Tzu Chi members in Brazil help the poor
Brazil
(Translated by Mie-Jane Hsieh, Northern California)
Tzu Chi members understand well that sickness
is the root of suffering and poverty. In particular, the eyes
are the soul's windows to the world. Many people cannot work
because of poor eyesight, and so it is hard for them to get
out of poverty.
The Tzu Chi mission of medicine is based on
the concepts of compassion, giving and respect for all life.
At every free clinic, ophthalmologists provide patients with
poor eyesight with checkups and free glasses. On July 15, Tzu
Chi members went to JD Pantanal in the Sao Miguel Paulista district
to offer free glasses and cultural exchange activities.
Education is the starting point for purifying
people's hearts and creating a harmonious society. Therefore
Tzu Chi's activities always include certain cultural and educational
activities, such as sharing the Tzu Chi spirit and philosophy,
giving feedback on Brazilian society, briefly introducing Buddhism
and its philosophy, teaching songs, etc.
Marissa, a single mother, has five children.
Because of her poor eyesight, she was unable to work. When she
put on her new glasses, she cried with gratitude and said: "I've
been looking forward to getting these glasses for a long time,
and today I finally got them. Now I can start looking for a
job." Residents all felt that in their time of greatest
need, Tzu Chi members came as if God had sent them sent them.
They were all deeply grateful for the kindness shown by the
volunteers.
Tzu Chi members believe that "When others
are hungry, I am hungry," and "When others suffer,
I feel their sorrow." In the afternoon of July 10, they
distributed blankets and food to over seven hundred homeless
people in the Santa Cecilia area.
There are so many poor people around the world,
and our resources are limited. We can only help those who are
most in need. Tzu Chi volunteers go and personally distribute
relief goods to the needy in order to form good karmic relationships
with them and directly show them their care and concern. Volunteers
enthusiastically brandishing their soup ladles work hard without
fear of heat or fatigue. After the distribution, they rub their
aching backs and arms, but their faces flash smiles of happiness.
Only by participating in this kind of charitable activity can
one discover the deepest, most genuine beauty and goodness of
life.
We are very grateful that after last month's
distribution of blankets, kind people continued to show their
generosity. Hung Tzu Ho donated one thousand Brazilian reals
[US$405], Huang Chi-kun five hundred reals, and Chien Chin-chung
one thousand reals and 160 blankets. Because of their love and
support, Tzu Chi has the chance to serve the needy.
