Feb. 6, 2005, By Rev. Shojo Honda
The morning after Christmas, in the last year, the time of the most blissful season in the year - all of a sudden, TV cameras brought the pounding waves and broken souls into our living room. Everyone watched the unspeakable tragedy, caused by tsunami.
Sudden disaster happened on a clear day. Hundreds of towns, villages and tourist resorts in 11 countries of Southeast Asia were destroyed. More than 225,000 people were swallowed by the massive waves. Parents and parents lost their children. Children and children lost their parents. The shrill wails were everywhere - 2.2 million people lost their homes including their business offices, shops and working places. Five million people lost their means of living.
I think, I don’t have to talk about the damages and tragedies of the devastated coastal area anymore.
The original meaning of compassion in Buddhism, consists of two aspects.
One is: offering dana in monetary gift or daily necessaries to those who are struggling to survive. The second is: sharing grief with those who are suffering in pain.
Lao-Tsu, a Chinese philosopher in the 6th century, B.C., said:
Kindness in words creates confidence.
Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates compassion.
(Webster’s Dictionary of Quotations, p.267).
Now, a global movement of relief for the victims have started, we, too should stand with others, with the spirit of compassion. Your contribution would be very much appreciated, and will be sent to the BCA Tsunami Relief Fund.
Again, we heartily extend our thoughts to the victims of tsunami disaster, and we share their grieves with them offering our dana.
May Amida’s Compassion rest upon them.
Namo Amidabutsu
© 2008 Ekoji Buddhist Temple