A scam caused a mother and daughter to lose all of their hard-earned life savings, with even their home being taken as collateral. Both of the women were quite young. Taiwan is facing a severe labor shortage — and if the two women had worked together, they could have earned their money back.
It is such a shame that in their time of need, they encountered people who lacked empathy and decided to end their own lives.
Some people might think that it is impossible for us to help others with their numerous and complex issues — but that is far from the truth. Well-timed warmth and kindness can produce miracles — just like the Dajia Matsu Pilgrimage.
I usually become exhausted from walking a few kilometers, but when participating in the pilgrimage, I can walk tens of kilometers each day — or several hundred kilometers in just a few days. Upon returning home each time, I always think it is quite mysterious. It seems that every time I take part in the pilgrimage, my physical fitness suddenly improves greatly.
Later, I realized that it was all thanks to encouragement from my peers and kind-hearted residents who provide supplies and moral support along the journey.
All of these kind souls are just ordinary people, and yet, they are able to create a miracle. These acts of kindness allow the pilgrims, who are exhausted physically and mentally, their soles covered in blisters, to overcome the pain, persevere and complete a seemingly impossible task.
A pilgrimage is a microcosm of life — so long as there is an endless source of warmth along the way, we can always generate positive energy.
Buddhist Master Sheng Yen (聖嚴法師) of Dharma Drum Mountain has said that many believers experiencing problems visit him and ask for assistance. In reality, there was no way for him to help — and yet, after each time spent listening to them describe their hardships, the believer would feel as if the problem was not as serious as they had originally thought.
This is the enormous power of support — the very basis of empathy. This is a power possessed by all.
Everyone experiencing hardship shows signs. Oftentimes, we are either not paying close enough attention or believe that there is nothing we can do to help, and an opportunity to save a life is missed.
With the end of the year approaching, there are likely people in your life experiencing hardship. Be conscious of the signs. Even if you are not sure how to help, remember Sheng Yen’s words — simply lending an ear to someone’s struggles might be just enough to create a miracle.
Jimmy Hsu is a farmer.
Translated by Kyra Gustavsen
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