Wednesday 31 December 2008

写在岁末当下 End of the year

岁末,回想一年。今年真是峰回路转,年头别人说我会放弃美国麻省理工回国,我自己都不会相信。今天早上,麻省的朋友还问我后不后悔。我与她分享了一句静思语「放下,就要完全放下」。

今年我福慧双修:付出无所求,做人文学校志工、街头募款、为流浪者发放热食、摄影,做环保、爱洒、访视、机构关怀、福田、香积、人文真善美,得到的是满满的欢喜;深入经藏,了解因缘果报和成佛应该发的七种心,参与晨钟起薰法香。

今年我回花莲,了解志业体,体验清贫的生活。我亲眼看到上人劳心劳累,克勤克俭克苦克难。

感恩升伦学长要求我观看《法譬如水》,让我体解大道。

感恩建发师兄和小芳师姐在波士顿的细心照顾。

感恩理珊同学的度化,让我了解人生无常,要学会把握当下。

感恩诗白师伯和淑蓉师姑的开解和祝福。

感恩果稠师伯和瑞云师姑的鼓励和开导。

感恩翠莲师姑、明慧师姑和晓群师姐让我有机会当人文真善美志工。

感恩洁仪师姐、雯云师姑和瑞莲师姐给我机会在东北区付出、承担、消业。

感恩祖慧师姐、含祝师姐和丽君师姐让我在访视中体验人生无常,观受是苦。

感恩秀琼师姐带我做爱洒,体验当年佛陀托钵的艰辛。

感恩国香师姑、佳珍师姐、鸣凤师姐、丽珊师姐和彩明师姐带我在广惠肇关怀,修四无量心。

感恩莫师兄的循循善诱,当我认识的第一位慈济人。

感恩有义师兄,耐心的听解我的烦恼。

感恩伦侨师兄,我的组体慈诚,和我结缘第一本《纳履足迹》。

感恩子荣师兄和振泉同学的陪伴,一起薰法香,增长智慧。

感恩济雨师伯,能向师伯学习是非常殊勝的因緣,我不会轻视。

感恩上人,用自己的生命成长弟子的慧命。

感恩,无限感恩,感恩每一位成就我慧命的菩萨。


伦侨师兄说要对蒲团起尊敬心,不能用脚踢,因为蒲团是成长我们慧命的工具。明年起,我会对一切能成长我慧命的人、动植物、物件,起尊敬心,感恩他们成就我的慧命。子荣师兄说,身体是载道器,法则譬喻为船。明年起,我会努力地照顾好身体,心中有佛,行中有法,以法为船,以身为船师,运载众生,自度度人。

我发愿,明年起,把《无量义经》和《真实之路》从新读一篇、把《法譬如水》观看完、读完慈济新加坡双月刊以及整理出活动表辅助爱洒、从第四百七十一期慈济月刊(我因为这一期而认识慈济)开始追读慈济月刊,从零六年冬之卷(伦侨师兄与我结的缘)开始追读《纳履足迹》。我发愿,会努力精进,手不释卷,分分秒秒浸濡在上人的智慧法海中。

我发愿,明年起,起床时要感恩,就寝时要忏悔;以《静思晨语》开始我一天的生活,以《人间菩提》结束我一天的付出。

我发愿,明年起,周日茹素,改掉翘脚和扭鼻子的坏习气。

最后,我发愿,努力精进,以佛心为己心,以师志为己志,立行静思勤行道,严守慈济人间路,时时刻刻行在菩提中。

无声的说法 Soundless Teaching

记得我还在美国波士顿时,慈济波士顿联络处互爱组长应诗白师兄有一次到新加坡开会。返美之后,应师兄在精进日和大家分享他到慈济新加坡分会的经验。我记得应师兄说,他到了新加坡静思堂,进入佛堂后,觉得佛堂在向他无声的说法。

我觉得很不可思议。回国后,隔天便到静思堂,还特别到了三楼佛堂走以一圈,也没有什么特别的感处。直到十一月八日,环保大联谊当天。

环保大联谊前夕,我在静思堂帮忙清理厨房。小休时,一个人盘坐在一楼文化厅,面对着我们心灵的故乡:花莲静思精舍。我自己思量着,为什么会有怎么多人如此地向往回精舍,见上人。

无限感恩,我隔天就找到了答案。

环保大联谊当天,我在四楼夹层,望向佛堂。慈济师兄师姐在三楼台上表演《人人做环保》。我用相机拍团康,相机方寸之间,我看到佛陀,地球,慈济志工。高耸的佛陀抚慰着地球,慈悲地悯视渺小的慈济志工。我忽然觉得这一景一幕好美,心里感觉到无可说出口的喜悦。我第一次感觉得佛陀洒净图很美,觉得佛陀在向我说法,无声的说法。

「你嘛來做环保啊,我嘛來做环保;净身净心,人生才幸福。」伴随着环保歌曲,我觉得经过了一次心灵的环保,烦恼一扫而空。

我把《真实之路》拿了出来,重读了第二章,第一节「从佛陀抚慰地球图看佛心师志」。

「在佛陀抚慰地球图中,佛陀站在宇宙虚空慈视地球,一手伸出抚慰地球,代表佛陀对娑婆世界众生的慈爱,他要用这分爱的清流净化地球,让所有的生物、动物、人类都得到抚慰。」

「慈济人共同的理念——净化地球、度化人间,我们不忍众生受苦难,所以走入人群,闻声救苦;不忍地球受毁伤,忧心地球资源无限制地开发,因此身体力行做环保,回收资源、分类再制,不只是防止地球资源亏空,还能净化地球,减少空气污染。这分不忍心,不正与佛陀疼惜众生、大地的慈悲心相映吗?」

「佛心是大慈悲心,也是大爱无染的清静心,每个人以佛心为己心,内心深处常有佛陀的慈悲,自然不忍众生苦而拔苦于乐。」

「师志是行菩萨道。我们从凡夫起步学佛,到达佛的境界,中间这段路就叫做菩萨道。」

感恩上人开创慈济世界。我终于明白为什么如此多师兄师姐甘愿跟随上人。佛陀洒净图,是上人给弟子的祝福,希望我们能以佛陀为榜样,背负起佛心师志,闻声救苦,勤走菩萨道。

心中有佛,人人都是佛。感恩佛陀向我说法。

Tuesday 30 December 2008

菩提心要 - 零八年十二月二十九日 Puti – 29 Nov 08

福慧红包的缘起,感恩大林大医王们。

How the Blessing hangpao from Master Cheng Yan came about, many thanks to doctors from Da Lin.

Monday 29 December 2008

菩提心要 - 零八年十二月二十八日 Puti – 28 Dec 08

付出无所求,只有得欢喜。慈济环保站,真的是道场!

Giving without any wishes for return and the happiness is the only thing we received. Tzu Chi recycling center is indeed a good place!

岁末祝福 End of the Year Blessing

岁末祝福,我很幸福。当天早上晓群师姐问我有没有时间到会所帮忙布置。我因为需要帮忙小姑搬旧衣到环保站而只好忍痛婉拒。下午开完访视会议后,事情都做完了。好在五点多时,接到练师兄的电话,问我可以不可帮忙替录影机拉线。想必是晓群师姐知道我很想付出,把我推荐给练师兄。我二话不说,马上答应。感恩我父亲,开车送我到静思堂。

I was very fortunate during our end of the year blessing. In the morning, Xiao Qun SJ asked me to help out in decorating the hall. However, I was unable to make it as I need to help my aunt moved all her old clothing to our recycling center. In the afternoon, after the Home Visit meeting, there was nothing left to do. Luckily, slightly after 5 pm, I received a call from Lian SX, asking whether I can help out in handling the wiring of the video camera. I believed that it was Xiao Qun SJ who recommended me to Lian SX, knowing how much I wanted to contribute. I agreed immediately and am grateful to my dad for driving me over to Jing Si Hall.


所以整场岁末祝福,我没有什么感触,因为都在战战兢兢的拉线。深怕没有把分内的工作做好,影响到录影,节目上传不到大爱台,那就辜负了大家的用心付出。整晚蹲着,有的感触皆是麻、累、酸、痛。好在不辱使命,没有出什么大意外。

I did not feel much about the whole event as I was focusing on my work. If the wires were tangled and caused hitches on the video camera, the film may not be good enough to be send to Daai television and everybody efforts will be wasted. Hence, the feelings I got that night were mostly numbness, tiredness, soreness and pain after the squatting. Luckily, not serious occurred and the video was well taken.



隔天的大德场岁末祝福,我还是帮练师兄拉线。不同的是,祖父母和父母一同前来接受上人的祝福。感恩祖慧师姐向我家人讲解慈济。希望不久的将来,有一天能和家人一起同行慈济菩萨道。

The next day was the end of the year blessing for the public. As normal, I was still helping out Lian SX with the wiring. The only difference was my grandparents and parents were present to receive Masters' blessing. Sincere thanks to Zu Hui SX for introducing Tzu Chi to my family. Hopefully in the near future, my family and I can walk down Tzu Chi Bodhisattva path together.

Sunday 28 December 2008

菩提心要 - 零八年十二月二十七日 Puti – 27 Dec 08

我们要发心立愿,把好人好事都写入我们的第八意识,多种善因。

We need to set our vows to perform more good deeds and good actions into our own mind.

Monday 22 December 2008

菩提心要 - 零八年十二月二十一日 Puti – 21 Dec 08

小菩萨的赤子之心是来度大家更精进的。

The pure heart from a young Bodhisattva is to teach us to be more diligent and work harder.

Thursday 18 December 2008

乘巴士、吃饭堂 日航董事长生活朴实 The Simple Lifestyle of JAL CEO

清贫致福

A simple lifestyle brings happiness.

乘巴士、吃饭堂 日航董事长生活朴实 - 符祝慧(东京特派员)

日本最大航空公司日航的董事长西松遥被封为节俭CEO。他上班乘搭巴士,中午吃饭堂的朴实生活,备受外国媒体青睐。在经济不景气的这个时代,懂得与员工平起平坐,同甘共苦的日本老板写照,成了国际好榜样。
  
根据报道,美国三大汽车公司陷于困境,美国媒体抨击这些公司的高层不仅领高薪,去开会时还乘搭了专用飞机。电视台CNN在11月播映了日本航空公司老板西松遥朴实的生活写照,使两者成了强烈对比。
  
日航董事长西松遥今年60岁,接任董事长职位时正好是日航在业绩上大幅度下滑的2006年。
  
为实施公司改革,他以身作则在隔年便自行降把年薪降至960万日元(约15.55万新元),比机长薪水还低。每天早上,他不使用私家车上班,与员工们一起乘搭巴士。到了午餐时间,他和其他员工一样,到公司食堂内拿起托盘排队买饭菜。
  
这段电视影片在世界各国播映后,引起轰动。日航涉外部称,在那之后,公司收到许多从美国和欧洲国家发来的信件、邮件。不少观众对西松所做的“牺牲”感到敬佩,更有不少觉得这种节俭行为,正好让领高薪的西方CEO反思和学习。

日本舆论指出,日本企业里,与员工一起在食堂内吃午餐并非特殊的事情,是日本的企业文化。一些大型日本制造业的管理层,上班时不穿西装,换上工作服,也是为了要拉近和员工们的距离。因为只有与部下打成一片,才能更深入了解职场。

联合早报 - 2008年12月17日

小欢乐园 Little Paradise

自足者常乐;拥有再多财富,不快乐也枉然。

A Content man is always happy. It does not matter how rich you are if you are not happy.

小欢乐园 - 吴庆康

浮罗交怡(Langkawi)岛上唯一的市中心呱镇(Kuah Town),有间叫“欢乐园” (Wonderland) 的餐厅,是那种露天搭篷的咖啡店式海鲜餐馆。规模不大,但来头不小,欢乐园是岛上几家最高档的酒店礼宾部“最值得推荐的餐厅”名单中的首选。

一家酒店这么介绍:“简单的家常菜,用的是塑胶椅”。

对来自大城市的人来说,这样的餐馆算是有点简陋,但餐馆的命脉在厨房,只要厨房油火兴旺,不需花时间在表面功夫上。事实上“欢乐园”天天客满,周围几间餐厅每桌空荡荡,只有欢乐园大排长龙,当然是因为口碑好,厨房香在对街就可闻到。

听闻巨星周润发在岛上度假时,连续七个晚上在这里用餐。电影《魔戒三部曲》的男主角Orlando Bloom也是客人,还有一名我国政要在吃过以后问老板几时可以把餐厅开到新加坡去。

食物之美味/名气之大,可见一斑。

欢乐园老板阿Tun说,他不是没有想过大展宏图,但他觉得现状很好,因为“欢乐园”地方不是很大,容易掌控。由于性质不同,客人对餐厅的环境和服务 要求也不如高档餐厅或酒店那么高,没有什么要求,就比较容易满足,任何小小的意外惊喜都能轻易被放大多倍,客人开心的时候比较多,自己也不必承受太大的压 力。

有些人将这样的想法解读成胸无大志,但我认为这叫知足。他不是没有能力,但因为不贪,觉得自己现在开心快乐,就没有必要画蛇添足,以免太大的一顶帽子戴在头上遮住阳光视线,而且越戴越重。

可见每个人心中都会有自己的一个小小欢乐园,只是看你如何满足于小欢乐园中的真挚快乐。

相信也有很多人和我一样,希望有朝一日可以大富大贵,无忧无虑(至少在经济上)地过日子。但我们有时候不能不相信命运,有些人才华洋溢,但就是无法成大器。 有些人脑袋精灵,不到30岁就已经在赚取生命中的第N桶金,都无法强求。他们当然都有各自的快乐与不快乐,但程度的大小,真取决于自己的欲望和贪念有多少。

每个人对生活素质的要求不同,有人希望将手中的素质精华有多远洒多远,虽然概括范围可能很广,但无法集中,快乐也因此被分散。有人则比较单纯,将生活素质精华浓缩,紧紧把握,虽然涵盖范围小,但每一寸空间都肯定是欢乐时空。

要的话,像“欢乐园”老板这样的人当然可以大事发展事业,但一想到增加店面、增加人手、增加菜色,以及增加的负担,那笔账目怎么算似乎都不能平衡,与其辛苦十倍回报也只是十倍,倒不如辛苦一倍回报双倍,涵盖面也许没有那么广,不过比率是比较大的。

“欢乐园”的每道菜都有特色,若只可以选一道,必定是炸螳螂虾,酸甜脆,垂涎。还有那非常独特的白色指天椒,劲辣。

听说有人因为餐厅用塑胶椅而皱眉头,宁愿呆在酒店继续吃很贵不饱的每一餐,实在是失策。

联合早报 - 2008年12月17日

Sunday 14 December 2008

慧慧的婚礼 Hui Hui wedding

今天是慧慧结婚的好日子。因为晚上有大组共修,加上开始减少吃肉,因此决定不赴喜宴。不过,还是要送上我的祝福。

Today is Hui Hui’s wedding day. As there is a sharing session today and I have started cutting down on meat, I decide not to attend her wedding. However, I still need to offer my blessing.


