The world of Tzu Chi (Vol.109)

49 TZU CHI 109 The Buddha also teaches us to practise “loving-kindness, compassion, joy and equanimity” in our daily living, which Tzu Chi earnestly follows every single day. You asked what makes Tzu Chi different from other organizations. I would say it all depends on the needs and abilities of each group. However, all of these groups encompass “loving-kindness, compassion, joy and equanimity”. Father Ruiz: What methods do you use to inspire so many volunteers to help others so enthusiastically? Master Cheng Yen: I have no special methods, I just have a sincere heart. We talk about the things we are going to do. And when something is beneficial to society, we will talk about it even after we have done it. Father Ruiz: What does Buddhism mean to people now? Master ChengYen: For modern-day practitioners, sincere love needs to be practised. Father Ruiz: What does the “Dharma-boat” signify? Master Cheng Yen: The Buddhadharma is a vehicle, a boat of compassion for all sentient beings; it delivers people from the shore of suffering to the shore of happiness. Bodhisattvas ferry this boat back and forth; even after they die and relinquish their bodies, Bodhisattvas vow to come back to the Human Realm to save people. Although aware that it is full of afflictions, they still want to come back to the Human Realm. This is what Bodhisattvas do; their actions are also described as “the ferry of compassion delivering all beings”. Father Ruiz: How does one acquire happiness? Master Cheng Yen: With determination. Otherwise, it is impossible to acquire happiness. Salvation cannot be achieved by listening to teachings; it can only be achieved by acting them out. * The article is extracted from the book “Friends from Afar: Conversations with Dharma Master Cheng Yen”.