The world of Tzu Chi June 2021 (Vol.135)

02 2021 • 06 realized the truth of Buddha’s teaching; it has taught us a crucial lesson about life’s truth. Please keep “impermanence” in mind, and do good with steadfast spirit for the benefit of the world. We must practise the Six Paramitas of generosity (giving), moral discipline, forbearance, diligence, samadhi , and wisdom. To cultivate wisdom, we must give without asking for anything in return, and give not only material aid, but also the Dharma and liberation from fears. If we can make good use of our life to give sincerely and meaningfully, we would create good karma and benefit from it. Calling all to make the best use of our life to do good Recently, I have mentioned “alarming disasters” and “crucial lessons” much more frequently than other phrases. The Earth is in dire condition with the world experiencing the Covid-19 pandemic, and torrential rains, droughts, forest fires and other natural disasters caused by the imbalance of Nature’s elements of earth, water, fire, and wind. Thus, we must heighten our vigilance, realize its impacts and be awakened to the truth. All physical things undergo the phenomenon of “formation, existence, destruction, and emptiness”. Human body undergoes “birth, aging, illness, and death”, while our thoughts “arise, abide, change, and cease”. We need to be aware of our constantly changing thoughts; can we maintain a kind thought that arises, perpetually? An unhealthy mindset plagued by ignorance and afflictions will eventually bring about disasters. This is because individual microcosmos has an influence on the macrocosm of the world, to drive its course towards “destruction” and “emptiness”. A collective bad karma comes from mankind’s ignorance and afflictions. Therefore, it is only right for mankind to create that magic elixir. Self-rescue and rescuing others are equally important; not only is self-awakening essential, but one must also help others in the same course. Self-rescue can only be achieved if one is awakened; and when one is awakened, one will not only love oneself and one’s family, but also all living beings in the universe. Is it possible for one to practise such all-embracing love? With a broad and pure mind, one will naturally have a big heart to embrace the whole universe. By feeling for others’ sufferings and empathizing with their ignorance, one can render love, care and guidance with wisdom, to free them from the entanglement of mental suffering. This love will then spread and grow. We must recruit more living bodhisattvas so that we can contribute collectively to the world. I truly hope that all minds can be freed from ill thoughts, disasters will end, the world will be free of howling cries and everyone will be free from suffering. One person’s voice is too weak to be heard. We need everyone to spread Buddha’s teachings, to guide all mankind to walk the path of goodness and create collective blessings. A string of good words can inspire numerous people to give rise to kindness and make great aspirations. Be a role model who gives with love. I believe there are countless good words to spread, thus more beings can be saved. Every second of our life shall be put into good use. I hereby call out to everyone to do good together. Please be mindful always. aster’s Teaching * Compiled from a collection of speeches delivered by Master Cheng Yen from April 3 to 14, 2021.