Written by Tracy Hsieh

In the 1st class of Sept. 14, 2019, Mr. David Liu, Deputy CEO of Tzu Chi Foundation stands on the stage and said hello to all the audience, in the very comfortable tune, "Do you all feel well this morning? During these 4 days, you all ate well, slept well and worked little, so, I believe you all are joyful, right?" The smile appears on everybody's face.

Talking about the happiness, Mr. Liu asked, "Can we buy happiness with money?" It seems we would feel glad to get what we want with money. He reminded all to experience that happy feeling for longer period, such as spending longer time to eat, or longer time to take a shower, etc. Once the time is longer, you would not feel the happiness at all.

"But, you, all the TIMA members feel joyful when you attend the free clinic activities. Some doctors have to close their private clinic when they are going for a free clinic. The reason one of the doctor put on the notices outside their clinic for closing was: “Happy Event at home”. So, the true joy cannot be bought by money, going to the free clinic to serve means happiness to him.” Mr. Liu made the conclusion with every one's nodding.

Furthermore, “Health cannot be bought with money. According to the law of cause and condition (Karma), only to plant the "health" seed (cause) can grow the blossom of "Health". To offer help to others, like helping the ill persons, is to plant the seed of "Health".

Mr. Liu mentioned that Master Cheng Yen hopes all the Tzu Chi volunteers can develop wisdom, not just increase the abilities for doing the Tzu Chi work. To cultivate spirit of Buddhism, we must always be humble and treat people well and tie up good affinities. The story on the professor and the boatman's dialogue is given as below:

"Do you know the mathematics or computer? The professor asked the boatman.
"No."The boatman answered.
"Ooh. So sad. You already lost 30% of your life."

The boat sailed in the middle of the lake.
"Can you swim?" The boatman asked the professor.
"No." The professor answer.
"Ooh. You would lose 100% of your life right now."

Being humble is so important to obtain wisdom, which is certainly not able to buy with money.

Dharma Master Cheng Yen leads Tzu Chi volunteers to do the charity with both compassion and wisdom. When the disaster occurs, the urgent disaster relief will be proceeding, then following the free clinic activities. AT that time, Tzu Chi people will interact with the victims locally. After the good relationship is made, it makes possible to continue the long term project of establishing the Da Ai Housing, schools, hospitals, etc. This means that the goodness seeds are planted there, and the blessing fields for Tzu Chi to expand further. Now, the expansion continues in Laos and Mozambique in the same way.

Mr. David Liu has a lot of stories to say, as have many experience helping to implement Tzu Chi projects and becomes one of the intimate disciples of Dharma Master Cheng Yen. He wishes all the TIMA members can understand more Tzu Chi spirits and contribute more in the future.