The world of Tzu Chi December 2024 (Vol.152)

TZU CHI 152 01 z z By Dharma Master Cheng Yen Translated by Teresa Chang People sow blessings when they act out of kindness and altruism. These accumulated blessings can create a protective layer over the planet. Let us focus on all that can dispel harmful influences, promote goodness, and bring peace to the world. W ith autumn ending and winter approaching, each shorter day reminds us of time’s fleeting nature. Life is brief, but the best way to counter this brevity is by making the most of every moment. Whether it is through completing a meaningful task or acting on a generous thought, every positive action brings its own reward—in giving, we ultimately receive. Our hearts are fields of spiritual cultivation. Everyone we encounter is a fellow cultivator, playing a role in our collective journey. Therefore, we should care for one another with gratitude. Even when someone irritates us or we struggle to get along, we must strive to transform those feelings into positivity, as this is essential for our spiritual growth. By doing so, we can better focus our minds and cultivate wisdom. Each person we meet can aid in our cultivation and has the potential to attain Buddhahood; let us never underestimate anyone and always cherish those around us. Taming our wants and desires also aids in our spiritual cultivation, as it helps free our minds from attachments. Society is evolving, and one generation inevitably gives way to the next. Lifestyles and values have shifted from the past. I remember when people led simpler and often more impoverished lives, content with basic meals of rice and vegetables. Today, there is access to a far wider variety of foods, yet many still feel unsatisfied. This extends beyond food to clothing, housing, and transportation, but the desire for “more” and “better” has placed increasing demands on the Earth’s resources. Many people centre their lives around their desires—small wishes for ordinary people and grand ambitions for those in power. Some seem to stop at nothing to get what they want. Moreover, what they have is never enough; they always seek something better, leaving little room for satisfaction. Their hearts cannot find peace in this way. It is akin to a desert under a scorching sun: no matter how much water is poured onto the sand, the parched earth remains unquenched. aster's Teaching Transforming Hearts for a Better World