a severest earthquake occurred in Haiti

During the closed-up practice, a severest earthquake occurred in Haiti, which has the diplomatic relations with Taiwan, before dawn on 13th of January. Still in the closed-up practice, when seeing this news, we couldn’t help ask what we can do for the victims. Because experienced in relief, we donated 100,000 dollars, medical supplies and food; at the same time, we officially apply for an account of raise, and start up the system of relief and rescue. On account of experiences of helping rebuild in typhoon disaster area in Vietnam, The ministry of foreign affairs discussed with us about rescue measures, and established effective ways to solve the environmental problems. I also made a contact with Dirk Ficca, the direct-general who attending parliament of world’s religions, appeal religions to unite for follow-up problems, such us soul appeasement,  the deceased soul rest, medical association, epidemic prevention, orphan resettlement, and reestablishment of home and school...

Why this severest earthquake occurred in Haiti, causing so much the injured and the dead? What karma made this disaster happen? I explored. In Haiti, continuing wars and conflicts, and trying to kill others make it hard in life; meanwhile, it ferments inner poisons, also incorrect thoughts. When accumulated, these so-called poisons bring about disasters. It might be cruel saying that. However, that’s casual relationship. As a result, what we can do to avoid poison is getting important. Practicing Buddhism is one way. The first thing to learn is having right mindfulness. What we say, act, think and do would bring evil mindfulness, if right mindfulness not maintained.
We learn from Buddha-that is Prajna, highest wisdom. Once we learn, everything will be no hindrance to us. What is Prajna? That is “All conditioned dharma are like dreams, illusions, bubbles, and shadows; like drops of dew and like a flash of lightning; one should contemplate like this.”If we want to be comfortable, we need to examine ourselves repeatedly. When treating five aggregates as emptiness, we are supposed to survive from sufferings. I was not abiding in the notions of self, person, sentient being, or life span, then nothing need to be argued.
If cannot be distant from ordinary stuff, we will argue a lot. As a result, we use Prajna to examine everything in life, and then find them illusory and temporary. We don’t even know the date of death, let alone anything.
What can we do in short lives? The first thing is to practice. What is practice? Practice is to examine frequently. Your minds will be comfortable if examine permanently. The second thing is to chant Great Compassion Mantra. Great Compassion Mantra is a basic catalyst of bodhicitta. As you chant a lot, you will own mercy and dominate the world of Hua-Yen.
Nowadays, sever disasters happen all over the world with high frequency. A disaster is not just related to a single nation, for we are like a family in the world. Every person is related. Therefore, let us dedicate for this earth no matter in one coin or strength.

http://www.093.org.tw/content/home/home04b4.asp?js=110&C1b_sn=1172

Comments

[Emily Chou]

Hi

I have two questions when reading this post about "we donated 100,000 dollars, medical supplies and food". What is the donated currency ( in NT or US dollar)? To be more specific, are the medical and food supplies included in this 100,000 dollar donation?

Thanks for responding.

Peace,
Emily Chou