Good Collective Karma Will Eliminate Disasters

By Master Cheng Yen
Date: September 15, 2001
Speech transcript, as taken from Da Ai TV's Life Wisdom program

Only good collective karma-the positive and loving efforts of people-can eliminate disasters. When disaster strikes, we must swiftly restore and protect. We must find a way to live in harmony with this world and all its living beings. If we nurture love and forgiveness, we can find tranquility. And if we mobilize this love and goodness in the hearts of all people in the world, we can create good collective karma and eliminate disasters. This is what Tzu Chi strives to achieve.

What we just viewed were images from Typhoon Toraji, which struck Taiwan over a month ago on July 30th. Although we were in Taiwan, those of us who did not visit the mountains still do not understand the full devastation of Typhoon Toraji. I often say that the typhoon was no less destructive than the Quake of September 21st. After Typhoon Toraji, we are still supporting and comforting each other, considering how we can help these victims and how we can restore and protect our ecosystem, so that humankind can live in harmony with Mother Nature.

In the past one to two months, we are still recovering emotionally; and the rebuilding continually makes progress. But we have heard the latest shocking news and right now we are most concerned with the September 11 American crisis. This tragedy disturbs me greatly. I am very worried. This worry has become a heavy burden, and I don't know how long it will last.

I heard over the telephone yesterday that because of the September 11 American Crisis, America is preparing for war. I am so worried for American Tzu Chi volunteers. Not only Tzu Chi volunteers but also two billion innocent Americans. Don't turn America into a battleground. If everyone has love and forgiveness, I am certain that we can calm down in the wake of this tragedy. Let us wholeheartedly console devastated families. Let us quickly help the victims to stand up again, to recover from the losses and to rebuild quickly. If we can do this, recovery of the U.S. economy will not be difficult.

Our Tzu Chi volunteers from New York, New Jersey, California and all over the US called in one by one to report their safety yesterday. They wanted to tell me, "Master, we are still calm." "Master, we are sill safe." They also wanted to report their progress of their disaster relief. Early this morning, we received many messages, including that the Salvation Army needs Tzu Chi to prepare corn chowder to replenish the energy and strength of its volunteers. In addition to providing drinks, mineral water needs to be chilled because of the hot weather.

Yesterday, our Tzu Chi volunteers entered the disaster area with four vans. When they arrived at the center of the disaster, another building suddenly started faltering. Earlier in the week, another nearby building collapsed after the twin towers collapsed. When the Red Cross and the police teams noticed that the building was collapsing, everyone immediately evacuated the area. Our Tzu Chi volunteers left four vans in the area, unable to drive the vans out. People were fleeing for their lives. When they called me yesterday, four vans were still there. Therefore, when doing relief work, we must be vigilant and careful of our safety. With so many high rises in the area, many people are affected. Many buildings are very unstable, so the situation is very tense.

Yesterday on our way back from Hualien, I heard a moving news report about a visually impaired man. He worked on the 71st floor of the World Trade Center, and goes to work with the help of his guide dog. On that day, his guide dog, which usually stays under his office desk, was very unsettled that day, especially when the tower began to falter. The man quickly untied the dog leash, to let the dog quickly escape. The dog ran out, then returned to stay by his master's side. Realizing his dog's intent, the master fastened the dog's leash and let his dog guide him. Reaching the staircase, his female boss walked with him. This dog and his boss accompanied him all the way down from the 71st floor. After almost an hour, they finally reached safety.

See this dog's bond and loyalty to his owner! The dog would rather stay and protect his master, accompany and guide his master to safety. What about us, people? Why is there conflict in life? Why do people hold hatred and resentment in their hearts?

Right before September 11, one or two days before the tragedy, I spoke about the collective karma of all living beings. A minority cannot change this collective karma. Only with all the people of the entire world can we transform (this collective karma.) Truly, we need to mobilize the loving hearts of people worldwide, together. Let us pray wholeheartedly. Let us inspire loving actions. This is what we strive to achieve.