The great quake of September 21 was centered beneath Nantou, but it shook the whole island of Taiwan. Terrified people escaped through smashed doorways or twisted windows, in the arms of firemen or the iron buckets of excavating machines. Those who did not make it lay in smothering debris, between fallen floors, or under thick beams. Survivors cried for their loved ones and waited for some response. The deceased held their last cry for help within their lips, silent forever. Dead cities, rubble, torn land, broken houses, and bodies everywhere. Survivors were as lonely as the deceased.

Actions were taken to rescue lives, treat the wounded, and settle survivors. Mineral water, crackers, instant noodles, blankets, sleeping bags, tents, medications, body bags and coffins were rushed to the disaster areas. Ambulances and jeeps raced down the roads, excavators roared on to remove debris and restore transportation. Roads were lined with trucks, large and small, delivering supplies from all over the island, and cars driven by anxious friends and relatives of the victims. Helicopters thundered hope to isolated areas.

But it was a massive quake, and not every area hit was fortunate enough to receive aid. In the aftermath of the calamity, the Moon Festival, traditionally celebrated with family reunions, smacked of bitter irony. Survivors stayed in train stations, school playgrounds, parks, activity centers and temporary shelters. Wearily, they arranged funeral matters for family members lost to the quake. Silently, those who had not yet found the remains of loved ones looked into the moon-lit sky.

Morning had not yet broken, but Tzu Chi volunteers rushed to the disaster area through the darkness, risking the danger of aftershocks. Despite difficult transportation and the fact that they themselves had suffered losses from the quake, they could not ignore the urge to help the needy. The volunteers set up stations where they provided hot food, medical treatment, subsidy money, daily supplies and warm clothes. They cared for and comforted survivors, cleansed, dressed and chanted prayers for the deceased, and started to evaluate how Tzu Chi could assist in the reconstruction of the disaster areas. People showed up at Tzu Chi branches and liaison offices to offer help and money. They helped deliver goods, and they donated sleeping bags, blankets, cash, checks and vehicles. Most of all they wanted to go to the disaster areas to do something for the victims. Love from all over Taiwan and the world converged at the worst-hit areas.

Tzu Chi was still raising disaster relief funds for earthquake victims in Turkey when nature delivered the same unkind blow to Taiwan. Overnight, to the shocked disbelief of the people in Taiwan, the prosperous island became the recipient of foreign aid. Why does Tzu Chi help other countries? Why does the international community help Taiwan? The quake that shook the land of Taiwan also shook many people from their ignorance. The abundant goods donated by corporations and individuals showed that Taiwan is a wealthy country. The fact that people were willing to go into the disaster areas proved that Taiwan has large deposits of love. The autumn sonata that went so badly out of tune still brought a rich flow of loving warmth.

The hope of humanity comes from mutual help. We pray that together, with love as our radius and the disaster area as our center, we can form a circle of love to fill in the great rupture. To the earthquake victims in Taiwan and Turkey, we give our most sincere blessings. Let our hearts go out to every suffering person in the world.