一双筷子,两对筷子,祝福你成双成对!这是环保筷子,希望你们俩可以随身携带,少用即丢的竹筷子,为大地健康尽一份力。祝福你们俩百年好和,平安幸福。

A pair of chopsticks, two pairs of chopsticks, hope that both of you are always together like chopsticks. Moreover, this is recyclable chopsticks, I hope that both of you can carry them whenever you go and cut down on the usage of disposable bamboo chopsticks. Lastly, I send my greetings and hope that both of you will always be together.

Tuesday 9 December 2008

菩提心要 - 零八年十二月八日 Puti - 8 Dec 08

我会更加珍惜盘中餐,因为自己是多么的幸福。

I will treasure whatever food I ate, because I am so fortunate and blessed to have food on the table.


Sunday 7 December 2008

最近收到的简讯 SMS I received recently

上人开示语录 – 感恩丽珊师姐的分享

凡夫因无法将心打开,所以常处在计较与比较之中,将他人的一句话、一个脸色放在心上成为阴影,如此怎算是学佛者?即是自动自发要做慈济,就不要为他人的声色、言语而耿耿于怀。别人有没有修行是他的事,最重要的是自己有没有在修行。在人事对待中,只要心有打结就要赶快自我调整,否则心结太深,行善助人而不得轻安自在,实在是枉走菩萨道了。


上人开示语录 – 感恩丽珊师姐的分享

《人性之美,莫过于诚,诚为一切善法之源。人性之贵,莫过于信。信是人生之立之本。》学道存乎信,立信存乎诚。信为道源功德母,长养一切诸善根。欲寻回真如自我,必须力争行人生正道,修学行仪必须存诚厚德,与道相合。以诚待人,可使大众去除疑惑;以诚自我要求,可以教人无欺。因此,惟信与诚,有补无失。内心诚意不够,心性即无法稳定。心性即无法稳定,信实不足,所说的话即难以实行。因此,古人云:衣食可去,诚信不可失唉。


静思语 – 感恩伟俊师兄的分享

用对了心,每天都很快乐;用错了心,每天都很烦恼。


静思语 – 感恩振泉师兄的分享

能善用时间的人,必能掌握自己努力的方向。祝福你能在忙碌中找到喜悦。


上人开示语录 – 感恩丽珊师姐的分享

人生的幸与不幸,决定于心念的方向,世间的天灾人祸,根源也在于人们的一念心。我们既然与大地万物共生世间,应该要有一分爱护的心态,发挥慈悲与智慧来增进世间的和谐幸福。生活中任何一件事物,都是我们人生的一部分,也是整个世间的一部分,所以我们时刻都要多用心!


静思语– 感恩振泉师兄的分享

一个人的快乐,不是因为他拥有得多,而是因为他计较得少。只要尽了力,学到了东西,就是一个值得欢喜的因缘。祝福您能带着一个快乐的心情过每一天!


上人开示语录 – 感恩丽珊师姐的分享

做事的人,要低声下气、放下身段,请教别人是否可行?不可凡事独断,自以为是。如果众人都以为不可,自己偏要一意孤行,就会自己一个人走得辛苦。慈济是宗教团体,宗教的意义就是人人平等,彼此要互相尊重,和气相待。多少人在社会上拥有名利、地位,但在慈济里,每个人都一样,没什么特别,因为慈济就是修行的道场;佛教的修行道场,与社会上的名利毫无关系。进入慈济是难得的因缘,要珍惜与大家同行菩萨道的福缘。


上人开示语录 – 感恩丽珊师姐的分享

凡夫往往是(欢喜做,甘愿受)任意妄为,到头来不得不承受苦果;菩萨则是(甘愿做,欢喜受)用心地不敢种错因、造错业,让慧命不断成长。大家要好好体会因缘果报,莫种错因、造错业;修行路上遇到境界,当欢喜接受、耐心面对,不管多么辛苦都要坚定道心。


静思语 – 感恩振泉师兄的分享

人生不一定球球是好球,但是有历练的强打者,随时都可以挥棒。任何事都有成败的可能,但只要尽力,都可以带着信心去做好! 祝福您能带着微笑去面对每一份因缘!


静思语 – 感恩振泉师兄的分享

以奉献的心做事,会越做越欢喜;以职业态度做事,就难以摆脱烦恼与倦怠。祝福工作或考试中的朋友们能有一个欢喜的一天!


上人开示语录 – 感恩丽珊师姐的分享

生命苦短,人生有多少时间还可以做多少事?人少,做事辛苦;有伴,会越做越欢喜,也越有成就感。要凝聚力量,必须人人秉持《合》的心念,依此字形取其义-《万众一心,异口同声》,有合心,才能协力;能协力,才有力量!


摘录于《证严上人思想体系探究丛书》– 感恩丽珊师姐的分享

人生来也空空,去也空空,人生如镜花水月,一切皆是迁变无常,难以把握,万般由不得自己。但是,置身于这虚幻的人世间,欲有一真实的慧命必定要进取;欲求得慧命,就要过有道德的生活。德者,得也。去做、去付出,不做、不去付出,即无心得!

Thursday 4 December 2008

大树发心 A thoughtful tree

那一天,坐着吃饭(忏悔,吃的是荤食),往窗外望去,看见一棵大树,树身长满了其他不同的品种。因为现在工作的性质是研究植物,起了好奇心,便仔细地瞧了瞧。


数了数,终共有七种不同的品种。想起了三十七助道品中的七菩提分:择法菩提分、精进菩提分、喜菩提分、轻安菩提分、念菩提分、定菩提分和舍菩提分。


也想起了《无量义经》里的经文:是诸众生真善知识;是诸众生大良福田;是诸众生不请之师;是诸众生安稳乐处。救处、护处、大依止处,处处为众作大导师。


我真的要多用心耕福田,多招收会员,象那颗大树,做众生的救处、护处、大依止处。希望有福缘耕到颗菩提种子,让种子发芽,成长。一生无量,无量从一生。

最后,以一句静思句勉励自己:大树发心,让群鸟筑巢,就不会在意鸟声吱喳,以及鸟粪沾身。

Tuesday 2 December 2008

菩提心要 - 零八年十二月一日 Puti - 1 Dec 08

惭愧,观看上人这一段开示时,我正在吃薯条。不是特表饿,只是嘴巴有点馋。我要努力,吃饭就吃八分饱,多吃就是浪费食物,就是造口业。

I am so ashamed of myself. When I was viewing Master's talk, I was eating french fries at the same time. I was not very hungry, but just wanted to bite something. I will try hard to maintain 80% fullness during meals. Eating extra is wasting food and making bad karma.

Monday 1 December 2008

菩提心要 - 零八年十一月三十日 Puti - 30 Nov 08

一生无量,无量一生。我会努力爱洒人间,努力人间菩萨大招生。

Starting with just one seed, that seed produces countless seeds. These countless seeds all came from just one seed. I will work hard to spread love to our community and encourage more people to come out and volunteer.

Sunday 30 November 2008

见习、培训志工培训日 Volunteers training session

今天培训的主题是:缘续法住。为何做慈济?因为与上人有缘。但是随缘做慈济,则缘尽法散。

发露忏悔,开头的上人开示,我累得睡着了。上人说的话,过了大多都忘了,所知障深重。接着是我的母鸡,诚悰师兄讲解慈济的进退行仪。慈济的三千威仪,八万细分是为了安住我们的心。现在我穿起制服,是上人的好弟子,希望日后没有穿制服,也能是上人的好弟子。

整个培训日,我有两个感触。一是庄严,二是感动。绕佛饶法、走直角、放掌,让我体验到慈济的庄严,慈济的美。师兄师姐的分享,让我了解自己做的是多么的不够。邱建义师兄说,大承担就是大消业。所以我要勇于承担。赵信玉师姐说,精进是她最好的推动力,希望大家以法相会。我会努力。刚刚受证的锺莉娟师姐分享,印公导师说上人是生生世世前就发了愿要成佛,慈济人也是生生世世前就跟着上人了。我们都忘了两千五百年前,在法华灵山会上许下的愿。上人这一世回来娑婆,是来叫我们回来归队的。我会记住的,今生今世,来生来世,都不会迷路的。

德宣师父说,净心第一,利他为上。净心是内修、是解门、是修慧,利他是外行、是行门、是修福。上人是用生命让弟子成长慧命。惭愧,早上五点起床,还会把闹钟关掉回去睡,错过上人的晨语开示。我发愿会做慈济的累世护法,会努力早起听法。


两位慈小五年级的学生对着上人许下了愿,“我们和师公的缘不尽,师公给我们的法不散。”吾等弟子当谨记,敬请上人莫忧虑。

Friday 28 November 2008

主播忏悔 Confession of a News broadcaster

口说好话,心想好意,手做好事,是何等的重要!

It is very important to speak good words, think good thoughts and do good stuffs!

主播忏悔 - 靳秀丽(作者为慈济大爱台主持人,前东森主播)

二○○七年人力银行针对台湾媒体调查,有八成四的记者想转行。因为媒体生态变质,记者工作越来越没尊严,其中又以电子媒体的文字记者最不快乐。

我个人在两年多前,也因为工作越来越不快乐,终于下定决心离开商业电视台,回归大爱电视台。这当中也是经过一番挣扎,毕竟花花世界多彩多姿,充满诱惑。但是两起新闻事件重重撞击我!

其一是台北捷运车上,一名男大学生对女生毛手毛脚,记者向捷运公司取得画面后,各家新闻频道立即猛播狂播,强力放送。还有主播唯恐观众错过画面,在一小时的新闻里,再重播了一次,并且以“大学生伸出咸猪手”等不堪的言语形容这起事件。第二天这名男大学生被发现在宿舍上吊自杀。

另外一起新闻,则是中部一所国中老师和班上女同学谈恋爱,媒体也是用极其耸动的标题如“夫子与未成年女学生不伦恋”来强化这则新闻的非比寻常。其实这事早已爆发,老师与学生家长已在警局和解,只待时间疗伤止痛。岂知这起旧闻被媒体知道后,再冷饭热炒成重大新闻,无疑是在伤口撒盐,这名老师受不了自责也自杀了!

这两起事件,赔上两条人命;我虽不杀伯仁,伯仁却因我而死。

同样的,今年七月在考试院长提名审查过程中,企业家白文正先生也在媒体的追逐中发出最后的悲鸣,可谓是另一桩媒体杀人事件。媒体杀人或许杀死的不是人命,可能是一个人的慧命,清誉或善念,真的不可不戒慎小心哪!

因此在拜读郑泰安博士新着“媒体与自杀”研究报告指出,媒体密集报导二○○五年倪敏然事件,造成自杀身亡和企图自杀的人数明显增加,也造成忧郁症病人企图自杀的人数明显增加,我深受震撼之程度甚巨。

回想当时,这起新闻被高度聚焦,前后将近三个星期,每天都盘据新闻频道三分之一到四分之一的时段,记者除了巨细靡遗报导,并且被迫要不断发掘或创造新的新闻点,以满足庞大的篇幅需求。我个人在主播台上,一边看着友台的相关报导,转而要求台内采访同仁的报导还要再加料,以求更胜一筹。回想当时的所作所为,原来自己也是共犯集团之一份子,如今深自忏悔,忏悔是提醒自己不二过。

诚如我的师父证严法师提醒从事人文工作者,除了“报”更要“导”报真还要导正导善,让媒体之大用,致力于人文的清流救世!郑先生的研究成果,也才能发挥正面积极的功效!

自由电子报 - 2008年11月2日

Monday 24 November 2008

菩提心要 - 零八年十一月二十三日 Puti - 23 Nov 08

印尼真的是我们的大福田,大家要多用心!

Indonesia is a big field of blessings, everybody must be more mindful!

Sunday 23 November 2008

生日礼物 Birthday gift

正在想如何纪念今年的生日。今天是我的生日,也就是母亲当年的受难日。因此,我用母亲的名义替她向慈济捐了善款。不过,我认为纪念自己出世最好的方法是让别人有一次重生的机会。

Was thinking how to signify my birthday this year. I made a donation to Tzu Chi on my mum behalf as today is her suffering day. However, I believe that the best way to mark my birth of life is to give others a chance of living.

