Insight on the disaster relief for earthquake victims in northeastern Japan

Article /Dr. Tian-Hao Yeh, Taiwan Kao-Ping Chapter, Tzu Chi International Medical Association

As there were no free clinics in Japan, Dr. TianHao Yeh(left) seized the opportunity and registered with relief distribution. As a Tzu Chi volunteer, he bowed respectfully when he handed over the relief fund. He was deeply touched as the disaster victims bowed respectfully in return.

“In an age of Dharma’s end, the fragility of land shall manifest”, and the phenomenon is indiscriminate, no matter which region of the globe you live in. Frequent natural and artificial disasters transpired everywhere. Japan, a modern civilized country, suffered countless casualties on March 11, 2011, from the combination of tsunami, earthquakes and nuclear meltdown. It was bitter cold in the midst of a freezing winter, and the disaster was simply exacerbating the situation.

After the earthquake and tsunami, Tzu Chi volunteers in Japan struggled with great difficulties (as shown in the video) to engage in the relief effort. Japan is a prominent nation with substantial national pride, and the ensuing reluctance to seek international aids hindered the relief. At the initial stage of the disaster relief, Japan only mobilized its medical teams to enter the disaster areas without accepting any foreign assistance.

Tzu Chi volunteers in Japan seized the golden hour, overcoming many obstacles to enter the disaster stricken areas. They brought their own cooking utensils to serve hot miso soup and fried noodles to all personnel; soothed the surviving victims with sincere words of consolation. People were deeply moved to tears, releasing their grief and pain that had been buried inside. Tzu Chi volunteers, with their kindness and action, touched the hearts of many. They hugged them and lent their shoulders for support.

Tzu Chi volunteers have continued to give out relief fund since the Japan’s tsunami. The picture is set outside Ishinomaki city hall in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan. The disaster victims were lining up orderly at the plaza square and waiting to enter the site on October 20, 2011. 

I was fortunate to participate in the seventh relief mission (Oct. 20 to Oct. 24) to distribute relief supplies to victims whose houses were damaged. We were very grateful that the volunteers from previous relief efforts had worked hard, solved problems and smoothed out the path for us to follow. We were then able to proceed to help the people in the disaster areas and offer them sincere blessings from bodhisattvas around the world.

Treasure the Opportunities to Learn and Improve

Tzu Chi volunteers were committed wholeheartedly and prepared to give their best. Those who speak Japanese would silently rehearse what to say and teach others simple words and phrases; others reviewed their notes for the last minute practice. They were nervous and cautious as if they were taking their final exams. Some made up their own notes, adding phonetic symbols, Roman symbols, a combination of English and Mandarin words, and symbols only they can understand. Everyone was practicing their Japanese skills furiously, showing their dedication to the relief mission.

When we arrived at the distribution site, all the Tzu Chi volunteers were fully prepared and ready to engage in their assigned task. Regardless of how big or trivial the task may be, they assisted each other in setting up, cleaning up, unloading and putting up the tents. They finished the set-up within the limited timeframe. Several volunteers who pulled their muscles or had minor cuts during the continued working despite on their injuries. Everyone was focused on the present, intended on completing as much as possible. This competitive spirit of excel is an exemplar to all.

A Culture of Discipline and Order, Honesty and Gratitude

On the first day of distribution, people lined up as early as 3 a.m. When we arrived sometime after 7 a.m., there were already more then fifty people waiting. At 9 a.m., the whole parking lot was packed with people.

Under the wintry sun, people kept flooding in. By noon, people continued entering, but in an orderly fashion. No one seemed to be restless or annoyed. There were no line cuttings, or arguing with each other. Everything seemed so quiet and disciplined. It was amazing how the elderly also took their place in the line. A few began to appear weak or exhausted, and the volunteers and doctors immediately stepped in to assist.

Volunteers and disaster victims greeted and thanked each other as volunteers arrived at the distribution site. 

Around lunchtime, people were still lining up for the relief supplies and volunteers persevered until everyone received their shares. It was heartening to see compassion in action, that “your pain is my pain; your suffering is my suffering.”

Although the living standard in Japan is high, during this transition period, the relief fund was proven to be opportune to the earthquake victims, as they had waited four to five hours for it. The volunteers shared the story of a survivor who had lost her husband, and that she had to count on the relief fund to finish the grave. It was a tragedy among many.

Tzu Chi volunteers were distributing the relief fund in Japan’s disaster area. The local people were always polite and orderly. Their civil behavior was most admirable. 

