There was a big earthquake in China yesterday. The death toll is in the tens of thousands (and likely to rise). It could have been far worse as it was in 1976 with the Tangshan earthquake (newer buildings were thankfully built to withstand powerful tremors), but as the reports are coming in, it's clear that the devestation is still very extreme.
The worst part of it all are the scenes of schools totally destroyed and kids killed by the hundreds. Six schools collapsed; one can only imagine how many young lives were lost. The way the media is showing off all these pictures of dead kids to sell their damn papers is reprehensible.
Being a teacher, even if they're not my students, the death of any student is a totally heart-wrenching thing. I've spent most of the day today wondering about what dangers my own students may face in their future. It makes one feel completely powerless knowing that you can't protect them from some of the worst things in life. I wonder often if other teachers feel the same, worrying about what they can do and what they can't when it comes to matters ultimately beyond their control.
All existence is suffering - dukha. Such is the unfortunate way of life. Realization of such suffering awakes one to the inherent emptiness and impermanence of all things.
All I can do is hope that Buddha Amitabha offer his mercy to the many thousand victims in the hereafter.
Bookmark/Search this post with:
