What we need to do at this time is to sincerely pray and send all the victims our blessings. Furthermore, we must face this reality with a forgiving heart.

Yesterday, I announced for Tzu Chi people across the world to mobilize with love. Besides praying for the victims, we must do something to help them. I believe that for this tragedy, Tzu Chi people worldwide share the same wish to contribute as they did when they all dedicated themselves to helping Taiwan during the Sept. 21 earthquake in 1999. Tzu Chi people now can begin fundraising in their local areas, and directly send the funds to the main Tzu Chi office in the United States, to support US Tzu Chi volunteers so they can carry out the relief work without worry.

For those of us in Taiwan, we must all the more devote our efforts to spreading love and goodwill. We must use love to soothe the wounds in the hearts of humankind and the wounds of our earth. We must not harbor hatred. We must forgive and exercise the spirit of Great Love.

Time will relieve the suffering; the pain will diminish as time goes by. It is my hope that everyone can quickly calm their hearts and bring forth the human spirit of mutual love, to join in the effort of helping others.