Every year, I look forward to disciples returning from afar during the  Chinese New Year, as they come back to Taiwan to gather together.  But this year is different for those from the United States, as the  wildfires require them to stay and protect their communities. I pray  that all sentient beings will be free from suffering. Wherever there is  a disaster, without asking for peace and joy for themselves, Tzu Chi  volunteers will arrive at that place to help, with their strength. I am  deeply impressed and very grateful! 

Bodhisattvas are compassionate; they manifest wherever there is  suffering, not just where people pray for help. When sentient beings  suffer, they don’t need to ask for assistance; Bodhisattvas appear  immediately to save them. Truly, walking the Bodhisattva path is a  given for Tzu Chi volunteers, and it is done without any attachments  or expectations. I hope that all Tzu Chi volunteers will be like  Bodhisattvas. 

The disaster area in Greater Los Angeles was once a beautiful place,  home to the wealthy and famous. A blessed land is where blessed  people reside. However, even in a blessed land, without blessings, that  land cannot be lived in. Sentient beings share collective karma. When  negative collective karma matures, disasters arise in that place. This  is why it is said, “One creates one’s own blessings and receives one’s  own blessings.” Only through action can one receive. 

We use our efforts to comfort the victims of disaster and suffering,  whether rich or poor, treating all equally in emergency relief.  “Comforting” means soothing their hearts, not just offering words  or superficial gestures. We must nourish them with the dew of love,  soothing the Earth that has been burned by fire. We hope the victims  can find relief, rebuild their homes, and restore their physical and  mental health. 

For peace in life, we need more good people. For harmony with the four  elements in the world, we need more sincere and faithful individuals.  Those who feel moved by Tzu Chi will join us on the Bodhisattva path.  We move forward to comfort and help those suffering from disasters  according to our abilities, and we also help by leveraging collective  power. In addition, Tzu Chi USA’s headquarters is in Los Angeles, and  it’s members, along with Tzu Chi volunteers from all over the U.S.–  from the east, west, south, and north–must wholeheartedly show care  and concern. 

With one heart, we activate our innate nature, Buddha nature, and  Bodhisattva compassion. Alone, an individual’s effort is solitary; but  with the strength of the group, we amplify the collective power.  Without everyone’s contribution, we cannot come together. We must  “borrow strength”–by utilizing an opportunity, we can call upon and  unite the energy inherent in each of us. 

Fundraising on the streets is not just about raising money; it’s about  “raising hearts.” We remind everyone that when there is suffering in  the world, there must be love. Only love can eliminate disasters. What  we want to raise is the love in people’s hearts. By spending a little more  time interacting with others and skillfully educating them, this is what  we mean by “spreading the Dharma with love.” We must make sure  that those unaware of the wildfire’s devastating impact on so many  people know the extent of the destruction. We also need to remind  people that even the wealthy cannot escape these fires; their homes  were reduced to ashes. 

When I saw everyone wearing thick clothing, holding donation boxes,  standing on the streets despite the cold, I was touched. Everyone is  using love to educate others. I am both grateful and reluctant. I am  grateful for the love that everyone is contributing in an organized way,  but I am reluctant because of the cold and the hard work everyone is  enduring. 

Once the fire has been extinguished, we must begin the process of  restoration. For the fires that are still burning, we must come together  in sincere prayer: may the fires be extinguished quickly. My heart is  always with the victims of this fire. Even if it is like a small bird holding  a twig or leaf to dip in water, I hope the effort will help put out the fire.  While these efforts may seem insignificant, I believe such actions can  move heaven and Earth, and I maintain this faith. 

The most important thing is to be vigilant and sincere. The heart is  a spiritual cultivation ground. Everyone should sincerely make vows,  not only to stay vigilant but also to reflect on ourselves. With sincere  prayers and inspiring compassion, we open up the potential for life. All  things in the universe have their own spiritual essence, and we must  protect not only human lives but also animals and plants. A vegetarian  diet is best, as we only need grains to nourish our bodies. Why continue  eating foods that create ongoing resentment among sentient beings? 

Despite hardships, we can consider each day to be full of “happiness.”  This is because we do not complain about the difficulty but rather create  blessings for the world; this is “happiness.” By dedicating ourselves  with love, we complete a day’s worth of compassionate actions, and  our hearts are filled with joy and satisfaction. 

Assessing the value of life, today we can reflect. “In the cold wind,  which street did I stand on, how many kind-hearted people did I meet,  and how many of us shared in giving love?” This is the value of life, and  Bodhisattvas can share their experiences and encourage each other. 

Every day I tell myself I am grateful. I also tell myself how important it  is to have loving thoughts and a loving heart; I feel that life has great  value, and I am firmly dedicated to giving to the world. Every day I  encourage myself. With sincere blessings for all of you, I hope to unite  all of our love through this affinity.