The world of Tzu Chi (Vol.109)

48 2019 • 04 Serene Reflection Between Master Cheng Yen and Father Daniel Cerezo Ruiz, MCCJ on the Relationship between Great Love and Buddhism August 10, 1998 Father Ruiz: You often talk about love. Where does love come from? Master Cheng Yen: From the mind. Everything is created by the mind. The love I refer to is pure and untainted Great Love, which is also the innate nature of human beings. Father Ruiz: Does love have anything to do with the Buddha? Master Cheng Yen: Not only with the Buddha, but it also has much to do with you and me. Nothing in the world can exist without love. Father Ruiz: From the impressions that I have gotten, Buddhism seems to be simply prostrating before the Buddha, and it emphasizes self-cultivation. Tzu Chi seems different because it maintains a close connection to society. Master Cheng Yen: Tzu Chi is also a Buddhist organization, so we recite Buddhist sutras every morning and evening. Other religions have similar rituals to reinforce practitioners’ spiritual strength. As far as religious beliefs go, praying not only provides inner strength, it is also a state of mind and a part of religious life. Our morning recitation, for example, signifies the beginning of a new day in life. In the morning ceremony, we plan for what we hope to accomplish that day. In the evening recitation, we reflect on our actions to see if we had done anything wrong that day. Therefore, the morning recitation is a time of inspiration, while the evening recitation is a time of self-reflection. We make vows in the morning on what we want to do and then take steady steps towards our goals. Question & Answer Father Daniel Cerezo Ruiz, MCCJ, a Spanish Catholic priest from Macau, came to Hualien, Taiwan last year to do some sightseeing. He heard about Tzu Chi during his trip and out of curiosity, contacted Taipei Tzu Chi Branch to arrange for a special visit. Besides observing several Tzu Chi’s activities, he also attended the “2-Day Cultivation for Tzu Cheng Faith Corps”, at the Jing Si Hall in Hualien. Before leaving, Father Ruiz took the opportunity to ask Master Cheng Yen some questions.