Following the powerful earthquake in Hualien on April 3, 2024, Dharma masters from the Jing Si Abode (founding place of Tzu Chi) along with volunteers, not only provided care to those at the shelters but also visited affected areas to comfort families. Their mission is to ease everyone's fear after the quake.
Comforting Elderly Volunteers
On the afternoon of April 7, the fifth day after the earthquake, Master De Ru and Master De Rou, along with pure practitioners and volunteers visited elderly volunteers in Hualien to offer support.
Eighty-two-year-old volunteer Ru-yun Chen was both surprised and delighted to see the Dharma Masters. When the earthquake struck, she was alone on the fifth floor in her study, reciting scriptures from the Lotus Sutra. The sudden shaking caused her water dispenser to topple and spill water everywhere. The books on the bookshelves fell as well. Terrified, she quickly took cover under a sturdy wooden table.
Chen admitted to being frightened by the earthquake at first, but when she realized that others must have felt the same, she immediately thought of the care recipients that she usually looks after and called them one by one to check on their well-being. "They all live on Beibin Street near the sea (where a building was toppled by the quake). Thankfully, they're all safe," she said, relieved after making the calls.
After speaking with her, the Dharma masters also went upstairs to visit Chen's 90-year-old husband, Ding-yi Jian. "Do you recognize me?" Master De Ru warmly greeted him. "Master, it's been several years since we last met, but you haven't changed. Take care of yourself," replied Mr. Jian, visibly touched by the masters' visit and their concern.
Chen was very grateful to receive such care from the Dharma masters and volunteers. She also expressed her hope to quickly join the ranks of Tzu Chi volunteers in providing care.
Struggling to Sleep After the Quake
Elderly volunteer A-Hsiao Liu is 87 this year. She used to run the "Amis Mochi" shop with her husband when she was younger and has been feeling low ever since her husband passed away last year. The earthquake on April 3 made it even harder for her to sleep. On the afternoon of April 7, Master De Ru and Master De Rou, along with pure practitioners and volunteers, visited Liu to offer comfort. Master De Ru gently asked, "Did the earthquake scare you?"
"It’s shaking every day; I can't sleep well. During the earthquake, I was so scared that my face turned pale. My eldest grandson ran over and hugged me tightly, saying, 'Grandma, don't be afraid, don't be afraid.' I was so touched by his actions," Liu said. Master De Ru encouraged her, "As you grow older, it’s important to always stay positive. Taking care of your health is top priority."
Blind Tzu Chi Volunteer Engages Directly in Encouraging Earthquake Survivors
You-xian Chen is a 35-year-old newly certified Tzu Chi volunteer who is almost completely blind. Accompanied by his wife, they visited Hualien Hua Gang Junior High School to help give comfort to earthquake survivors. Listening to the survivors' feelings, You-xian Chen stated that through continuous interactions with the Dharma masters and Tzu Chi volunteers, the survivors gradually settled down, and their emotions began to stabilize.
Chen encourages everyone to think positively as it was extremely fortunate that the earthquake occurred during the daytime, minimizing casualties. He believes that heaven was still favoring everyone, reminding people to reflect on the consequences if we do not care for Mother Earth.
Story By Feng'e Wang, Zhi-cheng Li, Hualien Report, April 7, 2024
