Work diligently, live frugally, treasure all that we have, never reconcile against environmental protection, be persistent in doing charitable deeds, respect Mother Nature, love Planet Earth, and love others. Be constantly mindful, and persist in noble deeds, and we shall then turn the crisis into an opportunity to change for the better.

Due to the recent economic downturn, prices of goods fluctuated, revenue from recyclable resources had dropped greatly, and commercial deals in recyclables are no longer profitable.

I asked volunteers engaged in recycling activity whether they would carry on their work at such a time, they replied without hesitation, "Certainly we would, for this recycling station is home to us, and it provides us with the opportunity to put the Dharma into practice."

It is the love for Mother Earth that motivates this grass-root level of living Bodhisattvas to pursue recycling work. They are not as concerned about monetary gains as they are for spiritual awakening, for the recycling stations are as good as Dharma centers where contemplation is put into practice.

In fact, these recycling stations are perfect spiritual grounds. Besides providing a place for the local communities to learn how to sort out recyclable waste, they are also centers where teachers and their students visit to learn how to be environmentally-friendly.

By engaging themselves in recycling work, these volunteers actually give their time, energy and money; and by sorting waste, they are actually undergoing training for Buddhist tolerance, diligence, and contemplation. It is here that many are able to forget their worries, recover from depression, or give up smoking, alcohol, gambling and the likes. Also by bending down to pick up waste, they will achieve the dual purpose of cleaning up the environment and purifying the mind. Ability in getting rid of unhealthy thoughts is attaining wisdom. Therefore recycling stations can be viewed as Dharma centers for physical and mental health, where the Six Perfections of charity, keeping precepts, tolerating insults, diligence, meditation and wisdom, can be readily practised.

A heart that persists in doing good helps to inspire more to emulate

The global economic downturn has resulted in more people seeking social aid. Tzu Chi volunteers ceaselessly extend their love to relieve the poor and give them the strength to help others too.

Since 2005, Tzu Chi volunteers in San Francisco, USA, have been distributing food to the poor children of John Muir Elementary School. As of January 2009, and in collaboration with the "food bank," a program of weekly provision of food aid to pupils of Liu Gui Ming Elementary School in China Town was initiated. These pupils from more than 200 low-income families in China Town have been receiving groceries and fresh farm produce under the long term food aid program. As far back as 2006, the volunteers have been running a "one book for each pupil" program in the hope that the pupils could enrich their childhood with reading.

However, the current recession has resulted in a larger number of needy people, while the number of donating members dwindles. As such, shelves at the "food bank" are empty most of the time even though volunteers continue to make the carefully planned weekly purchases.

The distribution of food is carried out on each Monday afternoon. During this time, the volunteers will also share with the recipients the story of "The days of the bamboo bank," to illustrate that any small amount in money counts in charity. The recipients are encouraged to save for charity. Those who cannot afford can retrieve PET bottles for recycling thereby contributing towards environmental protection; and at the same time, the PET bottles can be turned into the raw material for making blankets for the needy people.

Three months after the first distribution, many of the recipients' families brought back the bamboo banks that they adopted; the cash collected was more than US$100! Poor as they are, compassion is not lacking in their hearts, as the Dharma has woken the innate Buddha nature in them, calling forth the great compassion from within.

In Johannesburg, South Africa, more than 200 visually-impaired care recipients not only asked for a reduction in aid for themselves, but also made monthly contribution towards charity. They did so upon learning about Tzu Chi's aid to the victims of the 2004 Tsunami disaster. These care recipients may have to beg for a living, but they are respected for their noble acts.

Despite the unfavorable economic situation, Tzu Chi volunteers do not waver in their faith for charity. They also wish that each and every individual's compassion could be called forth at such times. Even a cent or two is as great a heartwarming contribution as any great sum, because long lasting kindness in little ways will transform into great strength for charity.

Nourishing our confused mind with Dharma

Some 2,500 years ago, Buddha warned us that the four elements of earth, water, fire and wind in the epoch of destruction will be out of balance, resulting in many natural disasters. This forewarning has been proven with the disasters occurring in the world today.

In the USA, the recent onslaught of natural disasters caused by tornadoes, floods and forest fires one after another had resulted in tens of thousands of victims being evacuated to various relief centers. Tzu Chi volunteers arrived at these centers to carry out distribution of blankets and cash cards to victims as an emergency measure.

The fact that Tzu Chi started its charitable aid with some 30 housewives saving NT50 cents a day, and evolved into the present global organization for charity, had startled and moved the hearts of many at the relief centers. Hence, some thankfully turned down the offer for a cash card, for the reason that "there are many in greater need than me. I am keeping the blanket for remembrance, and I will adopt a bamboo bank so I could help others."

To call forth the great compassion from each heart, so that the seed of kindness is planted, is the aim of the Tzu Chi charity mission.

Fire could easily happen in a dry land. Similarly, greed, anger and delusion result in yearning; and relentless yearning blinds the mind. Ignorance of the minds on a large scale will create disasters.

Natural disasters are unpredictable and beyond control. The only possible measure we can take is to eliminate such disasters at the source, i.e. transforming the mind. The Sutra of Immeasurable Meanings says that a dewdrop is capable of preventing dust from polluting the air; and that constantly nourishing the mind with Dharma teachings will eliminate the desires ignited by ignorance, thus setting the mind free.

The good and the evil are in a constant tug-of-war, and obviously the stronger side will win. Therefore, no loving-kindness and effort, however little it may be, should be overlooked. Even if each and everyone can offer only the smallest effort, the combined effort will measure up to become a great force. More kind-hearts result in greater power of blessing, and that power is capable of eliminating disasters.

The one who cherishes and creates blessing is always the truly rich

Green house effect is caused by the lost of balance among the four elements, while economic crisis is caused by the untamed minds. It is therefore essential that the root causes for the imbalance are diagnosed for appropriate measures to be taken.

Take for example, the forest fires in South California, which were caused by the draught that had occurred when it should be the rainy season. The water element had lost its balance. When cool breezes blew over the hot deserts, they turned into hot winds causing the imbalance of the wind element, which causes fires, resulting in the imbalance of the fire element. As the Four Elements are interlinked, an imbalance in one causes the imbalance in all the four.

Many are worried about life under the current financial crisis. But as "great wealth is the will of the Almighty, and reasonable wealth is accumulated through frugality," we should resort to self-restraint, curb the urge for luxury, live a frugal lifestyle, and work with great diligence. With such efforts, we shall cross over troubled waters.

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If one is good only at making money but find it hard to part with the money for a good cause, then one is as good as a poor man no matter how much wealth he owns. On the other hand, one who spends his money for the most meaningful causes is truly rich.

In the face of recession, one should think carefully and avoid unnecessary expenditure so as to help disaster victims face cold and hunger. This is true wisdom.

We have no control over life and death, but we do know that our life is shortened with each passing day, and with each passing year. We should therefore live in the present moment, contribute towards others consistently, and live life to the fullest. So everyone, please be very mindful!