In our daily lives, the Buddhas we venerate and the Bodhisattvas we  bow to are merely “images.” The true practitioners of the Dharma are all of you—the Living Bodhisattvas of the True Dharma. 

After Typhoon Gaemi, Bodhisattvas went among the people to care for suffering sentient beings. In many rural households, with children living elsewhere, elderly people mostly lived alone, surrounded by empty land and fields. When the water rose, mud flooded into their homes; when the water receded, mud remained inside. With belongings soaked, the elderly found it difficult to find places to sit or lie down. 

Fortunately, these Tzu Chi volunteers, who were complete strangers to them before this, arrived shortly or a few days later. They entered their homes and quickly removed all the dirty, water-soaked furniture,  even clearing away accumulated garbage. 

The commissioners were skilled at offering comfort, giving gentle  touches and hugs, and reassuring the elderly, “Everything will be  okay!” Just seeing all of you brought them peace, and the environment became clean. That measure of love brought warmth to their hearts— something they will remember now and in the future. 

You are all genuine Living Bodhisattvas in this world. A “Bodhisattva”  is not the statue behind me, but rather each one of you here before me. 

Before attaining Buddhahood, Bodhisattvas must first create good affinities with people. They are the intermediary stage between the  Buddha and sentient beings, so without Bodhisattvas, most people would be distant from or have no connection with the Buddha. 

The path from “learning” to “awakening” is the Bodhisattva Path.  Learning to be a Bodhisattva and going among people allows us to see the Path. We witness the suffering in this world and exercise our strength to alleviate it. In the process of giving, we discover those who need long-term care. Where once there was no karmic connection,  now there is affinity, allowing the Bodhisattva’s compassion to connect with sentient beings. 

Walking the Bodhisattva Path requires karmic conditions. To illustrate this I often speak of the string used to bundle zongzi—we twist together individual strings, their ends hanging empty. When Bodhisattvas create connections among people, it is like completing a zongzi bundle; after each one is wrapped in bamboo leaves, we use those loose ends of string to skillfully bind it together. 

We say that “Bodhisattvas arise because of suffering sentient beings.”  Indeed, the string that ties the zongzi represents affinities. Bodhisattvas’  spiritual practice is like the filling. Without suffering sentient beings,  the bundle would be empty. When the string is pulled tight, it would collapse. 

Bodhisattvas must work in groups; nothing can be accomplished alone.  Look at our zongzi—each one full and well-seasoned. Tying them one by one, it takes a group to create a bundle of full zongzi. 

When Tzu Chi volunteers return to the Jing Si Abode, I always remind them, “Remember! One hand is not five scattered fingers—they must come together in harmony. What does it mean when we bring our two hands to our mouth? It forms the Chinese character for unity. We must work together in harmony. With unity of heart, harmony, mutual love,  and concerted effort, Tzu Chi will be eternal. 

The Bodhisattva practice passes from generation to generation. We must not only recruit externally but also pass on the virtues within our families. Share what you do outside with your family. Now with convenient mobile phones, quickly share what you see with your children. Let your daughters-in-law, sons-in-law, daughters, and sons understand. When they are moved, bring them along. 

Grandchildren are the best listeners. Sometimes when they go with their grandparents to volunteer, they feel that it is fun and that everyone cares for them and is warm to them. They enjoy it too. This awakens their wisdom life and helps them understand life’s value; we hope this will continue through generations. Rather than leaving money to children, it is better to leave blessings, letting them create blessings for others, passing them down through generations, and extending our love. 

We must recruit Bodhisattvas and spread the Buddha Dharma. There are many karmic conditions, both at home and outside, worth cherishing.  I sincerely offer you my blessings and praise. “Thus have I practiced,  thus have I spoken”—this is what we do and say to everyone. As long as we have unity and harmony, that is the right path.