The World Of Tzu Chi(Vol.114).

TZU CHI 114 55 D ue to our different thoughts and beliefs, we behave very differently from one another, and therefore lead very different lives. Once when I was in Kaohsiung, a Tzu Cheng Faith Corps member brought along a middle-aged friend to visit. He said to me, “Master, please enlighten him and unravel the knots within his troubled mind.” I asked, “What happened?” Looking distressed, the man answered, “Three years ago, my wife passed away in an accident.” The moment he said “my wife passed away”, his voice was mournful, so I asked, “Even after three years, you still cannot let go?” The Faith Corps member then said, “Not only can’t he let go, he has also given up on himself. Ever since his wife passed away, he is never in the mood to work. Worst of all, his habit of drinking every day has led to cirrhosis.” I then asked, “Do you have any children?” He answered, “Yes, I’ve three children. Being in the last stage of cirrhosis, I’m filled with worry whenever I think about their future.” “You need to let go. Although you miss your wife, you should consider your children. If something happens to their father, what will happen to them? Regardless of what happens, you must untangle the knot in your heart and let go so that you can live more happily. Be more optimistic, and give your children a joyful childhood. If they see aster Cheng Yen Tells Stories The Accident Three Years Ago your troubled face every day, they cannot be happy! Today’s medical research is very advanced; if you have the will to live, you need to accept the necessary treatments and find a less strenuous job. This way, not only will you be able to gradually heal, you can also support your children.” He listened and said, “Okay. I’ll try. I’ll do my best.” Hearing him say this, I felt deeply for him. Life is impermanent. Accidents are inevitable. After an accident, if we remain attached and distressed, not only is the attachment useless, we will eventually drown ourselves in a sea of suffering. Let this man’s experience remind us to be vigilant! The relationships between husbands and wives are all different. Some couples fall deeply in love, while others experience a love-hate relationship. Even when couples are married, they may have trouble getting along and eventually end up hurting each other. We must caution ourselves against resentment. If people live together with resentment and allow ill-willed thoughts to manifest into actions, it will be too late for regrets. Whether suffering is caused by excessive love or by reckless, cruel behaviour, everything arises from the mind. Therefore, we must tame our minds. Caring for one another with pure love and gratitude is the way to a truly healthy life. * This article is extracted from the book “Return to Our Pure Nature”.