On the afternoon of May 12, 2008 a massive earthquake struck China’s Sichuan province. Measuring 8.0 on the Richter scale, the quake was eight times stronger than the 921 Earthquake which struck Taiwan in 1999. According to official figures, the earthquake left 69,197 dead and 374,176 injured. Upon hearing the news Master Hsin Tao immediately set in motion LJM’s emergency relief efforts. In addition to appealing to his followers to make donations and join the volunteer teams preparing relief supplies, he also urged everybody to recite the Amitābha Sūtra and the name of Amitābha Buddha every day in order to benefit the victims.
After visiting the disaster zone at the end of May, Master Hsin Tao conducted a ceremony at Zhaojue Monastery in Chengdu to benefit the disaster victims. LJM also provided the funds for completely rebuilding the Lazishao Elementary School in Panzhihua City.
Master Hsin Tao pointed out that “Houses may be destroyed, but not the human spirit.” Thus, in addition to direct material assistance, it’s also very important to provide spiritual guidance in times of disaster to help survivors gain the spiritual strength necessary for facing the arduous task of rebuilding. With respect to natural disasters, Master Hsin Tao remarked that “Love and peace are the best medicine” and that “When the mind is peaceful, the world is peaceful.” He also pointed out that only when humanity undertakes thorough self-examination and repentance will natural disasters be averted, and that wholesome action and virtue are the best way to bring peace and prosperity to the world.
Donations
As of December 31, 2008, donations totaling NT$6,571,069 have been received for the Sichuan earthquake disaster relief work. |
