Many of the world’s richest people have been making substantial contributions in the spirit of generosity and sharing. Mr. Warren E. Buffett, the world’s second richest man according to Forbes magazine, announced in June that he would donate 85 percent of his US$44 billion fortune to five charity funds. His beautiful charitable act won widespread acclamation. Recently, Mr. Li Ka-shing ♥♥♥♥♥♥, the richest Chinese and the tenth richest on Forbes’ global list, also announced his decision to donate at least one-third (US$6.4 billion) of his wealth to three of his own charity funds. He imposed a clause that neither his family members nor fund directors could take any money from these funds.

The 78-year-old billionaire was full of praise for Mr. Buffett’s charitable contribution of a huge portion of his wealth. “Well done! I really admire people like him for doing this,” he said. “During our lifetime, if we are able to contribute to society and to improve the lives of helpless people, it would be very meaningful. I regard this as my lifelong objective.”

Over the past several decades, Mr. Li has made many contributions to public interest groups and less fortunate people through charity funds set up in his name. He has also motivated his own business conglomerate to contribute funds and participate in social interest activities. His philanthropic acts extend to Europe, Asia, America and Oceania, covering education, culture, medical and other issues of public interest. He now has more than 100,000 volunteers participating in his charity funds.

In 2005, French President Jacques Chirac personally conferred the title of Commandeur de la Legion d’Honneur * upon Mr. Li. President Chirac praised Mr. Li for his perseverance in overcoming adversities during his youth and for his unprecedented achievements in building up a successful career. While enjoying the fruits of success, Mr. Li has devoted considerable effort to promoting medicine, education and culture. His actions serve as a rare and precious example to the world. Mr. Li has also received awards from the governments of Panama, Belgium, United Kingdom and Hong Kong.

Master once said, “I wasn’t born with any gold, so I won’t go out of this world with any gold. Whatever I have is yours and belongs to the world, just like taking it from here and giving it there. It’s the same for every one of us. We take water from the river, put it in a water tank, and the water tank will distribute it to the whole village or town. We should live our lives just like the water tank. Whatever we have is for distribution to others. We are only the receivers.” (Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Taipei, Formosa, May 23, 1994 Originally in English; from News # 111, Pearls of Wisdom section)

People like Mr. Li, Bill Gates and Warren Buffett do not forget, after amassing considerable wealth, where their possessions came from. They contribute their fortunes back to society, thus giving a meaningful definition to money through actions of love. Their philanthropic acts have made them paragons of the world.

* The “Legion d’Honneur” of France was first instituted by Napoleon in 1802. Among them, the “Commandeur de la Legion d’Honneur” is the highest order of distinction awarded to foreigners with outstanding achievements and great contributions to France.

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