几天前,我到了国大医院的捐血中心,登记为骨髓捐赠者。灵感来自慈济波士顿联络处电邮的美国月刊,刊内报道了一位年轻的慈济人急需合适的骨髓救命。

Hence, I went to NUH blood donation center and register myself as a bone narrow donor. I got that inspiration when Tzu Chi Boston sent me the online magazine published by Tzu Chi New York: Michelle project to help save her life.


如果你还不是骨髓捐赠者,请考虑。救人一命,无损己身,多幸福!

If you are still not a bone narrow donor, do seriously consider. Saving one's life without causing any harm to yourself, how fortunate!

Saturday 22 November 2008

菩提心要 - 零八年十一月二十一日 Puti – 21 Nov 08

恭喜诗白师伯、建发师兄、伦桥师兄、德源师兄、淑蓉师姐、丽珊师姑和鸣凤师姐这几天受证!

Congrats to to Victor SB, Jiuan SX, Lun Qiao SX, De Yuan SX, Jennifer SG, Li Shan SJ and Ming Feng SJ, who will be certified as commissioner in a few days!

Friday 21 November 2008

菩提心要 - 零八年十一月二十日 Puti – 20 Nov 08

真正的快乐,是因为知足。真正的福,是因为心安。生活若简朴,人生就幸福。

True happiness comes from contentment. True Blissfulness comes from a peaceful mind. If we lead a simple way of life, our life will be fortunate.

Monday 17 November 2008

盛港绿化周家庭日 Sengkang Clean and Green Family Day

这篇稿是我和俊伟师兄一起写的,所以没有什么好补充的。只不过,我发现做三合一采访工作,为了不要走宝,整个活动我几乎不是站着就是走着,根本没有机会到一角歇息。

I wrote this article with Jun Wei SX, so I have nothing much to write here. Just one thing, I feel that being a reporter is very tiring. I practically stand and walk throughout the whole event. I cannot take a break and rest at a corner in case I missed something interesting.


我必须开始多运动,不然心想付出,载道器不争气也无法度。

I need to start exercising in order to contribute more for Tzu Chi.

Friday 14 November 2008

菩提心要 - 零八年十一月十三日 Puti - 13 Nov 08

环保法门:第一,训练大家不怕占脏,训练大家不怕辛苦,训练大家没有是非,训练大家身体健康,训练大家把内心的垃圾倒出去,把外面的垃圾分类分好。

Recycling can train us not to be afraid of getting dirty, not to be afraid of hard work, not to gossip, let us become healthier, to clear our troubles as well as rubbish from our heart and get rid of the physical rubbish in our environment.






Wednesday 12 November 2008

菩提心要 - 零八年十一月十一日 Puti - 11 Nov 08


经济不景气,环保回收物的价钱暴跌。不过,上人说,我们环保的努力不能停,还要加快。

With the economic downturn, the prices of recyclable items are in their lowest level. But master say our recycling efforts cannot stop. In fact, it must be expanded.

第一,我们的环保站也是教育站,而教育大众,特别是年轻人,和环保回收一样重要。第二,我们回收的宝特瓶都经过加工改良成毛毯,用于国际赈灾上。至今已制做多过三十万张毛毯,与贫苦大众结了一分很好的缘。第三,环保回收物价钱低,厂商不收,如果我们也不收,可回收的物件很有可能都会成了垃圾,不是掩埋就是焚烧,对全球暖化和污染一点帮助都没有。

First, our recycling center is also an educational center and it is very important to educate everybody, especially our young the important of recycling. Second, our recycled PET bottles are converted into blankets for international relief. Till date, we have manufactured more 30 thousands blankets. There are a lot poor and needy around the whole that need our blankets. Third, with the low resell price, many factories are not buying recyclable items. If we stop collecting, more likely all of the recyclable items will end up as rubbish, either buried or burned, worsening global warming and pollution.

Sunday 9 November 2008

环保大联谊 Gathering of Recycling Volunteers

每一位到过慈济环保点的大德、会员、志工,都受邀请参加环保大联谊。不参加不知道,原来我们的环保志工是如此的多。我准时到静思堂,可是佛堂已经坐满了,只好坐在一楼文化厅。后来大德不断的涌入,志工都移到四楼夹层了。

Everybody who had helped out at our recycling centers is invited to attend today's gathering, volunteers or members or just the general public. It was an interesting gathering. I did not realize that we have such a large group of recycling volunteers. I was just on time, but the main hall was already filled up. Hence I moved to the side hall. After a while, all Tzu Chi volunteers are asked to move to the 4th floor mezzanine level to allow the general public to sit at the side hall. Even at the mezzanine level, volunteers kept streaming in, implying that the flow of general public never stops.


联谊以手语剧“温暖满人间”开场。这首歌我在广惠肇留医院演过无数遍了,可是还是发现国香师姑们表演的好美。自己的表演真的是没得比。

The event started with our sign language performance. The show "warmth around the world" was performed. I was not paying much attention since this song is often played at Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital. But I was surprised at how beautiful the performance was. Our performance at the hospital was nothing compared to them.

今天的联谊也是要向环保志工致谢。我们有一场奉茶仪式,慈济委员和慈诚们为环保志工奉上一杯粗茶以表谢意。

Today gathering is also a form of appreciation for your recycling volunteers. Hence, we had a tea ceremony where Tzu Chi volunteers offered a humble cup of tea to all our recycling volunteers as a simple form of appreciation.


接着是环保志工们的分享。真的很惭愧,因为大多都听过了所以觉得有点枯燥。好在国香师姑出现,我帮师姑数一数四楼夹层有多少位志工、大德和慈青。

This is followed by sharing session of our volunteers regarding recycling and waste reduction in Singapore. Shamefully, I found it to be a bit dry although I got most of the shared information down. Luckily, Guo Xiang SG appeared and I helped her by counting the numbers of Tzu Chi volunteers, general public and Tzu Ching in the mezzanine.

自从我回到新加坡分会,参加三合一的活动多,做环保的时间少。好在自己开始在家里做环保,并发现丢弃的垃圾,几乎都可以环保。

Since I returned to Singapore, my involvement in recycling was minimal since I was busy with 3-in-1 media activities. The other consolidation was that I started recycling back home and found that just at home, almost every rubbish can be recycled.

环保,我知道的很多,做的很少,需要多精进。

I need to contribute more.

Tuesday 4 November 2008

菩提心要 - 零八年十一月三日 Puti - 3 Nov 08

身不带来,死不带去;万般带不走, 唯有业随身。听了那么多,看了那么多,可以体会到观身不净吗?

We bring nothing along when we are born and we carry nothing with us when we die. The nothing thing that follows us is Karma. After listening and viewing so much, have we learned that our body is not clean at all?



Plain Talk 说说而已

It is only after I did recycling and sorting of plastic bags at our recycling center that I realize that it is very important to make full use of every single plastic bag.

我是在慈济环保站做了塑胶袋分类后,还明白延续每一个塑胶袋的物命是多么的重要。

说说而已 - 吴韦材

在北京买东西已习惯自己拎袋子去,回来几天后,每见超市一个接一个塑料袋递过来,那份“大方慷慨”,还真有点啼笑皆非。

我原以为北京对限塑令的执行只是说说而已。却不是的,是真的再也不给塑料袋了。要的话,那就得出钱买。要北京那些大婶大爷出钱已不容易,要他们出钱买塑料袋那简直太对不起钱了。另一个让限塑令之能“成功”执行的原因,是商家们乐得省钱,政府都明文规定限塑了那能省多少啊,绝对支持绝对支持,就连菜市场里那些大哥大姐,理直气壮就把几斤黄瓜用一条绳子绑起来,就是这样了,你要就自己拎回家。

我记得这里好像是逢星期三限塑的,也许我没在星期三到过超市去,直至今天我买什么都还没人“要我自己想法子拿”。

北京限塑后,呵呵,一下子间塑料袋可矜贵了,用掉一个就是少掉一个,要用来装什么,那真要仔细想过才用。我以为只有我这般神经质,结果隔壁文文也一样,我觉得突然间我们都对“矜贵的”塑料袋郑重起来,难道不该郑重些么?以前就因为多的是因此爱扔,爱用,爱丢都悉随尊便,塑料袋能放水也确实有其作用,因此也就尊重它起来,嗯,这个用来丢垃圾太可惜了,别笑,好好洗干净了,晾干了可以用来放海米然后搁在冰柜里,那多好用。人,确实是这样受教育的。以前听我祖母说祖父被日本人抓去三天没吃过东西,放出来回家路上见到沟渠里有米饭,他赶紧抓了藏在怀里拿回家重新用水洗过煮过再吃。

说说是不够的。说说就是说说而已。只有置于死地,才能后生。

还是看到一大把莫名其妙的各类产品包装,层层,套套,瓶瓶,罐罐,故弄玄虚,整个社会搞得就像一家Mall,走到哪里都有人要卖东西给你,而各种要人花钱的名堂都先花钱来大玩色相吸引游戏。物质最终变成垃圾,精力最终变成垃圾,精神也最终变成垃圾。浪费人力和财力,同样是不环保。

其实天天喊环保,并在日用物质上大吹大擂,还是没用的。治标治本是两回事。定的规矩再多,假如没在脑袋里搞好意识,那么一切动作只是样板戏而已

能真正实行环保的人,那首先他必须先懂得爱惜,懂得危机,懂得真实的美。这是基本。很难列出一张清单给一个人,然后对他说你每天检查自己所用的这一切,这一切就是你得去注意的环保项目。那是没用的。

真正懂得爱惜的人,他自然不会浪费一切,一切只要经过他手上的东西他都会真正在乎地去想想它们所有能利用的价值用途。懂得危机的人,会设想到当资源不再的时候会是个怎样可怕的世界,只要还有再循环可能性的,他都会尽力而为之。懂得真实的美的人,他会选择活得很简朴,生活里的一切尽量减少任何不必要的加工,因为他相信越简单越舒服。

别笑,何不这样,就试试做一件很简单的事,今天就用些棉质的旧衣物给自己设计一个购物袋,能洗,能多次翻用,剪裁缝制后剩下来的布碎,还能做成一块吸水性良好的抹布。

觉得很笨是么?因为只需一掏钱出来架子上就有很多购物袋能买是么?那就没办法。

那就只好在名家群集的座谈会上开着空调照着射灯来谈环保了。

难治了。

联合早报 - 2008年11月3日

Monday 3 November 2008

Heart to Heart at Tzu Chi 心莲之约


Nothing to write about this event, because I wrote all that I felt inside the article for Tzu Chi. This is one of the few cases where a single event can be so touching.

没有什么可以再写,因为我的感触已经全部写进稿子里。这是少数让我在一次活动内就深受感动。

Sunday 2 November 2008

Tzu Chi Free Clinic Reopening Ceremony 慈济义诊中心搬迁开幕典礼

The reopening of the Tzu Chi Free Clinic in Redhill is a major event for us. Planning and discussion occurred many months before the actual day. I was not involved as I was not too involved in the medical area. When Peter SX saw me as a guest that day, he reminded me to offer my services in the kitchen next time.

慈济义诊中心迁移到红山是慈济家庭的大喜事,策划和讨论在开幕当天的好几个月前就已经开始了。我对医疗没什么了解,所以没帮上什么忙。不过当Peter师兄发现我没有职务时,好心地建议我下一次到香积组付出。


Tzu Chi free clinic was relocated to Redhill because there is a high percentage of needy elderly living alone in Redhill, one of the oldest estates in Singapore. The Clinic sees its first patient at 3 pm that day, but elderly start streaming in at 2.30 pm.

慈济义诊中心迁移到红山是因为红山是老住宅区,长者居多。义诊中心下午三点才开门,不过下午两点半便有老菩萨前来挂号。


Many Tzu volunteers not tasked with assignments were called to join in as guest. I was one of them, since our staffs were doing the photography. The initial plan was to get at least 500 Tzu Chi volunteers as guest, to represent the Avalokitesvara bodhisattva of thousand hands. I hope we achieved it because I saw a lot of people present that day.

没有任务的慈济人都是佳宾。因为不需要做三合一,我成了其中一位佳宾。分会希望能集合至少五百名志工,形成一尊千手千眼观世音菩萨。希望我们做到了,当天真的很多人。


I am very happy that our free clinic finally reopened, for the good of the needy as well as my recruitment of contributing members. With our free clinic, it is much easier to explain to my friends what Tzu Chi is doing and why we need their donation.

我本身很高兴慈济义诊中心开幕了。为苦难者高兴,也为我更容易劝募感到高兴。我现在可以更容易地向朋友讲解慈济在做什么和你们捐的善款用于何处。感恩。

Thursday 30 October 2008

Just ask and you will get it 伸手就有

It is a sad truth of life and we need to look at the cause rather than the effects. Without her parents giving in to her every request over the past 20 years, she will not be who she is today.

