It was a clear, pleasant autumn day. Maple leaves quietly fluttered on the branches. Tzu Chi members coming from many distant locations gathered in front of the main sanctuary of the Abode of Still Thoughts. Commissioners, members and volunteers were all in the courtyard, listening to Master's preaching and joyfully sharing experiences with each other. Love, happiness and warmth permeated the place, giving it a soothing air that would surely console the sad, poor, or lonely. What a lovely monthly retreat!

Loving Care Like a Lotus in Full Bloom

A group of sixteen young, energetic Tzu Chi members were here to provide free haircuts. With scissors in their right hands, combs in their left, they adroitly made the old folks look neat and bright. The modest but joyful young girls wore warm smiles. When complimented on their hard work, they just said, "No, we are not tired at all."

These hairdressers were from the Mentor Beauty Parlor in Chiayi. They rented a mini-bus and drove for more than ten hours just to come and help the needy at the Abode of Still Thoughts. They had heard about Tzu Chi from their manager's sister, who had been here several times. They all said that they were so happy and grateful, and that this was the first time that they had come to Tzu Chi to provide free haircuts. They arrived at dawn, just in time to join in the chanting of the morning sutras. With sincerity and respect, they put their hands together to from the shape of lotus buds. It looked as though, with a sprinkling of dharma, those lotus buds were capable of blooming to reveal the nature of Buddha.

Good Karma With Skillful Hands

Brother Chi Yueh's trademark frosty hair and kind smile always gladden and reassure the people around him. It each monthly retreat, you see him returning from Taipei to his spiritual hometown, the Abode of Still Thoughts, where he participates in the distribution of supplies and financial subsidies to the poor. On this morning, his skillful hands were softly massaging Grandpa's sore back and Grandma's stiff hands and legs. Now and then, we could see the expressions of relief on their faces.

"Ouch!" A middle-aged woman twisted her ankle. Her face turned pale because of the pain. Her friends were anxious but did not know what to do. Sister Ah-hsia calmed them down and signaled Brother Chi Yueh for help. Brother Chi Yueh checked the ankle and massaged the leg along the path of nerves, arteries and veins. He swung the foot slowly, saying: "It's OK, don't worry." I stood beside this woman, holding her sweating hands to try to comfort her and reduce her pain a little bit. In less than ten minutes, Brother Chi Yueh cured the painful ankle and planted a seed of love as well. A cup of hot tea relaxed the tension in the air. While we were saying good-bye, Sister Ah-hsia reminded us to watch our steps.

Spreading Love While Distributing Supplies

Amidst the chanting of the name of the Goddess of Mercy, commissioners gave subsidiary payments and daily commodities to low income families. Each family went away grateful and contented. However, the Tzu Chi members did not only make material donations. The warm smiles and kind attitudes of those commissioners, nuns, and Tzu Chi Youth Corps members silently preached a lesson in dharma. What was really given to the poor was love, the medicine that relieved their bodies and hearts.

Life is filled with gatherings and departures. If it is our karma, we will surely come together; if not, we will separate. Many thanks to all the Tzu Chi members who took part in these charitable activities. We wish you more wisdom, more blessings, and more good fortune. We sincerely hope you water "the seed of love" diligently to make it grow and flourish. More importantly, we expect you to join us on the Path of the Bodhisattvas in the near future.

Love is not asking from others, but is giving of yourself.