The world of Tzu Chi (Vol.110)

TZU CHI 110 43 THREE WAYS TO THE PURE LAND Take walking as an example. I always say that we should step lightly, but I often hear people shuffling along. People of the older generation tell those who drag their steps to walk more briskly and lightly. In fact, as spiritual practitioners we need to practise how to walk, stand, sit and even lie down in the appropriate way. These practices are a part of classical education on propriety. Therefore, even walking is something that needs to be learned. We should learn to walk with light, steady steps ourselves, as well as teach others how to lighten their steps. When we open a door, we should take care to open it softly. If we make loud noises, it shows we are not being mindful of what we are doing. If we concentrate on our actions, opening the door gently and closing it slowly, we will naturally make no noise. When we are mindful, we teach others by setting a good example. It is the same with talking. We should encourage each other to say good things and refrain from gossiping or criticizing others. This is what Dharma Masters teach us; the Buddha and the sutras teach us to do the same. That is what each of us has heard; that is how teachings are passed on through speech. I hope all of us can set a good example for other people. After first transforming ourselves, we can teach our family members and imbue our families with the spirit of the Buddha. We can then go on to influence society and bring purity to people’s minds. For the next generation to accept the Buddha’s teachings, we cannot simply keep preaching to them. We must touch their hearts with our warmth and sincerity. We treat every person who comes to the Abode with kindness, no matter how young or old, and care for them with gentleness. For the elderly, we can nourish their hearts with the sweet nectar of the Buddhadharma. For the young, it is most important to teach them to learn and practise the Buddhadharma, so that the next generation of Tzu Chi volunteers can understand and follow the Buddha’s teachings. Cleaning the exterior and the interior Every year, as Chinese New Year approaches, everyone works to clean out the old and bring in the new. What is the real goal of this cleaning? Is it really to welcome the new year? The true purpose of this cleaning is to establish a new life. If we only clean our external environment but do not understand that we also need to clean our heart, what use would that be? The heart of a spiritual practitioner must not retain the slightest trace of impurity. If there are impurities in our heart, it is like a house that has not been cleaned; it will be difficult to open our doors and invite people in. Therefore, I hope that every one of us can take care, every single day of the year, to keep our minds pure – that is how we complete our spiritual cultivation. And I hope that starting today, you can eliminate all useless afflictions from your mind and enter a new stage in your life! “The universe is our university, each day is a blank piece of paper, and every person is an essay filled with good teachings.” Please bear this phrase in mind and deeply contemplate its meaning!