The World Of Tzu Chi(Vol.115).

53 TZU CHI 115 waiting until after we achieve success in self-cultivation. When we seize the present moment to purify people’s minds and constantly serve others, as well as practise self-reflection, we will realize the true meaning of Buddhism. Question: Is it against the rules of cultivation to read novels or sing songs? Master Cheng Yen: No, but they must be ones that help us purify our minds. For example, Buddhist chanting is a lot like singing; the stories depicted in the sutras are like novels, too. Furthermore, we need to understand sentient beings in order to save and transform them. So, we have to make time to watch television or read newspapers and magazines in order to be well-versed in current events of the world. Question: I used to think religion is full of mystery, but I don’t have that feeling at Tzu Chi. Master Cheng Yen: Religion should not be mysterious. Otherwise, it will make people afraid and uneasy. When one is afraid, one becomes lost. Religion is supposed to provide answers. Buddhist practitioners are supposed to assuage people’s doubts, not confuse and misguide them. Ms Zhu: I don’t know why, but I couldn’t help becoming teary the moment I saw you. Master Cheng Yen: Maybe because you can feel my sincerity, and I can feel yours. Faith, honesty, sincerity and integrity have always been the principles that I adhered to; they are the motto for my life. You came here with sincerity in your heart, and that sincerity can dissolve all differences and close all gaps between people. That is why when we meet, we are naturally moved to tears. Ms Zhu: Initially, I thought I was only in Taiwan to give lectures. Unexpectedly, I got to learn a lot about Tzu Chi. I didn’t know anything about Tzu Chi before. Ms Hang: My purpose for visiting Tzu Chi is quite clear because I already knew about Tzu Chi. I wish to understand the Tzu Chi’s spirit more fully on this trip. Master Cheng Yen: The mind of Ms Zhu Lin is as pure as a sheet of white paper. She does not pre-judge. Therefore, when she first encountered Tzu Chi volunteers and the work that Tzu Chi does, she is able to write beautiful prose on that white sheet of paper. As for Ms Hang Ying, you have known Tzu Chi for a long time, and the beauty of the Tzu Chi world has been imprinted on your mind. With your understanding of Tzu Chi, naturally you are moved when you come here. * The article is extracted from the book “Friends from Afar: Conversations with Dharma Master Cheng Yen”.