Donation for Rebuilding Educational Facilities in the Wake of the Earthquake in Afghanistan

04/23/2002  

Source : Chan Master Sheng-yen, Dharma Drum Mountain, Taiwan, March 30, 2002

Afghanistan is a country stricken by a daunting array of difficulties and calamities. Although the Taliban's terrorist regime has been ousted, years of continuous warfare have made life grim for the Afghan people. Recently, a powerful earthquake struck Afghanistan, causing almost 5,000 deaths. This is truly a human catastrophe. Hearing such news, one finds it hard not to weep.

Three years ago, after the powerful earthquake of September 21st, we in Taiwan experienced the warmth and generosity of the members of the international community who came to our aid. Now, when Afghanistan is struck with a similar disaster, we must extend a helping hand to them.

Disaster relief recognizes neither borders, nor distinctions between races or religions. We are brothers and sisters living together in the same global village. Therefore, we should recognize that we are all in the same boat, and support and help each other in the spirit of brotherhood.

The Dharma Drum Mountain Buddhist Association has donated one million NT dollars in the hopes of drawing forth greater philanthropists than ourselves. We are grateful to the Chinese Muslim Association who accepted our donation on the behalf of Afghanistan, to be used for the rebuilding of their educational facilities in the aftermath of this disaster. It is hoped that by taking this initiative, we will inspire virtuous people from all walks of life, in Taiwan or abroad, to contribute to this great undertaking.

For the sake of the harmony of the people of the world, I would like to take this opportunity to implore everyone to:

cease all suspicion, discrimination, enmity, conflict, violent struggle, and slaughter. Natural disasters already inflict enough suffering; how can we bear to see the world subjected to more disasters because of humanity's ignorance?