In a world where change is inevitable, it is a blessing to be able to live in peace and safety. However, as the saying goes, "life is uncertain." When disaster strikes, it is important to have people who are willing to lend a helping hand.
Rebuilding Lives with Compassion
On November 7, 2023, a fire broke out in a public housing complex in Seria, Brunei in Southeast Asia. It destroyed 16 houses and left 46 people homeless. Fortunately, no one was injured.
On learning of the tragedy, Tzu Chi Brunei volunteer Chang Lit-Yan (鄭立言) rushed to the scene to assess the situation and offer support.
After the fire, the government's welfare department temporarily housed all survivors in a makeshift tent. They provided them with meals, drinking water, and other necessities. In addition, well-wishers donated many second-hand clothes. Tzu Chi volunteers immediately visited the affected people with the village head and officials to provide support and care.
In their despair, the fire survivors received hope from Tzu Chi volunteers. The volunteers visited the survivors to offer their support and assistance. They provided each family with 300 Brunei dollars (about US$225) in cash and an additional 50 Brunei dollars (about US$37) for each child still in school. They also distributed blankets and second-hand clothes.
The volunteers also shared the story of Tzu Chi, an international humanitarian organization founded by Master Cheng Yen in Taiwan. They shared the story of Tzu Chi’s humble beginnings and the spirit of the Bamboo Bank Era with housewives saving NT$0.50 (US$0.03) per day to help others in need. They also told the survivors about Tzu Chi's work in Brunei, which has been ongoing for over 30 years.
When they heard that "even a 50-cent coin can do great deeds," the village head, Sai Ding, who participated in the entire process, did not hesitate to donate his love. Many survivors also responded. To help the survivors feel safe, secure, and comfortable, the volunteers distributed Tzu Chi's eco-friendly blankets and some well-sorted second-hand clothes to help the locals cope with the emergency.
"My happiness comes from your laughter, and, if you cry, I will feel more pain than you..." After the distribution, the volunteers led the survivors in singing "One Family" together. Although the residents were unfamiliar with sign language, and there was no audio equipment on site, Chang Lit-Yan acted quickly and asked the volunteers to take out their phones to play the song. Everyone was moved by the lyrics and melody, with some even weeping.
The fire survivors were grateful for the volunteers' help. They said that Tzu Chi was the only organization that had treated them with such respect and compassion. They also appreciated the warm blankets and the opportunity to learn more about Tzu Chi.
The distribution was a success, and the volunteers remembered Master Cheng Yen's teaching: "When it’s the right thing to do, just do it!" To bring light to the dark corners for those who are suffering, to provide warmth when needed, and to help them regain their smiles is the most meaningful thing in life. Tzu Chi volunteers in Brunei, keep up the good work!
Love Is Always There
Tzu Chi in Brunei began in 1989, and volunteers started institutional care in 1992. This means that Tzu Chi has been providing care to the elderly in Brunei for over 30 years. On December 14, 2023, seven Tzu Chi volunteers visited the Seria Nursing Home to continue this tradition of care.
Tzu Chi volunteers visit the Seria Nursing Home every winter solstice to bring Master Cheng Yen’s love to the elderly residents. They look forward to the visits. Before 17:30, nine elderly people had already entered the dining room and were waiting for the arrival of the volunteers.
The residents of the home were delighted to see the volunteers. They said that the vegetarian food was delicious and nutritious. They also appreciated the fact that the volunteers served them with such care and compassion.
The female volunteers and the nursing home manager Anna prepared the meal together, with one portion for each person. While eating the delicious food, Seria Nursing Home resident Uncle Chung raised his thumb and said, "It's delicious! It's so abundant! I'm so happy to eat! Vegetarian food is healthy." Uncle Chung usually does environmental protection, because he knows the importance of saving the earth. He was very grateful to the volunteers for giving them each a big apple which symbolizes peace in Chinese culture. In the end, everyone held up their apples of peace, wishing Master Cheng Yen peace and well-being.
Tzu Chi volunteers greeted and accompanied each elderly person warmly, and everyone ate happily. Chang Lit-Yan, on behalf of Master Cheng Yen, presented red packets of blessings to wish everyone peace, health, and auspiciousness in the new year.
The volunteers also visited the elderly who were unable to move. There was an old lady who had been bedridden for many years. Her husband had passed away before her, and now she only had a part-time caregiver to help her with her chores twice a day.
During the visit, the volunteers remembered that Master Cheng Yen often reminds us that health is a blessing, and that we should seize the opportunity to be filial to our parents. Just as the Sutra of Profound Gratitude toward Parents teaches, we should be grateful for the blessings of the Buddha, our parents, and all beings every morning. Especially since our parents are the ones who gave us life, upon seeing suffering, we must recognize our own blessings, and repay our parents' kindness.
Tzu Chi volunteers in Brunei are committed to helping those in need. They are a shining example of the power of compassion to bring hope and heal a world that is often filled with suffering.
Story by Chang Lit-Yan, Zhu Hsiu-lien | 2024/01/10
