Albert Lin, The Merit Times staff writer
August 29, 2023

The wildfires in Maui, Hawaii, have almost completely destroyed the buildings in Lahaina Town, marking one of the deadliest wildfire disasters in the United States in over a century. Only a few houses were spared from the disaster, and one of those houses belongs to a Fo Guang member, Tan Xiaomei. She expressed, "This is the power of faith, the blessing and protection of the Bodhisattvas!"

After the wildfire rampage, Lahaina Town was nearly all in ruins, but among them, a house with a red roof and several buildings untouched became a trending topic of discussion on the internet.

The wildfires in Maui, Hawaii, have almost completely destroyed the buildings in Lahaina Town. photo／AP

One of these fortunate houses spared from the fire is owned by Fo Guang member, Dharma Sister Tan Xiaomei. In an interview, she expressed that she is deeply moved, and she attributes this lucky outcome to the blessings and protection of Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara.

Tan Xiaomei mentioned that when the wildfire occurred, she and her family were not in Hawaii, so they were unable to assess the situation of their house. They had prepared for the worst outcome, considering it as a collective Karma and accepted the concept of "The Law of Cause and Effect cannot be violated." Later, when she and her family learned that their house was unharmed, everyone was moved to tears.

Tan Xiaomei mentioned that she started learning Buddhism over 20 years ago. Every day, she would burn incense and offer it to the Buddha, praying for peace. Later on, she studied the "Heart Sutra," the "Great Compassion Mantra," and the "Universal Gate Chapter," hoping that the Bodhisattvas would grant her wisdom. She also read and recited "The Original Vows of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Sutra" and gradually came to understand the scriptures.

Tan Xiaomei pointed out that her house was spared from the wildfire, and aside from being grateful, she also realized that the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas had entrusted her with more responsibilities. This has given her greater strength on her path of faith and practice. She aims to share this miraculous experience with more people, encouraging everyone to maintain steadfast practice, just as stated in the "Sutra Opening Gatha": "This unsurpassed, profound and wondrous Dharma, which is hard to encounter in countless kalpas; Now that I can see, hear and am able to uphold it, I vow to attain the Tathagata’s true teachings."

Maui Island in Hawaii was hit by wildfires. photo／AP

Tan Xiaomei expressed, "Encountering the Buddha's teachings is the blessing of my lifetime, and I have witnessed miracles." She also hoped that those affected by the disaster can "sincerely let go and be free of fear," understanding that preserving their lives is the greatest fortune. She prays to the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas to bestow wisdom upon her. She aims to promote the Dharma and help people comprehend its teachings. Lately, she has been encouraging her niece to recite the "The Original Vows of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Sutra" to understand the merits of the Buddha's teachings.

Tan Xiaomei expressed special gratitude to Venerable Yihung, the Abbess of Hawaii Buddhist Cultural Society, for her care. Upon learning about the wildfires in Hawaii, Venerable Yihung continuously called to console them. She was concerned that they might be homeless and invited them to take refuge in the temple, which they experience the "warmth of home and the care of family."

Fo Guang member, Dharma Sister Tan Xiaomei(right) was interviewed. photo／Hawaii Buddhist Cultural Society