Disaster brings out unsung heroes
One of the very few bright spots about the current floods is the great number of volunteer workers - whether it be soldiers and students filling sandbags, civilians braving curses from nearby evacuees to carry necessities to those in more distant areas.
While much credit must go to the individuals and companies who very generously donated much-needed funds, it is those who labour for countless hours without any hope of recognition who deserve more. As Kahil Gibran said, “You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give. For what are your possessions but things you keep and guard for fear you may need them tomorrow? There are those who give little of the much which they have – and they give it for recognition and their hidden desire makes their gifts unwholesome. And there are those who have little and give it all. These are the believers in life and the bounty of life, and their coffer is never empty.”
I was very much heartened to see such an outpouring of selflessness, heretofore often missing, and so very much in keeping with Buddhism, Christianity and other religions. My hat goes off to them, and I trust that they keep giving long after we’ve recovered from the deluge. I trust that they have discovered the joy of giving, and continue this new tradition of helping those less fortunate than themselves.
Burin Kantabutra
Bangkok
