Seeing Tzu Chi volunteers from around the world coming to Taiwan for our year-end blessing ceremonies or to receive their volunteer certifications fills me with gratitude and joy. Even though we are usually far apart, as long as there is a heartfelt connection, no mountains or oceans can break our enduring bond—a bond forged by shared love and compassion. This love and compassion extends from our past lives, through our present existence, and into our future lives. We are united by our collective aspiration to walk the Bodhisattva Path throughout the journey of our lives.

看到來自世界各地的慈濟志工齊聚臺灣，參加歲末祝福會或領取志工認證，令我滿懷感恩與喜悅。儘管平日相隔萬里，只要心意相通，都無法阻隔這份愛與慈悲的共同願力，過去、現在與未來，凝聚著我們生生世世同行菩薩道。

I’ve become aware of the toll that age has had on me in recent years; even speaking has become a challenge. What I most eagerly desire now is for everyone to lend me strength, to help convey the teachings of Tzu Chi, and to ensure that people in need worldwide can receive assistance. I’m reassured whenever young people come to me and express their willingness to shoulder the responsibility of serving humanity. Their sincere commitments put my heart at ease.

近年來，我深刻感受到歲月帶來的影響，連說話都成了一種挑戰。我最殷切的期望是人人都能秉持慈濟精神，確保世界上需要的幫助的人，都能離苦得樂。每當年輕人向我發願承擔服務眾生的責任時，他們真誠的承諾，總是令我感到欣慰。

Tzu Chi wouldn’t be what it is today without our Bamboo Bank Era. Our foundation started with 30 housewives each saving 50 NT cents，each day from their grocery money in a bamboo bank to assist the needy. As word spread, more people joined in. In India’s Bodhi Gaya, volunteers and local residents are following the same spirit, using bamboo to create containers and setting aside whatever money they can to help the underprivileged. Despite limited means, they tap into love, cultivating a rich inner life.

慈濟做到今天的規模，離不開「竹筒歲月」的精神。當初，三十位主婦每天從買菜錢中節省 0.5 元台幣，將其存入竹筒撲滿，幫助需要幫助的人。隨著消息傳開，越來越多人加入。在印度菩提迦耶，志工和當地居民秉持相同精神，用竹筒製成存錢筒，儘管生活拮据，仍將愛心化為具體的助人善行，他的們生命也更加豐盈。

The essence of fundraising is not about the amount of money donated; it’s about inspiring hearts and cultivating love. Everyone has an equal capacity for love and compassion. Just as a drop of water in a river or a stream contributes to the vastness of the ocean, our individual compassion, when combined, forms the boundless energy of love. The collective merits thus created are immeasurable. The Bamboo Bank Era marks our beginning of nurturing loving hearts, and I hope this compassionate intention will continue to thrive and be passed on through generations.

募款的本質不在於捐款金額的多寡，而在於啟發人心與培養愛心。每個人都具有愛與慈悲的心。如同河流中的水滴匯聚成大海，將人人的慈悲善念匯聚起來，形成助人的能量，這份善行功德無量。「竹筒歲月」標誌著我們培養愛心的開始，我希望這份慈悲心能繼續傳承，世代延續。

Time is precious and irreversible. I often say that time is running out. With this awareness in my thoughts, I consistently remind myself to diligently seize each moment, ensuring that every word I speak aligns with the Buddha’s teachings and every action I take follows the right path. Let’s seize every moment to diligently cultivate merits. Blessed are those who can help others. Let’s be ever more mindful.

時間珍貴且不可逆轉。我常說，時間不等人。我不斷提醒自己要珍惜分秒，說的每句話都要契合佛法，每個行動都循正道。我們應珍惜當下，勤耕福田。助人的人是有福的，讓我們時時多用心。

Remark：
As of 2024, Tzu Chi has set up offices in 68 countries/regions and brought aid to 136.

2024年，慈濟基金會在全球68個國家地區成立聯絡點，慈濟迄今援助136個國家地區。

Excerpted from：https://tcmonthly.tzuchiculture.org.tw/?p=50946