04/20~04/29/2003
Devotion
and Diligence Overcome Difficulties
SARS
(Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) is spreading
rapidly. Not only does SARS drain medical workers, who
must cope with this unknown virus, but it also creates
uncertainty for most people, who are getting nervous and
edgy.
I
expect all Tzu Chi people to be calm and not panic. If
we are uneasy or demonstrate emotional distress, we will
cause disorder in society, and delay the end of the
plague. We have to steady our hearts, for the sake of
others, and support and bless the medical workers who
are dedicating themselves to cure us and to defend us
against SARS. We must pray to keep disasters far away
from the world.
Cooperation
From Those Put Under Quarantine Requires A New Mindset
We
should express our gratitude and well-wishes to patients
and families put under quarantine. This is a difficult
time for them. It is our job to support them, encourage
them, and build their confidence in medication. We know
that they are suffering physically, therefore, we should
do our best so that they should not have to endure
emotional pain.
If
you are exhibiting symptoms, do not panic or run away.
SARS is not a death sentence. Being infected by SARS
only means that you will need medical treatment. Get the
treatment you need, and isolate yourself as soon as
possible. Getting
medical care is being good to yourself and physically
isolating yourself is being good to others. This is a
gesture of accommodation that protects family, friends,
and everyone. This demonstrates great love and great
merit.
As
soon as the Ho-ping hospital was closed due to the
possible SARS infection of the hospital's medical staff,
a doctor from Ho-ping hospital, who was currently
studying at the Tzu Chi Graduate School, was put under
quarantine. The Tzu Chi University also immediately
suspended all classes and notified all teachers and
students, who had contact with this doctor, to go into
isolation.
The
school’s SARS response plan was a positive one that
reflected the attitude of “Caring for oneself is
loving others.” These teachers and students willingly
accepted and adapted to their isolation at home and
school. The
school quickly prepared activities to support the
teachers and students. One student said that he wanted
to use this time to collect relevant information on the
web. Teachers put aside their lesson plans and focused
on research to advance their expertise.
Prevention
is Everyone’s Responsibility
No
one is safe from SARS. Regardless of the danger, we see
doctors and nurses set aside their fears and tirelessly
work to save others. Using their professional knowledge,
wisdom, and courage, they work for the recovery of their
patients. Their dedication and hardy spirit truly
deserves our heartfelt respect and gratitude.
Doctors
and nurses have a mission to save lives. When they
fulfill their mission during these perilous times, it
will increase the breadth and depth of their knowledge.
The experience will form an unforgettable milestone in
their lives.
No
one wants to be infected by SARS. It is not anyone’s
fault that they have SARS. To prevent SARS requires
everyone’s cooperation. If we all agree to transform
our restless hearts into hearts filled with confidence,
we will combat the virus. Humility and patience will
overcome the frantic search for someone to blame or
criticize. Cooperative and preventive measures are the
key to quickly drive away this pestilence.
The
effectiveness of Japanese SARS prevention measures is a
model of personal responsibility in a health crisis.
They have effectively incorporated good hygiene into
their daily routines. When the Japanese observe that
they have the signs of the flu, they automatically wear
masks. This quick action on their part protects
themselves as well as others. We could really learn from
their respectful spirit.
Truly
loving others begin with taking care of ourselves. When
you observe that you have signs of the flu, you should
take the proper precautions. Do not think that you are
immune. That is showing proper respect for others. We
should wash our hands, wear masks, maintain clean
surroundings, and avoid poorly ventilated public places.
We have to establish preventive measures, not only
against SARS, but against other communicable diseases as
well. It all begins with our own hygiene and good health
habits.
Spread
the Seeds of Love That Steady the Human Heart
In
this critical time, we must “speak kind words,
practice kind acts, and pledge good vows.” We must
confront this crisis with confidence. Most importantly,
we must gather the strength of everyone’s love by
spreading the seeds of love. When we are united in a
single cause, I believe we can overcome all difficulty.
In
ancient times, when the country suffered from a
disaster, everyone abstained from eating meat. The act
reduced the stain of killing so they could cleanse
impurities from their bodies, mouths and thoughts before
they prayed. We hope everyone can abstain from eating
meat. There is no better way to express our sincerity to
overcome this tragedy than to not eat meat.
Now,
as we strive to spread the seeds of love every day, I
hope we will devoutly pray and use care to prevent the
virus from spreading. Pray to steady our hearts, so the
medical teams can calmly and wholeheartedly guard the
lives of their patients. Pray for the government to
exercise wisdom in its prevention plans and pray that we
can care for and support those who are isolated.