可悲,迷茫的人生。凡夫畏果,菩萨畏因。如果这二十几年来,她的双亲没有答应她所有的要求,她也不会有今天的想法。

伸手就有 - 吴庆康

问:你怎么看新加坡正面临的经济衰退?
答:我知道这件事,但对我没有什么影响。我认为维持目前的生活方式是ok的,我不觉得我过度挥霍。
问:你和同学旅行花多少钱购物?
答:单单购物就$1000 。
问:你用什么名牌?
答:我带$2000的LV包包上课,只用Shiseido化妆品。
问:你的零用钱哪里来?
答:伸手向父母要。
问:你总是用最新款的手机,听说你又想买个最新的手机?$700?不过妈妈已经说不?
答:(笑着)是,不过妈妈一定会买的,因为我的生日要到了。
问:听说你的朋友只剩下$20过完这个月,你认为她不应该做兼职赚钱?
答:(叹息)我觉得朋友考虑做兼职赚钱是很愚蠢的,我不明白为何她不直接伸手向父母要。
问:你3年后会踏入社会工作,你会如何处理第一次拿到的薪水?
答:我会先买一个$4000的Chanel包包,之后我会买更多包包和名表。
问:你很富裕?
答:我们一家四口住在一间四房式组屋。

《海峡时报星期天》做了一篇关于目前糟糕经济的专题报道(10月26日),当中访问了一名20岁的南洋理工大学一年级女学生,以上是我根据报道重建的访问现场。

好羡慕。世界上发生什么事完全左右不了她什么都不必管的心态,有什么物质需要,理所当然开口伸手向父母要。更羡慕的是这女生不过是住在四房式单位的小康之家,但父母从来不会拒绝乖女的要求,可以让她经常出国旅游,买名牌。

最难得的是,她会“饮水思源”,要喝水要吃饭要花钱,不会走其他管道,一定理所当然地直接向父母要。当她知道朋友这个月只剩下$20而打算去做兼职自力更生时,她甚至发扬她独家的"饮水思源"观念,觉得其他朋友钱不够用但不懂得也伸手向父母要钱,是愚蠢的,替她们觉得难过。有这么一个以父母为先、认为爸妈就是金矿银行的女儿,恐怕是今生最大的安慰。

“为什么不向父母要钱?”是她的大问号,也是我的一个大问号。

我不知道我们有多少这样宠爱孩子的父母,不知道有多少抱这种心态的年轻人?我觉得数目不重要,只要有一个这种态度乐观的年轻人,我们恐怕就有难。

钱财未必是生活中最重要的东西,但当你把它培养成是“伸手就有”的观念,即使他日可以通过实际经验把观念改变,也必定是痛苦的调整。当你发现原来并非每个其他人都可以伸手就向父母要东西的现实,你如何处理自己的“惊讶”、“失望”,以及“恐慌”?

我从来不是个计较的人,只要我负担得起,我不介意花费,也可以很大方地买东西给小辈,别人有多少钱要怎么花和我一点关系也没有。

但不知为何,当我读完这篇报道之后,我居然首先觉得羞耻,堂堂大学生,居然把“伸手向父母”当成那么理所当然。情绪沉淀下来之后却觉得有点悲哀,这样的心态和观念,相信也得靠周遭的种种因素配合才会产生吧。

开口/伸手向父母要也不是那么容易的事,要毫无忌讳、完全信任、非常宠爱,亲情要厚要结实,就算这一切都ok,也得照顾一下家底吧?如果有机会,真要请教这个女大学生,要怎样才可以不管世界怎么转,(告诉全世界)伸手要钱时的笑容如何那么灿烂。

联合早报 - 2008年10月29日

Monday 27 October 2008

菩提心要 - 零八年十月二十六日 Puti - 26 Oct 08

只要有心,就能救人;只要清平,就有能力救人。

As long as you are willing, you can help others; as long as you are willing to live a simple life, you will have the capability to help others.



Sunday 26 October 2008

菩提心要 - 零八年十月二十五日 Puti - 25 Oct 08

新加坡的访视个案,好多师姑、师姐和师伯我都认识。感恩大家的付出。

A home visit case from Singapore, I knew most of the SG, SJ and SX. Many thanks to everyone involved.

Thursday 23 October 2008

最近收到的简讯 SMS I received recently

身示教:诲不倦 - 感恩丽珊师姐的分享

有次,德偌师父在割草时突然悟到上人常言:(人要缩小自己)!因为长得太高太突兀的草,就会节外生枝,容易被修掉;逐渐累计了无明习气,就将清静本性层层包裹覆盖。这种习气都不离《贪、嗔、痴、慢、疑》五毒,我们修行,就是要将这些不好的习气一层一层的拔除,要在内心用功,就需要静思。


上人开示语录
- 感恩伦桥师兄的分享

人生的幸或不幸都在于一念心,所以净化心灵是每个人都不可或缺的。净化别人前要先净化自己,净化自己就是时刻把心照顾好,否则一个观念偏差,人生方向也会跟着错。大家要爱惜生命,把生命价值用在利益别人、成就自己的身上,如此运用生命使用权,才是真正有价值人生。


上人开示语录
- 感恩丽珊师姐的分享

人生所为何来?当做何事?心为何以有苦?如何利益大众?人生《几何》学,当自问、当常思。《利》向自己,《害》向别人,贪欲无穷、多用心机,烦恼丛生。事不难,难在心不专、不定,心念起伏,苦不堪言。好命?坏命?不在环境,而在一念心。知足、感恩,守本分、结好缘,就是好命;把握住好心好念,恒持付出,人生意义自然彰显。


上人开示语录
- 感恩丽珊师姐的分享

凡夫众生,孰能无过?我们自蒙蒙无知而至体认世界,不论有心或无心之过错,皆须忏悔。忏悔则清净,清净则能去除烦恼。忏即发露先恶,悔即改往修来。人人皆有良能,能勇于面对现实,忏悔反省,始能自觉错误。进而坦诚告白,誓愿改过,并力行正道,则能明心见性,清净圆满。起心动念无不是业,开口动舌、举手投足无不是业。学佛应慎防过失错误,切莫覆藏罪恶。时时发露忏悔,改过自新,方得自在安然!


上人开示语录
- 感恩伦桥师兄的分享

人生路不会永远平坦,要培养自爱的情操与立志的毅力。立志而不自卑,以没有不可能的心态来自我勉励,就没有什么难关过不去;恒持单纯的观念,不去想我缺什么,以感恩心珍惜拥有的,时时怀抱着《无忧、无求、无怨、无悔》的宽阔心境,人生就能知足常乐。静思语:以单纯的心,做复杂的事。


静思语 - 感恩振泉师兄的分享

愿要大、志要坚、气要柔、心要细。祝福你能在困难中找到自信,在人事中看到优美!


上人开示语录
- 感恩丽珊师姐的分享

人世间有富与贫、福与祸的差别:为何人生有这些差异呢?那是由于各人过去所造的善恶业不同,因果酬报自然也不同。欲知前世因,今生受者是;欲知来世果,今生作者是!可见,我们在日常生活中,举手投足、起心动念,无一不与善恶业相伴随(勿于恶小而为之,莫于善小而不为)。滴水虽微,渐盈大器;不可鄙视自己力薄,凡事不作不为。应发恒常心,奉行诸善,多结善缘,久而久之,自然成就无量功德、智慧、福报。

Monday 20 October 2008

菩提心要 - 零八年十月十九日 Puti - 19 Oct 08

一手动时千手动,一眼观时千眼观。大家要努力,为寒冬里的不幸的人带来一股暖风。

When one hand moves a thousand hands move in harmony, when an eyes see a thousand eyes see in synchrony. Let everybody works hard to give the less fortunate a warm helping in the winter.

Saturday 18 October 2008

菩提心要 - 零八年十月十七日 Puti - 17 Oct 08

见苦、知福、惜福、再造福。

When we see the sufferings in the world, we will know how fortunate we are, appreciate our own blissfulness and work to create happiness for everybody.

Friday 17 October 2008

菩提心要 - 零八年十月十六日 Puti - 16 Oct 08

原来访视的法是上人当年传下来的,要好好的学习。还要守住初发心,童心,努力素食。

Now I realized that the techniques of home visits are handed down from Master herself. I am put in more efforts to learn. At the same time, I must also keep my initial and pure mind intact and work hard towards vegetarian.



菩提心要 - 零八年十月十三日和十四日 Puti - 13 and 14 Oct 08

爱洒的由来,为什么我们要人间菩萨大招生,因为爱的力量还不够。

Why do we go around our community introducing Tzu Chi and encouraging everybody to join us? This is because the influence of good is still not enough.

今天有个奇遇。下午补习结束时,正在安排下一次的补习日期,学生的母亲,陈太太问我是不是很忙,必须先查过记事簿还能定下日期。我回答是,因为慈济刚好有很多活动,便顺手与陈太太结缘了这一期的新加坡慈济双月刊。

I had a pleasant encounter this week. I was giving tuition that day and was fixing the date of the next session with the mother of my student, Mrs Tan. Mrs Tan asked me whether I am very busy this week because I answered her that I need to check my schedule before fixing the next session. I replied her yes, there is a lot of Tzu Chi activities coming along and gave her a copy of our latest Singapore Tzu Chi magazine.

回到家后,接到陈太太的电话。看过月刊后,陈太太想向慈济捐款。我是又惊讶又感动,不知道自己一个不经意的小举动,竟然会有那么好的结果。现在开始,我要时常警惕自己,要随时准备好介绍慈济。

When I reached home that day, I got a call from Mrs Tan. After reading our magazine, she would like to make a donation to Tzu Chi. I was very surprised and grateful for her kind gesture. Now I have to remind myself to be always ready to introduce Tzu Chi whenever the occasions arise.






Thursday 16 October 2008

The rich and poor in Singapore 新加坡的“贵族”与“穷人”

To be the rich among the poor or the poor among the rich, depends on what is your view of life.

做贫中之富还是富中之贫,就要看自己对生命的认同了。

新加坡的“贵族”与“穷人”- 吴韦材

回国正好三天,下机时在机场自动提款机提了500元,自以为能用上好阵子。结果,修理那部久没开机而瘫痪的桌式电脑就用去150元,在交通卡上充值50元,换一个新门锁洗一次窗帘又是100元。

剩下200元我以为能买到不少日用品,结果跑到公认价钱最低廉的超市去,没几样柴米油盐和清洁用品就所剩无几。心里张惶得很,能不能应付这里的物价,竟是这次回来的最大压力。

为校庆我与几位不同年代的校友在外面开小组会议,他们消费虽不尽相同,却都对新加坡的“贵”大吐苦水。50开外的校友说,就不过是周末跟太太孩子到Mall里的美食中心吃个简单午餐,几样东西就50元,还不能算饱。

仿佛这趟回来的最大震撼,是新加坡几乎人人都荣升为“贵族”,但在心理上,也都几乎人人变成了“穷人”。

购物已从“需要”成为习惯

或许我这三天的体验与观察还是片面、表层的。因为大超市里人山人海,推车内不少还是讲究口味讲究品牌的货品。新加坡生活近年益发精致得紧,光看货架展示就一目了然,多遥远空运而来的珍稀式蔬菜,各处进口的风味特色食品都一一增加。

人虽然只有一个头,看看洗头水架子上的琳琅满目,就明白在“贵族”身份与“穷人”感觉之间有着些什么微妙关系。

以前要到市区才感觉新加坡像个shopping mall(购物商场),现在只要随便经过一个地铁站或热闹点的地方,就能感觉整个新加坡就仿佛一个巨型shopping mall。我就感觉身边无时无刻充斥着推销信息,购物似乎已从“需要”提升为“习惯”。

物品的种类不多,但每一种都竞争激烈:知名快餐,风格面包,档次用品,还有全年展开市场争夺战的通讯服务,它们轮番渗透在新加坡人的生活里,形成今天的新加坡式高度生活。我似乎开始明白地铁里那位二十出头的年轻人为什么手里会拿着一个昂贵的名牌手机。或许在整片样样贵的“贵族”洪流里,这就是他唯一能倾尽全力维护的“贵”。

逼着普遍大众而来的大洪流,已经是难以抽身离开的主流,在不得不平衡自己心理的对策下,那就只好在避不开的“贵族生活”里把关注点尽量缩小。

缩小了思维,也就缩小了压力,小小手指能按到高贵的键钮,也就当作是种融入,或许就当是唯一能做到的一点心理平衡,也只能这样来应付新加坡的“贵族式”。

确实,笔者回国就认为有必要马上就把自己归类到穷人领域里,并且以最简单的生活模式进行作息。相信也只有如此,才能在心理上感觉生活得舒服宽敞。

在北京节约没心理障碍

假如光从眼前社会普遍生活模式来看,把生活推到一个消费最低廉的形态上,是逆气候的。但假如整个社会大部分人们都只是以一种生活上的物质档次来评定自己的生活素质,也不见得那就是个进步社会。

在北京我吃了西瓜瓜皮可以炒菜,没心理障碍。一位在上海七年的新加坡执行级,家里用洗澡后的水冲厕,另位在中国十年的新加坡饮食业能人,从没想过买车。生活的价值在于个人取决,受不受波动,自己仍有颇大主宰空间。

鼓励节约似乎是跟社会经济发展背道而驰的。但以新加坡薄弱内需的人口情况而言,也不见得鼓励消费就能撑起整个市面。

笔者仍然相信生活上去到简单不等于就是这里的“穷人”,月入万元有万元的过法,月入千元再困难也得有月入千元的过法,问题在于个别的心理接受能力上,更在于个人对生活素质的着重点上。

界定自己应该由自己来决定,就如生活素质的重点完全能由自己界定一样。是“贵族”是“穷人”只是一种物质档次的界定,假如人容易被这种物质档次界定所左右及影响,笔者认为那是心智尚未成熟的生命价值。

笔者倾向于相信大多数新加坡处处可见的所谓“贵族”,多是一些“自己感觉无奈的贵族”。就如我这几天接触的几位“穷人”,其实他们的收入与物质生活都远远过得比笔者还好。

总结是,在大部分情况下,“贵不贵族”的物质水平其实是自己可以选择的,同样,是不是物质生活简单就归类为“贫穷”也由自己心理素质来作判断。

调整要求重要,但调整心态,更为重要。真没时间调整心态,那就当然很容易想去购物了。

联合早报 - 2008年10月15日

Monday 13 October 2008

盛港爱洒及环保点开跑 The start of recycling point at Sengkang and introducing recycling to the community

盛港环保站十月十二日开跑。为了让附近的居民参与,我们在礼拜一和礼拜四举办了两场爱洒活动。这一回,我负责三合一摄影。

Sengkang has a new recycling point starting on 12 Oct 08. To introduce this event to the community of Sengkang, we had two sessions of "Ai Sa", on Monday and Thursday. This time, I am not directly involved but rather in-charge of photo-taking.


