The world of Tzu Chi (Vol.108)

02 2019 • 03 engaged in recycling activities from collecting them. According to them, even if these recycled items do not sell at all, they will continue collecting recyclables. This is because, if we burn the trash, we pollute the air; and if we dump the trash into dumping grounds, we will pollute the underground water resources. If the recyclables are well managed, they can be converted into useful daily items. For example, PET bottles are converted into warm blankets to meet the needs of the disadvantaged. We must really be grateful to our recycling volunteers who enable us to create many useful daily items out of recyclables. From dirty trash to top quality products, their efforts are indeed remarkable. Our recycling volunteers are wise and physically fit. They have a strong sense of obligation to protect the Earth. Their untiring and persistent efforts to save the world are really admirable. Images of our environmentalists engaged in recycling activities have been broadcast in international conferences. Their activities are keenly watched throughout the world. The world population is about 7.5 billion. Out of this, more than 800 million are in a state of starvation. In order to meet man’s consumption of meat, intensive animal farming is practised throughout the world resulting in serious air, water and soil pollution. Moreover, animals are fighting over food with humans. These poor animals are confined to limited spaces that severely limit their movements. They will meet the sad fate of being slaughtered and end up on the dining tables. Isn’t this a cruel fact of life? Climate change is a worldwide problem. But we have not yet passed the point of no return. Some years ago, Tzu Chi actively promoted environmental protection [especially recycling], and nowadays, this issue has become the focal point internationally. Since we know the ways to protect the Earth, it is time to promote the benefits of going vegetarian. A vegetarian diet can be delicious and nutritious too. It is an integral part of our spiritual cultivation. The imbalance of the Four Great Elements [namely Earth, Water, Wind and Fire] caused by man’s activities, will result in the “collective karma” of humanity. The modern lifestyle seems to be dictated by consumerism, which causes a lot of wastage. Resist the temptation of buying unnecessary things just to satisfy the urge to buy because others are buying. Remember: We need things to meet our needs, not to feed our greed. Extreme climate change has reached dangerous proportions. In the past, I used to say, “Time is running out,” now I say, “We can’t wait any longer.” My Dharma trip took me to Taitung, Pingtung, Kaohsiung and Tainan. In each stop, I sincerely appealed to my followers that: As I hear the Buddha’s teachings, understand the teachings and implement the teachings, we should not commit things that are wrong. Instead, we should do things that benefit humanity. Never stray from the right direction. Don’t waste a minute to serve. If that is the right thing to do, then do it without further delay. There are three wishes in my daily prayer that I sincerely hope can be fulfilled. They are: purifying the minds, bringing peace and harmony to society, and mitigating the world of disasters. Like the environmental protection used to preserve the health of our Earth, we need to purify our hearts to guard against all forms of impurities. Serving humanity is the greatest treasure our hearts can possess. When our society needs us and we can contribute our service, do not miss the opportunity to do good. Every one of us should see it as part our moral responsibility to help others. We can also cultivate sympathetic joy as we give without expecting anything in return and rejoice at the happiness of others. aster’s Teaching