The world of Tzu Chi (Vol.107)

57 TZU CHI 107 shots in society. There are far too many people who consider themselves very important. That is why the world is in chaos. Take parents nowadays as an example – many hope their daughters will marry men with wealth, stature or potential. However, a friend of mine hopes that his daughter will marry someone who is mentally and physically healthy. I was very surprised to hear that! Everyone likes to be surrounded by successful people; ordinary people are often easily forgotten. However, if everyone humbly considers himself or herself ordinary, I believe we will all be safe and peaceful. Master Cheng Yen: It is a blessing to be safe and healthy. Not long ago, I went to visit patients at Tzu Chi Hospital. A patient who was also a doctor asked me with tears in his eyes, “Is it because I am a doctor that I have to go through this sickness in order to feel the pain of patients?” He had come to realize that sickness is suffering and good health is a blessing. In our modern society, if everyone could be content and at ease with what is ordinary, that would be a great blessing. Mr BoYang: I am a Christian. Master Cheng Yen: There is no boundary between religions. As long as the religions’ concepts are proper and beliefs are firm, their goals should be similar. Tzu Chi was founded on the Buddha’s compassion, which includes Great Love. Christianity also talks about Universal Love. Genuine Universal Love is not bound by race or religion. With thorough conviction, the religious spirit should be the same. When Tzu Chi Hospital was first established, a doctor who was in charge of setting up the surgical department said, “Master, I am a Christian.” I responded, “I am not concerned about your being a Christian. I only worry whether you truly and completely believe in your faith.” Regardless of their religion, as long as they have proper beliefs, the doctors of Tzu Chi Hospital are all caring and loving, and they treat their patients with this love. Virtuous religions accommodate one another. Although a Christian, whenever this outstanding doctor learns that a patient is a Buddhist, he will say to him or her, “Relax and chant the Buddha’s name.” A good doctor treats people’s physical illness as well as their mental distress. As human beings, we need to keep our minds and thoughts pure and simple. Mr BoYang: Thank you for accommodating Christians. Master Cheng Yen: Actually, it is people of various religious beliefs who are accommodating me. (To be continued in the next issue) * The article is extracted from the book “Friends from Afar: Conversations with Dharma Master Cheng Yen”.