摄影的好处是可以到处走走,观察各位师伯、师姑、师兄、师姐是如何爱洒的,借机会偷偷师。我惊讶地发现,原来洁仪师姐可以和任何人聊天,聊得及长又有趣。我也观察到,大多数人都不想上镜,常常闪避镜头。我只好多用点心,只在大家聊得起兴时,还按下快门。

Photo-taking allows me to move around different groups and observed their respective skills. I am amazed that Jie Yi SJ can strike such a long and interesting conversation with anyone. I also realized that most people are camera shy and I had to be very careful with the camera, taking pictures only in the middle of a conversation when they are more comfortable.



两场爱洒后,回应很好,很多居民表示会到环保点或把可回收物放在门外。可惜的是,虽然我们人多,以及住户少,但还是无法把爱洒进每一户人家。

At the end of two introducing "Ai Sa" sessions, we got plenty of feedback that they will come down to visit our recycling point or leave the recyclable stuffs outside their door. Although it is only a few blocks of flats and we had a lot of people, we still cannot complete every household.



环保日当天,刚开始时有一点慢。礼拜天早上九点,我们便到家家户户提醒和回收环保物件。但是盛港是年轻人居多的组屋区,家庭大多数没有早起。因此,我们其实有点担心反应会不热烈。好在,随着时间的推进,环保站的人潮也渐渐多了。与此同时,志工们也从居民屋里接到不少回收物。有趣和感人的故事很多,我会把俊伟师兄写的稿连接上来。

On the actual day, things started slow. We went around reminding everybody and asked for recyclable stuffs are 9 am on a Sunday morning. Most households were still asleep since Sengkang is young housing estate. We were actually quite worried that response will be poor. Luckily, as time passes, more and more people came over and visit us. At the same time, volunteers managed to get a lot of recyclable stuffs during door to door visits. There are many interesting stories and I will post the link to the story (written by Jun Wei SX) soon.



忙了一个早上,好在大家都是甘愿做,欢喜受,带着满满的法喜回家。

It is a tiring morning, but everybody put in their best effort and left with a happy heart at the end of the morning.

Saturday 11 October 2008

与大家结一份好缘 Constructing a blissful relationship with everybody

第一次听到“结一份好缘”是在做香积时,帮忙曾师兄浸粽子叶。曾师兄告诉我,我正在与慈济的感恩户结一份好缘。九月二十日当天,上完志工早会后,师兄需要人手帮忙排蒲团,我便去和当天下午坐蒲团的师姐和师兄结一份好缘。

The first time I heard the phrase "have a blissful relationship" was when I was helping out at the kitchen soaking dumpling leaves. Zeng SX told me that I am constructing a blissful relationship with all the needy who are going to receive the dumplings. On 20 Sep, after the morning volunteers discussion, a SX need help in arranging the Buddhist hassock. Hence, I went over and help, constructing a blissful relationship with the SJ and SX who will be using the hassock later.



十月一日,我们有访视培训,九月三十日当晚,我也到会所帮忙排椅子,与明天上访视培训的师姐和师兄结一份好缘。

Similarly, on 1 Oct, there is a Home Visit training session. I went over on the evening on 30 Sep to arrange the chairs, constructing a blissful relationship with the SJ and SX who will be attending the training session the next day.

Sunday 5 October 2008

新近及灰衣培训 New and Gray Volunteers Training

一年多后,再一次培训,感觉和上一次没什么两样。说起来惭愧,因为前一晚没有睡好,上课时常常打瞌睡。唯一不同的是,在培训结束后,我成了见习慈诚。没感到什么特别,可能是我在美国时,早在一年前便拿到了见习。不过,还是很高兴,几个月的努力见到的成果。

After more than a year, I attended another volunteers training session back in Singapore. Ashamed to say, I did not sleep well last night and was always nodding off. Everything is mostly the same, except that I became a trainee Tzu Cheng. Did not really feel very excited as I got that status in America a year ago. However, it is still nice to see results after months of involvement.


Friday 3 October 2008

法譬如水2心得 Feeling as watching "The Dharma as Water 2"

法譬如水1说的是因缘果报的运作,以及如何修行才能脱离三恶道,进入天人道和行菩萨道。累生累世种下的三障(烦恼、业、报)只有发露忏悔才能消灭。

法譬如水2说要成正果,必须发七种心:忏悔心、恐怖心、厌离心、发菩提心、怨亲平等心、念报佛心、观罪性空心。

我们要常常有忏悔心,在惭愧中去体会人间无常。我们要起恐怖的感觉,我们如果不能害怕,不能起恐怖,就是过着那种很空洞,不想精进的日子。慚愧心就是,悔悟心、向道心。恐怖心就是,警惕心、无常心。慚愧心由恐怖堕落恶道而发。恐怖心由慚愧做错事情而生。两者是一体两面的。

如果能够起恐怖,六道轮回如此可怕,在凡夫地起心动念,是这么容易错误迷失,所以我们应该要好好厌离。因为这是一个无常的,尤其是造罪,陷阱偏重的地方,所以我们要赶紧厌离。

厌离心起,未觉醒者会嫉恶世间,觉醒者将发菩提心,入菩萨道。佛陀教导我们,要发菩提心的第一个条件开始,我们就要当乐,就是说我们应当从佛身起欢喜心。这个“乐”字就是欢喜。我们看到了佛身,就要很欢喜。

我们要当菩萨,一定要有四心、六度,好好度我们向前行。接下来三十七种规矩和生活方法,就是来帮助、辅助我们。内修四无量心,外行六度波罗蜜,以三十七助道品,坚固四心坚定六度,为菩萨成就佛道之法。

六波罗蜜:布施、持戒、忍辱、精进、禅定、智慧。

只要对人群有帮助,这都叫做布施,这都叫做爱。这都需要长久的时间累积,离不开这种大爱无私的布施。持戒就是止恶防非,恶的境界现前,能有所警觉,犯错能即时忏悔。持戒若没有这分耐力,忍力,其实持戒也难。所以佛陀教我们要守住规戒,能忍得外面种种的欲念诱引。以忍辱之力,作持戒的坚实后盾,才能恒久地戒行清净。尽管我们再怎么累,怎么辛苦,我们还是坚持,这样在精进的道业才不间断。所以忍力的后面,一定是再精进,不能只是固步自封,以为这样就好了。学佛不只是执着在有形象的禅。其实禅无处不在。禅定的意思,就是要我们正念,要时时将我们的心,固定在正确的方向。

说起来它是无形的,但是智慧使我们的人生,是成是败就在这一念。智慧现前时,我们的人生决不会走错路,不知不会走错路,学佛的道路,康庄大道,就能很平坦地让我们走。假使智慧沉落,无明浮现时,那就很危险的坎坷人生。

前面五项就是布施、持戒、忍辱、精进、禅定,这就是身行。但是坚持智慧,静寂清澄,志玄虚漠,就是守住了志玄虚漠,守之不动,这种坚定而去付出,这就是智慧了。以布施开阔心胸,以持戒护道修行,以忍辱坚定意志,以精进步布增上,以禅定持守正念,以智慧明心见性。圆融六度,方能成就佛道。

四无量心:慈悲喜舍。大慈无悔、大悲无怨、大喜无忧、大舍无求。

大慈无悔就是以坚定的毅力,让人人犹得幸福,既使再辛苦也不后悔。大悲无怨就是以坚定的意志,为人人拔除痛苦,即使再辛苦也无怨尤。大喜无忧就是以甘愿欢喜的心,为人人付出,即使再辛苦也不忧虑。大舍无求就是以三轮体空之心,看待一切,即使再辛苦也不多求。

三十七助道品:四念处、四正勤、四如意足、五根五力、七菩提分、八正道分。

四念处是引导人集中之心念,熄灭妄想的四种方法,亦即:观身不净、观受是苦、观心无常、观法无我。

学佛要透彻生命真谛,了悟身是不净物,应从身载道而不障道,为善为恶存乎一念心。烦恼多由感受而生,苦受、乐受都是苦,若能观受是苦,转以知足、感恩、善解、包容,四法对治,就能转苦为乐。人心念头迁变无常,不应为变动的外相起烦恼,了悟观心无常,就能立下深弘誓愿,为众生甘愿付出。世间物质,缘聚而生,缘散则灭,若能透彻万法无我,就能将心念,安住于道法中。

四正勤是已生恶令断、未生恶令不生、已生善令增长、未生善令速生。

恶的方面我们要很谨慎,不要让它生起。善的方面我们要很努力,赶快令其成就。这就是四正勤简单的解释,也是在我们的生活中做得到,而且要提高警觉的。

四如意足亦称四神足,足为所依之义,如意为所愿皆随,谓所修之法如愿满足:欲如意足、念如意足、进如意足、慧如意足。

时时发心立愿,努力精进向前,欢喜自在付出,即是欲如意足。发心立愿,心常住真理中,念念清净无烦恼,既是念如意足。方面正确,勇往精进向前,不懈怠,不间断,就能撤见光明真理,即是精进如意足。人人本具清净本性,若能启发智慧,就能离开杂念妄想,即是慧如意足。

五根:信根、精进根、念根、定根、慧根。五力:信力、精进力、念力、定力、慧力。

修道者依次五根,则道心不失。五根坚固则五力增长,能除一切障。根与力不能分开,信根、精进根、念根、定根、慧根与力都要平行。信根增长为信力,能破诸邪信。精进根增长为精进力,能治身心懈怠。念根增长为念力,能除邪念。定根增长为定力,能破诸乱想。慧根增长为慧力,能破三界迷惑,生起清净智慧。

七菩提分:择法菩提分、精进菩提分、喜菩提分、轻安菩提分、念菩提分、定菩提分、舍菩提分。

第一就是择法菩提分,就是以智慧选择法。世间有很多人认定的道理,到底我们要选择什么样的道理,才真正是我们要走的路呢?所以选择道理实在是很重要。第二就是精进菩提分,精进就是勇猛。我们既然选择了,这条正确的道路,我们一定要步步前进。不要只是说,我就是选择了这条路,就站在那里。你的方向既然对了,我们就要以勇猛的心力,向前开步走去要有勇猛心。接下来第三就是喜菩提分,喜就是欢喜。我们若能经常得善欢喜,有很多人在工作,辛苦了,不过我们很欢喜。做对的事情,就觉得我这样的举动,就是在帮助人。这种内心所得到的欢喜。再来是轻安菩提分,也就是要轻安自在。人生本来就是苦不堪言,在凡夫地,哪一个人没有烦恼,尤其是有些人的苦难层层叠叠,这叫做粗重烦恼,很粗重的烦恼。时刻观念正法,心定而慧生,称为念菩提分。念如果在法上,我们的心就稳定了。心住一境,遇种种缘而不散乱,不生烦恼妄想,称为定菩提分。舍就是舍离一切虚妄的法。各位,世间无常,既然是无常,哪一样是常的呢?哪一样是永久的呢?将人间当作修行道场,舍离一切虚妄烦恼,力行正法而得清净,称为舍菩提分。

正道者,可令众生苦集永尽,达于涅磐寂静的圣贤境界,故八正道亦称八圣道。八正道:正见、正思维、正语、正业、正命、正精进、正念、正定。

我们学佛不能没有正见。我们见解若是偏差了,方向有一点错误,正就会反为邪。所以我们一念差,方向一点错误,就变成邪知邪见。第二就是正思维。我们要好好用心,日常生活中对人对事,或是处在这个境界等等,我们必定对周围的境界,人事物要有很细心地思维。我们若是正确的观念思想,就能正语。开口动舌能造福人群,能去除人人心中的烦恼,能导正人心。再来就是正业。正业就是要有正当的行为。一切行为举止,皆是清净无邪,自利利他,即谓之正业。具足正业,则身业清净。再来就是正命,正命就是我们的生命。依正法活命,从事正当的职业,用正确的方法,来求取生活所需,即谓之正命。精,就是不杂。进,就是不退。修行不但要精进,还要知见正确,才不会偏差为邪。所以修行学佛,要有正精进,才能证得无上正等正觉。正念若不具足,向前前进就会偏差,所以我们一定要有很正确的观念。于事上只生善念不起恶心。于理上修一切善不执一切善,由有念归于无念即是正念。把心顾好,不受欲念所引诱,不被烦恼所染着,即是正定。

所以我们必定要把四心六度,三十七助道品,一路下来常乐我净。所以修行,我们不要去执着有,凡夫四倒:无常执常、无乐执乐、无我执我、无净执净。我们也不可以去执着无,二乘四倒:常计无常、乐计非乐、我计非我、净计不净。凡事的境界,都不执着于我们的心。这样就对了,这样我们就能得到萨婆若果。我们如果都看得很清楚,获得一切种智之后,净佛国土就能成就众生。

