The world of Tzu Chi (Vol.111)

TZU CHI 111 53 THREE WAYS TO THE PURE LAND needs precepts, and everyone has the capability to abide by them. When parents follow the precepts, they set a good example for their children. When teachers follow the precepts, they teach students to be kind and good-mannered. If businesspeople follow the precepts, they will not harm others just to further their own interests. If government officials follow the precepts, they will carry out their duties competently and honestly. When statesmen follow the precepts, they are selfless and act with honesty, integrity, faith and steadfastness, and can set an example for the public and lead the country into a bright future. In conclusion, when every person is mindful of the precepts, there is no reason why our country cannot be prosperous, peaceful, strong and well-respected. Precepts are like the moon that shines brightly in the dark. I hope each one of you will be determined and will persevere in diligently and courageously upholding the precepts. Then, your moral excellence will gleam like pearls and radiate its brilliance like the clear moon. The world of Tzu Chi is like the theatre of life, in which every person plays an important role. Every performer is someone else’s benefactor and supporter: we kindle the light in our own hearts, and we also help to kindle the lights in other people’s hearts. Do not overlook the light emitted by even the smallest lamp or candle, because when tens and hundreds of thousands of these tiny lights are put together, they can bring infinite brightness to the world. There was once a novice who engaged in spiritual cultivation deep in the mountains, under the guidance of an old Dharma Master. One day, the novice asked her teacher, “Master, what must I do to illuminate my mind and awaken my wisdom?” The master simply said, “Light the lamp in your heart.” The novice was perplexed. She wondered what her Master really meant when she told her to light the lamp in her heart. Not long afterwards, her teacher passed away. The novice became an accomplished Dharma Master, established another temple and took in many disciples. A special feature of the temple was that every day a new lamp was lit in the main hall. With each lamp that was lit, the hall grew a little brighter. This continued until the Dharma Master was 70 and was about to pass away. On her deathbed, she looked at the main hall that was filled with flickering lights, and shook her head. “My teacher told me to light the lamp in my heart. I have brightened the hall with so many lamps, but howmuch brightness have I brought to my heart?” Then she sighed deeply. As she was about to take her last breath, she opened her eyes to take one last look at the light in the main hall. She finally smiled and said to her disciples, “The external light in this room is like the internal illumination of the heart. My dear students, if each one of you can go into the world PASS ONTHE LIGHT INYOUR HEART