The Buddha says:

Whether physical or mental, internal or external, there is no such thing as a completely true "self" or anything that will last forever.

With every beginning, there is an end. With every birth, there is a death. We struggle endlessly for fame and fortune, but in the end it is all in vain. Nothing in this world is perfect or eternal.

Instead, we should pursue the perfection of human nature. We can improve human nature and morality through spiritual cultivation.

Why should Tzu Chi respond to disasters in other countries?

Kindness and compassion do not differentiate among race, color, geography or politics. So long as our ears hear the suffering of living beings or our eyes see their hardships, we naturally reach out our hands to help. Kindness is bringing joy to people through gentle giving. Compassion means doing all we can to relieve people of their suffering.