学佛,其实很简单。就是能守住佛陀的教法,依教奉行,入众生群中。我们要用这份大我无私的爱去付出,就是这样了。

上面一段是教我们,如何付出的方法:四心六度三十七助道品和舍身命财。再来我们待人接物要怨亲平等,不可以有人我相,不可以有人我对立。我们在这之中要起三种心。一种就是叫做平等心,不要执着,不要有怨,不要有亲,不要有怨亲。第二我们要有孝顺心,人人如果都是我们的父母,是不是都要孝顺呢?第三种叫做慈悲心,希望众生人人幸福,不忍心众生有人受苦难。平等心、孝顺心、慈悲心,三心具足就能做到,怨亲平等,无分别心。

再来是念报佛恩。把握此生,勇猛精进旱涝忍苦,启发慧命成就道业,就是上报佛恩。报恩很重要,我们如果没有报恩心,就无法体会我们的慧命从何而起,就无法真正为我们的慧命,来完成三宝的志业。我们若能依教奉行,这就算是报三宝恩,报佛恩。

最后佛陀说罪无自性,不是说犯罪的人永远都带着这个罪,而是只要你改罪一样会消。学佛,我们要知道因缘果报。其实罪性本空,但是就是因缘会合。我们要常常警惕,将恶缘和我们不定的因隔离。

终结:

众生多有心病,贪、嗔、痴三障生出八万四千尘劳烦恼,该如何洗?当以七等心自我忏悔:忏悔心、恐怖心、厌离心、发菩提心、怨亲平等心、念报佛心、观罪性空心,其中以发菩提心最重要。如何发菩提心?首先要乐佛身,见到佛的法身要心生欢喜;接着以六波罗蜜:布施、持戒、忍辱、精进、禅定、智慧,度过烦恼的千尺大浪;而四无量心:慈悲喜舍:大慈无悔、大悲无怨、大喜无忧、大舍无求,是行菩萨道不能或缺的力量;三十七助道品:四念处、四正勤、四如意足、五根五力、七菩提分、八正道分,则是令修行者坚定向前的方便法。有了以上种种发菩提心的方法,定能在菩萨道上精进向前。而菩萨道的终点即是净佛国土,无非是要人们求得萨婆若果,也就是一切圆融的智慧,放下常乐我净的执著,从凡夫地度过重重烦恼大浪,到达佛土彼岸。

菩提心要 - 零八年十月二日 Puti - 2 Oct 08

慈济环保的起源,是五位家庭主妇发的愿,不愧是“一粒米中藏日月,半升锅里煮山河”,真是“一手一手,百手千手”。

The origin of Tzu Chi recycling program started from 5 housewives, fully deserving the notion that " encompassing the sun and moon in a single grain of rice as well as cooking our whole world in half the pot", achieving the true value of "when one hand moves, the hands from all over the world move in response".

Thursday 2 October 2008

访视培训 Home Visits Training

今年度第二次访视培训在十月一日举行,取名“感恩,尊重,让爱循环”。

The second Home Visits Training of the year was held at our branch on 1 Oct 08, titled "Gratitude, respect and let our love cycle all around".

培训以观看上人于三月八日开示的《纳履足迹》为开场,鼓励大家把“菩萨的人间”改成“人间的菩萨”,“只要有爱,一定有力量”。

The event started with watching a movie clip of Master's teaching, encouraging us to change our world from the world belonging to Bodhisattvas to the world filled with Bodhisattvas. As long as there is love, there is the strength to achieve it.

接着是访视志工分享上关于爱之病课程的心得。全球有大约六千五百万爱之病患,其中两千五百万已经往生,在世的有四千万。在新加坡,有大约两千八百位爱之病患,九成半通过性交染病。访视志工分享,爱之病只通过性交、输血、共用针筒和母子垂直方能传染。其实,爱之病因为不在空中传染,再可怕也没有沙斯可怕。爱之病患很多都充满着愤怒、恐惧、焦虑和不安。访视志工的角色是帮助、鼓励和教育他们以正确的心态面对人生。

This is followed by a talk given by our volunteers who attended a course on Aids, sharing with us the facts of Aids and how to communicate with Aids patients. There are 65 millions people infected with HIV, of which 25 millions are dead and 40 millions are alive. There are roughly 2800 HIV positive patients in Singapore, 95% of them contracted HIV via sexual interactions. Our volunteers shared with us that HIV can only spread through sexual intercourse, blood infusion, needle sharing and mother to child. Actually, Aids is not as terrible as Sars since it does not spread through the air. Many Aids patients are full with anger, fear, anxiety and depression. What we should do is to provide help, encouragement and educate them to face their life with a positive attitude.

再来,祖慧师姐向大家分享访视志工应该熟悉的各项法律条款。熟悉的目的不是要我们鼓励感恩户运用这些条款,而是希望我们在关怀时能有备无患。

Next, we had Zu Hui SJ sharing with us various laws that we have to be familiar with during Home Visits. The idea is not to educate our needy families to make use of those laws but to let us know what we can do if the worst does occurred.

分享了那么多,大家小修一下,到一楼喝茶享用点心。我这时还发现原来访视志工是队伍浩荡长。

We had a break after all the sharing and I was amazed to realise that we had a very strong team of Home Visits volunteers.


小修之后,观看上人三月二十一日开示的《人间菩提》。上人向大家说了阿桃师姑的故事。阿桃师姑一生坎坷,不过却始终行在菩萨道上,发挥人生的良能。

After the break we watched another Master's teaching about a volunteer who faced all her challenges in life and lives her life to the fullest.

过后,轮到培训中最精彩的部分,四位访视志工的心得分享。第一位育瑾师姐分享一户三兄妹的故事。三兄妹都年过七十,未娶未嫁,每一天以六至七元买罐头为三人解决三餐。丽姗师姐则是发露忏悔,向大家分享自己如何在成为访视志工后改变人生。我们对自己家人大多更苛刻,但是既然能爱老菩萨,为什么不可以对自己家人更好?我们要反省,自己有没有做的不够好?

Next, we had the most interesting part of the whole training. 4 of our volunteers shared their experience with us. The first volunteer, Yu Jin SJ told us of the story of 3 brothers and sister who lived together. All of them were over 70 and single, surviving on $6-$7 dollars daily for 3 meals for 3 people. Then, Li Shan SJ, shared with us her own changes after going for home visit. She shared with us that we normally treat our own family strictly. But if we can love the needy from our home visit, why are we unable to treat our own family better? We have to ask ourselves, are we doing enough for our family?

培训以执行长济雨师伯的分享和解答结束。济雨师伯问我们,济贫济了那么久,有没有济自己的贫。如果心中法不够,就要往外求。行在慈济菩萨道上,籍事练心,不能只做自己喜欢的事。

The session concluded with our CEO Ji Yu SB sharing with us his experience and answering our questions. He asked us to think after helping all the needy families, did we help our own needy heart? Furthermore, walking the path of Tzu Chi, we cannot just do whatever we like, but rather should do whatever Tzu Chi can offer.

我以这一句话,结束了当天的访视培训 。

I ended the session with this note.

Sunday 28 September 2008

视讯连线志工早会 Linking up online during Volunteers Discussion

回到新加坡后,我开始在每个礼拜六早上参加志工早会。会所只在礼拜六与花莲通过网路连线。

After returning to Singapore, I started attending the Volunteers Discussion with Master every Saturday morning, the only day our Singapore branch connects with Hualian via internet.

我在花莲时,天天都参加志工早会,受益匪浅,有机会听到志工们的心得分享并向他们学习。与此同时,还有机会多了解慈济全球的活动。

I attended this Volunteers Discussion everyday when I was in Hualian and found that it is very useful, giving me the chance to hear volunteers shared their experience and learn from them. At the same time, I understand more about Tzu Chi activities all over the world.

九月六日,一早起来,懒洋洋的,就告诉自己既然下午会到会所捐血,不如志工早会就不参加了。好在又告诉自己,都起身了,在洗脸了,就因该参加。心念一转,让我有机会听到如此感人的故事。

On 6 Sep 08, I woke up and was feeling lazy, telling myself that since I am returning to our branch in the afternoon for blood donation, maybe I can skip the morning Volunteers Discussion with Master. Then another thought told me that since I am already awake and brushing my teeth, I should just attend it. That was a brilliant change of mind,that gave me the chance to listen to such a touching story.

一位花莲慈院的医生分享治疗一位病人的经历。因为病人病得太重无法说话,加上病症与常见的病症又不符合,导致确定病因的过程困难从从。不过,最终医生还是把病因确定,把这罕见的病读根治,救了病人的生命。

A doctor in Hualian hospital was sharing the experience of treating a patient. He had a hard time diagnosing the cause of the illness, partly because the patient cannot speak due to the illness and the symptoms are inconsistent with the common illness. Eventually, the doctor determined the rare cause and saved the patient life.

因缘不可思议之处是,病人的父亲,黄老居士,是我们慈济的恩人。

The interesting part of the story is, the father of the patient is a benefactor of Tzu Chi.

德慈师父常与我们分享慈济的起源。刚开始建精舍时,上人向银行了贷款。德慈师父因而下田种米还贷款。不过,由于经验不足,肥料下得过多,导致稻米发黄、枯死,剩下的米谷也不饱满。背负着银行贷款,慈济草创时期,真的是克苦克难。

De Ci shifu often shared with us the story of Tzu Chi. When we first started building the Abode, Master took a bank loan (the first and only time). De Ci shifu was working on the field, growing rice to sell to repay the loan. However, due to inexperience, she overdosed the field with fertilizer and most of the rice plants died and the grains were of very poor quality. This point of time, with an outstanding loan, can be considered a tough time for Tzu Chi, especially when we were just starting operation.

这时,黄老居士,挺身而出,把剩下不饱满的米谷以饱满米谷的价钱,全买下。

Mr Wang, the father of the patient, stepped in and bought the rest of the remaining poor quality grains at the price of good quality grains.

此恩此德,德慈师父常记于心。当德慈师父不经意在慈院见到黄老居士的儿子入院时,便拜托医生好好的照料。得知病情康复,德慈师父倍感欣慰,认为慈济报了当年的恩德。

De Ci shifu remembered this act of kindness deeply. When she happened to saw Mr Wang's son in our hospital, she told the doctor to take good care of him. When she got the news that Mr Wang's son was saved, she is glad that we repaid the act of kindness.

上人听了之后,表示菩提林是前人种下,后人乘凉。

When Master heard the story, her comment was forefathers' kindness can bring good fortunate to their families.

的确,当年如果德慈师父卖不出那不饱满的米谷,银行和肥料的贷款会是慈济发展的绊脚石。今时今日,也不知道花莲有没有慈院。

Indeed, if De Ci shifu is unable to raise any money from the sale of the poor quality grains, the bank loan and the fertilizer loan will be a big blockage to our development. I seriously do not know whether it is still possible for Tzu Chi hospital to be standing in Hualian now.


Saturday 27 September 2008

独居老人关怀日 Elderly Care Day

九月二十一日是独居长者关怀日。当天我很忙,忙着观察,以好落笔。我是当天的笔耕,文章应该会在不久的将来上网。

The Elderly Care Day happened on 21 Sep. I was very busy observing and trying to come up with something to write. Yes, I am tasked to write an article for this event, which I believed will be posted online soon.

当翠莲师姑希望我做关怀日的笔耕时,我决定试试看。关怀日当天,三合一志工坐下来讨论,翠莲师姑问我对节目流程的最初印象。我答说:方言,很多方言,整个节目都是方言。就这样,方言成了文章的主题。摄影志工锦辉师兄接着说,关怀日也是摄影班的毕业圆缘主题。因此,摄影也成了方言之外的另一个题材。

When Cui Lian SG asked me to write this article, I decide to give it a try. During the actual day, we had a discussion and when Cui Lian SG asked me what is my first impression of the program after reading through the program sheet, my answer was that there was a lot of dialects involved. This became the topic of my article. Jin Hui SX, who is in-charge of photography, further added that this event is also the graduation topic of our photography class. That became the minor topic.


关怀日当天的状况,我并不时分了解,正忙着访问老菩萨、慈济志工和摄影班的成员。翠莲师姑向我推荐了不少能成为题材的人,而我也一一向他们访问。锦辉师兄也忙着向我访问的对象取景。

What happened during the whole event, I do not have a clue. I was listening to the various dialects being used and interviewing the elderly, Tzu Chi volunteers and members of the photograph class. Cui Lian SG introduced me to the various people which may be interesting for me to interview. Jin Hui SX was trying very hard to get the pictures of them for the article as well.

访问和摄影后,我一时间不知如何动笔,如何把方言和摄影连贯起来,如何结尾。开头我已经在当天早上观察慈济志工时,从志工的忙碌身影中取得灵感。

After all the interviews and all the pictures taken by Jin Hui SX, I was at a lost wondering how to link the dialects section with the photography class and how to end the article. I got the introduction during the morning of the event when I observed every Tzu Chi volunteers hard at work.

礼拜一很快就过了。我把文章的草稿写了出来,不过也只是把访问内容记下。就在礼拜二,我在广惠肇留医院摄影和录影时,发现按下摄影机的快门会发出声响,便把声响与方言连接在一起。

Monday went by without a clue. I got the draft of the article out but it was mainly penning down the interviews on paper. During Tuesday, at Kwong Wai Shui Hospital, I was taking pictures and movie clips when I realise that camera gave a noise when we push the shutter. That is the link, from sound to dialects.