One local found out the amount he received exceeded the number in his household and returned the extra. He was honest, content and virtuous. I could really feel the success of the Japanese moral education.

The local folks were very rational through out the entire process of registration, verification and distribution. Every one of them bowed and thanked as they received the relief funds. The volunteers were performing their routine 90-degree bows, but the locals bowed even further. They were humble, polite and courteous. We were deeply impressed.

There is a Wells Fargo Industrial Corp near the distribution site. As more than half of its employees received Tzu Chi’s relief fund, the owner intended to show his appreciation to Tzu Chi’s compassion. During the days of relief fund distribution, the owner of the company flew the national flag of the Republic of China in front of the company. To be able to see our national flag flying in the distant land, our hearts were filled with deep emotion. We felt the significance of this trip and we were very grateful this trip ended so well.

Tzu Chi humanity - a Silent Testimonial

Although we do not speak the same language, our action with Tzu Chi humanitarian spirit is powerful in touching people’s hearts. Sincerity and love are felt among them because we believe in “doing the right thing, and like what we do.”

Disaster survivors were thoughtfully and politely treated as if they were our immediate family. We read the consolation letter from Master Cheng Yen expressing the compassion and empathy over the disaster. Many people were touched and shed their tears. At the checkout area, volunteers stood and bowed at 90 degrees to thank them for accepting the distribution. The gesture was solemn, respectful and with intimate care and love.

After the disaster victims had received the relief fund, some stayed behind and chatted with the volunteers whom they would hold hands with and hug each other. The volunteers listened attentively to the victims’ stories, and opened their arms to embrace their suffering. The volunteers showed genuine compassion with empathy so the victims could gradually liberate themselves from such gloom despair, and transcend their confined love into great love; they also inspired the locals to volunteer and serve their own. In essence, bodhisattvas serve others with their palms down.

The Tzu Chi smile, gratitude, respect, love and sincerity are the best psychological medicine we can provide. It is effective in reducing the distance between the assist and the assisted, breaking down the barrier of distrust.

On the last day, we hosted a tea reception and invited the local volunteers to join us and share the moment; it was also a way for us to show our appreciation and gratitude for their assistance. We hoped that through our interaction and communication, we could help the victims of the disaster be released from its shadows. The past is a distraction and the future is an illusion, only by seizing the moment, can we truly hold on to happiness and blessing.

A Stunning Disaster Demands Great Awakening

On our return, we passed by an area that was badly damaged by the tsunami. Many homes were destroyed, and the ones standing were in ruins. Seven months have passed since the disaster struck, the destroyed homes are now covered with overgrown weeds and plants. One could hardly see them. The partially destroyed houses were lying bare, apparently empty and vacant.

Tzu Chi volunteers passed on to Japan’s disaster victims the love and donations from 39 countries. They also tried their best to offer them spiritual support and understanding. The picture shows a volunteer giving a peace trinket to bless the disaster victim.

Disasters are occurring more frequent than ever, one should ponder whether humanity has extensively damaged the natural environment. Is the slaughtering of living animals for food too excessive? Has the discord among humans ignited the calamities? Are these disasters the consequence of an imbalanced nature? All human beings should reflect upon themselves and genuinely repent for all our wrongdoings.

The force of nature cannot be neglected. Human efforts cannot supersede the force of nature. With all the disasters happening, we need to reflect, repent and neutralize all of the mishaps. We need to exterminate attachment, learn to be humble and minimize our own importance. The natural disasters have enlightened us to have compassion, love, and willingness to care and help each other, and only then, will the world be filled with hope.

We as Tzu Chi volunteers realize that all humans are equal, and that is why we persist in selfless devotion, follow disciplines, practice humility and learn to meditate. We can then attain wisdom on the path to Buddhahood. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to come to the disaster area and witness the happenings of this century’s major disaster. I learned to be humble, cautious, sincere and mindful of our thoughts and behavior. I learned to create blessings by respecting our surroundings and fellow beings and serve as a person with my palms facing downward. It is happier to give than to receive. I am grateful that through the disaster relief, I can fully understand how blessed I am, having the opportunity to give and create more blessings along the way.

Because of the disasters, we had the opportunity to review our thoughts and change our behaviors, in order to save others and ourselves in the world. We can then invite more people to join us for the good cause. We sincerely pray to purify our hearts and bring harmony to the world so that there will be less disasters and suffering in the world.