Master Cheng Yen expresses gratitude
for Tzu Chi's contributions in over 50 countries
(Translated by Stephen Tang, Milpitas,
Northern California office)
Tzu Chi members have given their love in
over fifty countries around the world. Bit by bit, their money
and efforts have helped ease the suffering of survivors during
all kinds of disasters. At Kaohsiung on June 4, Master Cheng
Yen, the founder of the Tzu Chi Foundation, expressed her thanks
once again for all that Tzu Chi members have given.
The Tzu Chi Foundation is entering its thirty-sixth
year. There are Tzu Chi branches and offices in more than thirty
countries around the world. Their relief efforts have been extended
to more than fifty countries. Master Cheng Yen is grateful to
all Tzu Chi members for their compassion, which crosses all
national borders and all human races. Because of every member's
Great Love, we have been able to accomplish so many merits in
this world. The Master says: "People say that a drop of
water falling into the sea never dries up. That is to say, the
merits we achieve are shared by us all. The money we accumulate
bit-by-bit can accomplish many things."
For example, 86-year-old veteran Lu Tieh-fu
used his retirement pension to help others. Though he is very
thrifty himself, he is very happy to spend his money this way.
"It's not that much money," he said. "I don't
need to spend it, and I don't know how to spend it. If other
people have the opportunity and the need to use it, let them
use it."
From small love to Great Love, this spirit
helped us through the relief efforts after the great earthquake
of September 21, 1999, in Taiwan. It also helped African children
receive a good education and built a paradise in the Dark Continent.