与此同时,看见Peter师兄对着一位老菩萨唱着福建歌曲时,我找到了我的结尾。在广惠肇,每一位慈济志工都用方言与老菩萨沟通。就算是用方言,志工也必须花上好几年方能与老菩萨交心。舍了方言,是完全无法与老菩萨交谈的。

At the same time, I was looking at Peter SX singing a Hokkien song to a elderly when I realised how to end the article. Everywhere in Kwong Wai Shui, Tzu Chi volunteers were talking to the elderly in dialects and it was after many years before we are finally able to befriend them, talking about their personal life. Without dialects, there is no way you can talk to them.

因此,我的结尾是:方言是通往老菩萨内心深处的钥匙。

That is it, dialects is the key into the inner heart of elderly. With that I got my conclusion.

Tuesday 23 September 2008

菩提心要 - 零八年九月二十二日 Puti - 22 Sep 08

庸医不如名医,名医不如良医。

A well-known doctor is better than a lousy doctor, but a doctor who good conscience is better than a well-known doctor.

Saturday 20 September 2008

菩提心要 - 零八年九月十九日 Puti - 19 Sep 08

做好事不能少我一人,做坏事不能多我一人。

Include me in doing good deeds; exclude me in evil deeds.





Thursday 18 September 2008

Trip back to Kwang Wai Shui Hospital 返回广惠肇留医院

I returned to Kwang Wai Shui Hospital on 29 Jul 08. Kwang Wai Shui is the place where I first started my charity activities with Tzu Chi.

我在七月二十九日回到广惠肇留医院,我开始参加慈济活动的起点。

Many things had changed over the course of a year. Guo Xiang SG is no longer in charge, passing the baton over to Ming Feng SJ. Some of the elderly passed away, some moved, some new faces appeared.

一年过去了,人事已非。国香师姑不再是领队,改为鸣凤师姐带领。一些老菩萨往生了,一些老菩萨搬走了,一些新的老菩萨出现了。

Looking at all the elderly, I recalled all their suffering, the lost of limbs, the lost of mobility, the lost of privacy. They are not speaking or making any sounds but teaching me an important lesson of life.

看着老菩萨,我回想起他们的痛苦,截止之痛、行动不便之痛、失去隐私之痛。老菩萨正在为我无声地说法。

I realised that I have forgotten how fortunate I am.

我发现我忘了我其实是多么的幸福。

Tuesday 16 September 2008

菩提心要 - 零八年九月十五日 Puti - 15 Sep 08

人月两团圆。

Celebrating Mid-Autumn festival with TIMA members.

Saturday 13 September 2008

大爱之夜 Night of Great Love

大爱之夜是我家人参与的第一场慈济活动。当我把大爱之夜的手语、戏剧和歌舞节目对祖父母讲解后,他们终于答应参加。

This event is the first event I managed to get my family members to attend. My grandparents agreed to attend when I explained that it is all about sign language, drama, songs and dances.

开场并没有处理的很完美。场地还没有准备好,以至大家都挤在窄小的入口处。不少老菩萨,包括我祖父母,已经开始埋怨站到脚都酸了。

The opening was not very well planned. The hall was not ready and everybody was queuing up at the narrow entrance and many elderly (including my grandparents) were complaining that they were tried from all the standing.


当晚的节目可以在以下的网页读到。令我惊讶的是,济雨师伯与大家分享,新加坡是唯一有慈济据点而观看不到大爱电视的国家。

What actually happened during our Night of Great Love can be obtained at the link below. I was very surprised when Ji Yu SB told us that Singapore is the only country with Tzu Chi branches but unable to receive Da Ai TV.
http://www.tzuchi.org.sg/news/culture/2008/20080912.html

好在,大爱之夜圆满落幕,祖父母最终很满意,也欣赏地很尽兴。祖母十分喜欢慈济志工的笑容和合掌鞠躬。祖父则喜欢首首福建歌曲。祖父母隔天还高兴地和家里分享当晚的经历。

Luckily the show was very successful and my grandparents at the end of it were very happy and enjoyed themselves totally. My grandmother was particularly pleased with the smiling Tzu Chi volunteers and their bowing. My grandfather loved the Hokkien songs. Indeed, they shared their experience with my family the very next day.

希望不久的将来,祖父母能成为慈济大家庭的一分子。

Hopefully, eventually, they will be part of our Tzu Chi big family.

Friday 12 September 2008

No killing 不杀生

I remember before going to Hualian, Jiuan SX told me that we are not supposed to kill any living things in the Abode. Personally, I saw a SB in Abode capturing a bug inside Guan Yin Hall and bringing it outside to the garden.

记得回花莲之前,建发师兄告诫我不可以在精舍杀生。我也亲自看见师伯把在观音殿里捉到的小虫带到花园外放生。

Back in Singapore, I took up this practice and try not to kill any bugs or ants.

回到新加坡,我也以师伯为榜样,不杀小虫或蚂蚁。

There is an occasion where I manage to catch an ant inside my bedroom on a piece of paper and brought it outside to the garden. I told the ant "you are lucky that I have decided not to kill you, do remember your debt to me". Then I realise that my thinking is wrong. I gave the ant a bow and corrected myself "thank you for giving me a chance to perform an act of compassion".

有一次,我在睡房里用白纸捉到了一只蚂蚁,并把它带到花园外。我告诉蚂蚁“你今天很幸运我决定不杀你,以后要记得报恩”。想想却觉得我的想法不对,赶紧给蚂蚁行了个礼,改口说“感恩你今天让我有机会起慈悲心”。

That will be my future thinking with respect to the first precept of Buddhism.

从今以后,我将以这种心态奉行佛门第一戒 。

Thursday 11 September 2008

垃圾欲望 Rubbish Desires

环保的五‘R’概念的第一‘R’就是‘重新细考’,我们到底需不需要这么多东西?

The first ‘R’ in the 5 ’R’s to save the earth is “Rethink”. Do we really need all these stuffs?

垃圾欲望 –吴庆康

我知道有很多人在iPhone推出的时候都跑去排队,一些朋友对iPhone更是毫无概念,一点都不晓得原来这款手机根本不能录像,还想有了iPhone之后可以拍摄很多Video。

对于其他的功能和没有的功能,当然也所知不多。

可见有多盲目。

但这正是现代商品的魅力,一些经大事报道成为Icon的产品,小至iPhone,大至汽车或产业,都可以成为有能力者不必要但想要而最终得到的东西。

我们生活中囤积了太多这类欲望垃圾,而正是这些垃圾欲望主宰了我们生活的上下左右。

很多时候我们以为拥有了最新科技和最新的时尚品,但事实上是这些科技产品和时尚品拥有我们,我们只不过是越来越受牵制的奴隶。

我常常看着我的“储藏室”(也就是住家的不同角落)摇头,里头堆满了这些年来拥有过的数不尽的东西,有些科技玩具连包装纸都还没拆开,有些衣服从来没有穿过,有些鞋子两三年来从未踏出家门半步。

完全没有处理的头绪,也不懂该如何下手,于是就这样储存着,箱子越来越多,空间越来越少,但丝毫不能阻止我继续将“储藏室”空间填满的冲动。

因为我还是有很多垃圾欲望。

虽然这些年垃圾欲望已经大幅度减弱,但每次只要有科技或时尚新品出,总是会心动,而每次出国只要空手而回,总会觉得少了一些什么,有点不舒服,所以选择用数码相机作为代替,走到哪里就snap到哪里,至少在记忆卡中有了在国外不同城市的纪录,心理舒服一点。

回头认真想想,生活中的垃圾欲望和欲望垃圾何其多,很多都是没必要的。

你需要有blog吗?你真有那么多心声/心情需要倾诉或分享,而别人的回应对你而言真那么重要吗?你需要在Facebook有那么多朋友吗?你真觉得这样就是交游广阔相识满天下吗?

你需要1000万像素的数码相机吗?你真有那么多的生活点滴需要如此高像素的纪录吗?你需要时速200公里的汽车吗?你真的那么紧张地分秒必争吗?

你需要LV、Gucci、Prada吗?你真觉得花上万元买一个包包是值得的吗(虽然你买得起)?你需要每个周末晚上都在时尚场合出现和只懂面孔不懂名字的所谓朋友拥抱轻吻吗?你真觉得这样就有life吗?

不过是看你如何定义生活,怎样“诠释”垃圾欲望。

即使是终身大事。

相亲突然成了国家大事,我们可以理解“家长”的忧虑,种种现代红娘的穿针引线也很有心思,看到那么多单身人士的父母花钱出席相亲大会的那种兴奋和热忱,就知道大家都迫切地希望可以撮合姻缘。

但如果你对爱情/婚姻的概念只是为了有一个人在你身边帮忙打点生活琐事/出门时比较“好看”/有人问起时有得“交代”,以及最后可能可以“顺便”传宗接代,这个不论是相亲而来或花钱从国外“入口”的完全不相识的人,最终也不过是你的垃圾欲望之一,和其他用钱买得到的欲望垃圾品没有两样。

垃圾欲望若静下心或许可以沉淀,但到了手的欲望垃圾,很容易成为没有必要,甚至是不公平的浪费。

联合早报 - 2008年9月10日

菩提心要 - 零八年九月十日 Puti - 10 Sep 08

从上人发愿建医院,到慈济医院落成,到成立慈济医学院,到改组成慈济大学,到捐大体成为“无语良师”,到全球首创模拟手术室,慈济的确是大家的心血和努力的成果。

From the moment Master made a vow to build a hospital to the successful completion of Tzu Chi Hospital to the building of Tzu Chi Medical College to its upgrade to Tzu Chi University to encouraging Tzu Chi volunteers to donate their body for medical teaching to the world-first simulated operation theatre, Tzu Chi is without any doubts, the work and sweat of everybody.

Tuesday 9 September 2008

希望小学的希望 Hope from School of Hope

见苦、知福、惜福、再造福。

When you see the hardship in life, you will know how fortunate you are and learn to appreciate what happiness you already have. Hopefully you will start to make the world a place filled with happiness.

希望小学的希望 - 林弘谕

浙江省淳安县的一所“希望小学”。

210多个孩童中,160多个住校,其余的住在学校附近的小村小山,每个星期得搭半个小时车程,再步行两个小时才能到学校,星期五回家,星期天回校,周而复始。

耳朵上插根烟的年轻校长说,原本有260多个学生的,其中40多个突然在今年开学时“不见”了,他们的父母也没交代,退学手续也没办,大概是跟着讨生活的父母到其他工作的地方求学去了。

这也好,走出去就有路。

住校的孩子,42个男生挤在一个放置21张双人床的狭小房间里,女生幸运一点,一个房间睡26个人,13张双人床,欢笑满屋。这些孩子的心中,应该把房间的窄小当是理所当然的一件事。

我的两个孩子看了,默默无语,勉强的笑意中带点惊讶,永远也无法想象兄弟俩小时候同样睡双人床上下铺,在同一个房间里还嫌挤的情况,那是多大的福气!


食堂太小,根本容纳不下这么多孩子。操场太大,一个篮球架显得孤零零。图书馆太简单,四五个书橱,就构成一室书香。师长休息室,一个破旧沙发,一架电视机,住校教师就这么过了无数个夜晚。

多功能课室里,摆放着许多木桌椅,相当残缺,校长说,这些都是别人不要的,因为还可以用,就都搬来学校里。

老二悄悄问我:“为什么没有air-con?”

……

另一间是电脑室,至少有二十台电脑,最名副其实。校长挺兴奋的,至少学生们拥有一点先进科技。

由于学校太穷,无法提供膳食,学生自己得从家里带足白米和菜干等来校;六七岁的小不点就得学着在写着名字的饭盒里洗米,然后放进用树干生火的巨型炉子里蒸饭来吃。没人帮,更没有荷包蛋吃。

一个刚毕业就被派来教书的20来岁男老师,看起来像学生们的大哥哥,在教员室里准备教材,他说,这里还好,正在习惯着这样的生活,然后聚精会神地投入书本中。我想,他和学生们应该有“同一个世界,同一个梦想”,等待机会到来的那一天。

校长说,学校里多数是上了年纪的老师,因为没人要来这种穷乡僻壤,担心把前途给“窝”走了!看到一些教导高年级学生的老师们,我读小学的一个个画面映现在眼前:当时,我的老师也是五六十岁,同样用心地教导我们,每天热情不减。

离开学校,上了旅游巴士,从另一个团友Mary的口中得知,这些孩子一个星期才冲一次凉……

联合早报 - 2008年9月8日

世界粮食计划署发言人保罗里斯利:通货膨胀 粮食救济雪上加霜 World Food Programme speaker Paul Risley: Inflation hurting food aid

谁知盘中餐,粒粒皆辛苦;希望大家多克己复礼,多惜福。

Every grains of rice are precious, please curb back on unlimited desires and do not waste food.

