If you've ever seen Tzu Chi volunteers giving out aid to people affected by disasters, you might've noticed something interesting—they also hand out coin banks and invite the very people they're helping to become donors themselves. Why is that?

為什麼慈濟志工在災區發送救助金與物資的時候，會給受災民眾一個竹筒撲滿，邀請大家也成為捐款人呢？

Venerable Master Cheng Yen, the founder of Tzu Chi, shares this perspective: People receiving help today won't always be in need. Tzu Chi encourages them to save a little each day—not just money, but a daily intention to help others. This simple act is what Buddhism calls "planting seeds of goodness." It nurtures a spirit of generosity, turning even a small daily habit into a meaningful practice. It's a way to uplift others while also bringing peace and blessings to your own life and family.

證嚴上人說：受助者並非永遠接受救濟，慈濟鼓勵他們成為捐款人，以日存小錢的方式，每天發一念要幫助別人的善心，這就是佛法所說的「布善種子」。讓捐款人心靈富足，在心中開闢出一畝小福田。不但幫助別人，也祝福自己和家人。

"We respond to suffering with sincerity and offer help with gratitude and respect," says Venerable Master Cheng Yen. "That way, people don't feel like they're being pitied or given charity. They feel loved, respected, and genuinely supported. And more than that—we invite them to walk this path with us, to join Tzu Chi in doing good for others."

上人說：「我們用很真誠的心，因應苦難人的需要而救助，並且用感恩、尊重的態度去愛他們，讓受助者覺得自己不是被施捨。我們是發自內心，真誠幫助他們的生活，還要邀請他們走入慈濟，共同行善。」

And that's how kindness grows. When more people join in doing good, even in small ways, the world becomes a more compassionate place—and more people in need can be helped.

如此擴展開來，人間就有愈來愈多人行善，讓更多苦難人得救。

摘錄改寫自 慈濟月刊 第685期 證嚴上人衲履足跡