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

2024 • 12 02 z z Desires and wants often lead to competition. People vie with one another to get more, while nations engage in rivalries that can destabilise societies. Though natural disasters may cause temporary upheaval, the impact of conflicts and wars can persist indefinitely. Even the wealthy are not immune. Even those with abundant possessions may be forced to abandon everything and flee in times of conflict. Each time I see refugees struggling in forgotten corners of the world, my heart aches—where is their home? Their plight weighs heavily on me. We humans are arguably the most intelligent of all beings. While we can create unrest, we also possess the power to bring peace to the world. If our hearts and minds stray from the right path, we cannot be a blessing for society or humanity. We must take good care of our hearts and minds, for even a few misguided words can lead to tragedy. Everyone has their own perspectives. Even within the same family, siblings born to the same parents can hold different views. When a family cannot live in harmony, parents are burdened with worry. The same dynamics present in small dysfunctional families can likewise be found in larger communities: if individuals refuse to consider others’ perspectives and take on confrontational attitudes, conflicts will multiply, resulting in more strife. Looking back at history, whether one brings happiness or misfortune to others, whether one benefits or harms society, can often be determined by a single thought. Religion serves as a guide, elevating our thoughts and harmonising our hearts, providing a unified direction. Goodness and love are the common threads woven through all religions. Whatever faith one follows, it is essential to respect and appreciate one another. Unity among different faiths is crucial for realising a harmonious world. The sufferings in this world are endless and cannot be fully expressed. In addition to manmade disasters, drastic changes in climate have intensified natural disasters. Yet, whether these disasters are caused by human actions or natural forces, they ultimately track back to the human heart. When people’s minds are unbalanced and driven by selfishness and greed, the world becomes filled with negativity, leading to disasters. Conversely, people sow blessings when they act out of kindness and altruism. These accumulated blessings create a protective layer over the planet. Our world needs us to inspire more people to activate their innate love, guide them onto the right path, and unite the positive energies of all religions. Let us focus on all that can dispel harmful influences, promote goodness, and bring peace to the world. Please be ever more mindful. * Reprinted with permission from Tzu Chi Bimonthly. aster's Teaching