世界粮食计划署发言人保罗里斯利:通货膨胀 粮食救济雪上加霜 - 杨全龙

全球有5800万名儿童在饥饿边缘挣扎,平均每六秒就有一名孩童死于饥饿和营养不良

目前,来自80个国家和地区的超过9000万人得依赖世界粮食计划署的援助。但是,世界粮食计划署发言人保罗·里斯利指出,这两年来的通货膨胀,却让这个全球最大规模的人道援助组织,救济路途雪上加霜。

每年,全球有1000万人死于饥饿和营养不良。环球饥饿危机超越了战争和艾滋病,成为人类首号杀手。

联合国的世界粮食计划署(World Food Programme)1960年设立后,向有需要的国家和难民供应粮食。目前,来自80个国家的超过9000万人得依赖世界粮食计划署的援助。

但是,这两年来的通货膨胀却让这个全球最大规模的人道援助组织面对前所未见的危机。

世界粮食计划署发言人保罗·里斯利接受本报专访时说,物价高涨,导致所需援金翻倍,让粮食救济的路途雪上加霜。但是,通货膨胀也带来意想不到的机会,让来自新加坡这样的先进国家人民,深切体会粮食短缺的危险性。

宣扬关注环球饥饿危机

来自美国华盛顿的保罗·里斯利(Paul Risley)两年前加盟世界粮食计划署(简称世粮署)出任亚洲区域传讯顾问兼发言人后,参与世界各地许多的粮食援助计划,包括今年缅甸风灾和朝鲜旱灾的大型援助行动。在这之前,47岁的里斯利也曾参与联合国在利比亚、波斯尼亚的维和行动。

他这次来新,除了与有关当局探讨在新加坡设立世界粮食计划署据点的可行性,也借此机会宣扬关注环球饥饿的危机。

里斯利说,环球饥饿已经从“无声的威胁转化为怒哮的危机”,而通货膨胀是罪魁祸首。

他指出,世粮署60年代由几个拥有大量粮食储备的国家发起组织,主要用这些储备来拯救各地饥民。现在,这些国家当中,几乎没有一个有显著储备,世粮署因此被迫在公开市场购买救济粮食。

“食物价格大幅度膨胀,油价上扬提高运输开支,导致我们的预算也大大增加。今年,要为9000万人提供粮食救济,需要60亿美元,比去年的31亿美元翻了一倍。”

食物涨价将是长远问题

世粮署今年购买粮食的开支达到6亿美元,比去年增加了三成,是历来最多的一次。此外,粮食货源也日渐短缺。

“我们原本在柬埔寨和三家供应商签约购买粮食,但他们为了赚取更高利润而先后毁约,转而把粮食卖给出价更高的商家。结果,我们仓库中仅有的1000公吨米粮两个星期耗尽,当地的饥民和50万名孩童断粮几乎两个月。”

里斯利说,推高粮食价格上扬的因素包括全球人口增加、经济起飞带动食物需求量、生物燃料的风行,以及自然灾害频次显著增加。

“值得注意的是,研究结果指出,食物价格上涨的趋势不是短暂的,这将是一个长远的问题。”

此外,食物价格暴涨创造了新的“城中贫户”(Urban Poor)。里斯利说,住在乡间郊区的贫穷人家如果少了粮食援助,他们还是能通过耕种、乡野觅食等方式生存。不过,城市中的穷人将负担不起粮食,也没有另觅粮食源头的选择。

“粮食起价,新加坡人大可少看一场电影,或少买一件衣服就可弥补不足;但在巴基斯坦和孟加拉,那些原本只赚取微薄薪水糊口的城中贫户将面对生死存亡的危机。”

寻求企业与个人志愿捐献

世粮署传统上是依靠各国政府的志愿捐献运作。上个月,美国、日本、欧盟等国家捐出了额外的7亿5000万美元,其中,来自沙特阿拉伯的援助金多达5亿美元。

里斯利说,这笔捐款是一场及时雨,能维持世粮署全球粮食援助计划到今年底。

“不过,各国政府因为眼前的通货膨胀情况,而将更多资源花在自己的国家。现在,单靠政府捐献已经不够,我们得积极开拓企业和个人志愿捐献的源流。”

他举例世粮署与美国霸级饮食集团Yum!推出的“全球饥饿救助计划”说,公众去年就通过这个计划捐出了1000万美元。

“来自私人机构和公众的捐献占了总捐献额的5%,我们的首要任务,是尽快推高这个数字。”

世粮署九成员工在面对饥荒国家工作

世粮署目前有超过一万名员工,其中九成都在面对饥荒的国家工作。联合国员工在政局、经济都不稳定的地区工作,冒着一定的生命危险,绑票、劫杀的新闻时有所闻。今年初,在苏丹协助世粮署人员运送粮食的5名员工遭到伏击丧命。上个月,一名世粮署行政人员也在索马里(Somalia)遇袭身亡。

里斯利就告诉记者,他参与阿富汗救济行动时,也遇过惊险事故。

“我们在坎大哈省运送粮食到乡村时,几乎每天都遭人开枪攻击。当地的土匪和塔利班叛乱分子为了抢劫粮食,世粮署的卡车难免成为伏击的首要目标。在这些特别危险的地区,我们得花费更多钱雇佣保安部队。此外,一些饥民也会自动自发联合起来保护我们,也保护这些供养他们子女的粮食。”

断粮危机推动更多人关注粮食课题

对先进国家来说,饥饿是遥远模糊的概念,世粮署在这些发达地区寻求资助时,往往满布荆棘。不过,里斯利相信,粮食售价暴涨的问题让富裕人民了解到,断粮的危机近在眼前,也将会推动更多人关注粮食课题。

“菲律宾从上世纪的亚洲最大白米出口国,沦为现在最大的白米进口国。虽然它算是一个发达国家,但朝不保夕的饥民大有人在。”

他也引述新加坡为例子说,尽管国家富足,但周围却有印尼、柬埔寨、缅甸多个面对粮食短缺危机的国家。缅甸遭遇热带风暴纳尔吉斯(Nargis)的肆虐,当地军人政府允许国际人道组织入境赈灾,新加坡政府扮演至关重要的角色;现在,人民是跟随政府榜样的时候了。

“粮食起价,直接影响民生,也让新加坡人了解到,粮食并不是唾手可得的。我相信切身经历能唤醒你们的怜悯之心,更愿意向周围国家的饥民伸出援手。”

学校粮食计划

世粮署救济的9000万名饥民中,58%是孩童。世粮署的学校粮食计划(School FeedingProgramme)就吸引小孩子到当地学校进食,同时也能受教育。

里斯利说:“其实,只需2角半美金,就可让一名孩童吃饱一餐,15美元能够支付10名孩子一个星期的粮食。这对先进国家人民来说只是皮毛,但却能够带给许多孩童一餐温饱。”

想捐款或了解更多详情,可登录www.wfp.org

全球饥饿救助计划(World Hunger Relief Program)

全球最大的快餐集团Yum!和世粮署去年推出的全球饥饿救助计划,通过全球3万4000家快餐店总共筹得了1000万美元。在亚洲和新加坡的筹款分别为100万美元和12万美元。

每一元捐款当中,9角3分用于购买和运送粮食到饥民手中。

今年的救助计划会在全球超过100个国家推行,新加坡上个月底已率先执行计划。

公众现在起到肯德基(Kentucky Fried Chicken)或比萨餐馆(Pizza Hut)用餐时,捐献两元就能获得World Hunger Relief 2008限量版腕带和餐饮促销卷。

不容忽视的数字

●全球有5800万名儿童在饥饿边缘挣扎,平均每六秒就有一名孩童死于饥饿和营养不良。

●尽管各大经济体正以高速增长,但粮食危机却是越来越严重。1995年至今,发展中国家的饥民平均每年增加400万人。

●粮食价格高涨,导致越来越多人陷入三餐不继的贫穷线,世粮署估计,全球饥民可能多达1亿3000万人。

●今年首四个月,世粮署以430美元的平均价购买一公吨大麦,这比去年同时期的207美元多了108%。

●全球谷类食品储备今年估计下跌5%,达到25年来的最低水平。

联合早报 - 2008年9月8日

Monday 8 September 2008

Home Visits, Home Visit Meeting, Home Visit Gathering 访视,访视会议,访视联谊

On 21 Aug 08, I joined our north-east zone volunteers for a Home Visit. We were scheduled to meet up with 2 families but the second family was unreachable. The first family is a son living with his elderly mother. The son got a terminal illness which we call "xin-lian". We had a fairly long chat with him, understanding his current health conditions and work prospects. Although his illness is terminal, he can still live a fairly normal life if he take care of himself and take his medicine regularly. The aim purpose of our home visit is to show care and concern, understand his difficulties and in this case, also try to encourage him to upgrade himself by looking for a better job.

八月二十一日,我参加了东北区的感恩户访视。我们本来准备参访两户,但是无法联络到第二户感恩户。第一户感恩户住着中年儿子和其年迈的母亲。儿子得到我们称之为“心莲”的绝症。我们和他聊了很久,了解他目前的健康状况和工作前景。虽然他的病是不治之症,不过如果他好好照顾自己和定期服药,他仍然可以有一个相当正常的生活。访视的目的是为了显示关怀,了解他的困难,而对第一户感恩户而言,尝试鼓励他走出自我,寻找一份更好的工作。

Two days later, we had our monthly Home Visit Meeting where all home visits volunteers are suppose to attend for a discussion with our staffs and CEO Ji Yu SB. The first thing that Ji Yu SB told us is, we must encourage every home visit volunteers to attend this meeting. It is only through such meetings that everybody learns and become a better person. During the meeting, we discuss the various cases send to Tzu Chi and after conducting our initial assessment, decide whether to offer or not to offer our help. I learned a lot from this meeting, understand under what circumstances Tzu Chi should offer our help and how to detect whether the family in need are telling the truth.

两天后,我参加了慈济的访视会议,慈济访视志工与慈济职工和执行长济雨师伯聚集在一起讨论访视事务。济雨师伯向大家叮咛,我们必须鼓励每位访视志工出席访视会议。只有通过访视会议,大家能精进,即修福又修慧。会议期间我们讨论了送到慈济的个案,经过初步评估后,决定是否提供补助。我从会议上学了很多,明白在什么情况下慈济才会提供补助,以及如何发现个案是否在说真话。

There is this case where a sister is studying in polytechnic and working part-time in McDonald, supporting her younger sister and herself. She is seeking short-term help till her graduation. All of us agreed that Tzu Chi should offer our help. But Ji Yu SB told us that we are missing the big picture. Yes, Tzu Chi will help, but we need to do more. We need to determine the academic grades of the elder sister and whether she is interested in studies. If she is interested in her studies, what Tzu Chi should do is to offer more of our help by asking her to stop her part-time job in McDonald. Tzu Chi will support her family till she graduate. Ji Yu SB assessment explained what Master had always being worried about: young adults' education.

有这么一件各案,姐姐在理工学院就读和在麦当劳兼职,以养活妹妹和自己。她向慈济寻求短期补助直至她毕业。我们大家一致认为慈济应该给予各案补助。不过济雨师伯说我们是一叶蔽目,不见泰山。慈济是应该给予补助,不过我们还需要知道姐姐是否对读书有兴趣。如果她有兴趣读书,慈济应该做的是提供更多的补助,让她不需要兼职专心学业。慈济会支持她和妹妹直到她毕业为止。济雨师伯一席话,道出了上人的担心:年轻人的教育。

The day after our Home Visit Meeting is our north-east zone Home Visit Gathering of volunteers to share and learn from each other. It was a simple and short event, lasting from 9.30 am to 12 noon. The main lesson is to learn to be understanding and accumulating among one another, especially home visits can sometime be required out of the blue. We also learned how to draw a family relationship chart using symbols to save time. Next is the importance of learning Master's teaching for home visits. This is to ensure that we can share the correct outlook of life with them. Lastly, we played a simple game where we lead a volunteer who pretend to be blind for a short distance and be lead by in return. The game was to let us experience the hopelessness that our home visit families are facing and the hope that they are placing on us.

访视会议的隔天,是东北区的访视联谊,让大家互相分享和吸收经验。这是一项简短的活动,从早上九点半至中午十二点。分享的经验主要是希望访视志工们可以彼此量解,因为访视可时是突发性的。我们还学习如何用符号画家系图以节省时间。其次是学习上人的法对访视的重要性,以确保我们能与感恩户分享正确的人生价值观。最后我们一起玩了个简单的游戏,带领假装失明的志工走一小段路,并互换身份。游戏是为了让我们体验感恩户的无助以及他们寄托在我们身上的希望。


I had a discussion with my dad about the home visits. He reminded me that our Community Center Committee is another venue for needy families to seek help. Furthermore there are jobs with salary of $1200 available as the Town Councils are looking for Singaporeans to sweep our housing estate. I had a discussion with Li Shan SJ during our blood donation drive. She told me that when the government pass the cases to Tzu Chi, all government grants had been exhausted. Regarding the $1200 salary jobs, she commented that this is one challenge we are facing, encouraging families to take on higher salary but tougher jobs. In this case, sweeping the estate is even a face-losing job. There are many families who are comfortable with earning a lower salary and receiving help from us. This is a fine line and hence, our initial assessment must be properly done. Furthermore, our cases are always up for review every 3 months.

我与父亲提起过访视。他提醒我感恩户也可以向联络所委员会寻求补助。此外市镇理事会正在请人打扫组屋区,每月薪金有一千两百元。我在捐血活动时享丽珊师姐提起这两件事。丽珊师姐告诉我,个案都是政府交给慈济的,都是无法申请到政府补助的个案。至于一千两百元的每月薪金,慈济面对的一项挑战就是鼓舞感恩户寻找较高薪金但是更辛苦的工作。更何况打扫组屋区是一项丢脸的工作。因为有了慈济的补助,很多感恩户满足于较低薪金的工作。因此,我们初步的评估很重要。此外,每件个案每三个月回被检讨一遍。

This goes back to Ji Yu SB encouragement that we need to attend the home visit meeting more often and read up more on Master's teaching. Our aim is not only to help the families in the short term, we want to give them a positive outlook of life and encourage them to walk the correct path of life.

这又回到济雨师伯说的,鼓励访视志工多出席访视会议,多阅读上人的法。我们的目标不仅是为感恩户提供短期补助,还要给予他们积极的人生观,并鼓励他们走上正确的人生道路。