04/03/2003
Praying
for Peace
Let
us pray sincerely and make wishes so that there is love
among people, peace in society, and a world free from
disasters. It is heartbreaking to see the images of war.
Hardships and struggles depict life on the battlefield.
Many local residents bear hardship and struggle
to survive. To them, living secure and peaceful lives
would be a luxury.
I
remember the destructive earthquake in India that took
many lives and left countless people homeless.
After the quake, because of destitution and poor
living standards, the impoverished people suffered the
most. In addition, poor sanitary facilities and
proximity with livestock lead to public health problems.
Due to poverty and the lack of medication, once a
disease spreads, it starts the cycle of suffering.
Suffering was what the Buddha had witnessed while he was
alive. After reaching enlightenment, the Buddha taught
suffering as one of the Four Noble Truths. This kind of
suffering has never changed.
Yesterday,
I saw our hospital construction staff praying sincerely
at the job site in Taichung. The Tzu Chi Great Love TV
station staff also prayed sincerely during their breaks.
In addition, over two thousand students and teachers
from Tzu Chi College of Technology gathered at the plaza
to pray. Contributions were made to encourage more compassion. The
gathering of volunteers to “Spread
the Seeds of Love”
is a very moving sight.
Mass
piety can touch the hearts of all buddhas. I also saw
the surging crowd that made a pilgrimage to a temple on
Tzu Chi Mountain in the Miao Li district. Although some
people had difficulty walking, they still participated
in this event. It is truly touching to see people
participating with sincere hearts.
At
this moment, let us remain tranquil and extend our
compassion to those who are suffering. We should
sincerely pray for the end of the war and the stable
control of widespread diseases. Only when there is
harmony in society, health in people, and peace between
countries can mankind obtain true happiness.
