Background

As the SARS epidemic rages around the world, casting a shadow of panic and insecurity over its people, we must urgently bring together everyone's strength to prevent the disease from spreading.

Since ancient China, during any natural or manmade disasters, the whole country would pray sincerely for an end to suffering by abstaining from eating meat, killing animals and embodying kindness in their actions, words, and thoughts.

Master Cheng Yen teaches us that as we observe vegetarian diet, we should constantly keep compassion in our hearts. By purifying our actions, speech, and thoughts, we can eradicate the poisons of greed, contentiousness, and ignorance.

Let us sincerely spread love throughout the world and practice vegetarianism. Currently, Tzu Chi members around the globe are leading their families and communities in making May a Vegetarian month every year. If we can maintain a commitment to vegetarianism, whether it be a year, a week, or even a day, our pure minds will converge into a stream of unconditional love that will embrace the whole world. The action of love
and unity will not only stabilize people's minds, but also help contain this epidemic.

With our sincere and serene prayers, society will become harmonious, and the world will be free of disasters.