The world of Tzu Chi March 2020(Vol.120)

02 2020 • 03 When I went to the northern region for the Year-end Blessing Ceremonies in December 2019, I enquired about the current circumstances of some senior commissioners from the earliest batch. They are all advanced in age now and it is inconvenient for them to leave home for activities. So, I requested the local Tzu Chi volunteers to visit them and shower them with care on my behalf. Although they were unable to attend the Year-end Blessing Ceremony and I could not go and visit them personally, the bond between us as master and disciples is deeply rooted. Our lifetime is limited, and it is no exception for me. These two years, I found myself unable to recognize some of the once-familiar faces. The truth is, everyone has aged and changed in physical appearance as they grow old. Fortunately, they are still able to recognize me. As nature takes its course, I assure myself that I have no regrets in this life. In my younger days, I fulfilled my filial duties and took care of my family.After my ordination, I have been holding true to my Master’s words to work for Buddhism and for all sentient beings. What is more, I have a group of Tzu Chi volunteers who are walking the Bodhisattva Path together. During my recent visits to Tzu Chi premises, groups of volunteers from various professions and educational backgrounds came to see me early in the morning to share with me their experiences and thoughts. It was evident from the depth of their sharing that their commitment to Tzu Chi’s missions has expanded their horizons of life and developed their wisdom as they dealt with the obstacles and challenges that crossed their paths. It brought great joy to my heart knowing that my disciples are doing what I want to do, and that there is someone who could understand and carry on my aspiration and mission. My disciples and I have been giving of ourselves selflessly. From carrying out charitable work, building hospitals, establishing education missions, to propagating humanistic values, we performed none of these for ourselves, but only for the benefit of society. Tzu Chi volunteers serve without unwholesome intention, and they pursue neither fame nor personal gain. Their sole intention is to care for the poor and sick with love, and to conserve the Earth’s precious resources. They carry out all eight Tzu Chi’s missions (i.e., Charity, Medicine, Education, Humanistic Culture, International Disaster Relief, Bone Marrow Donation, Environmental Protection and Community Volunteerism) with a heart of compassion. If we let our days slip by in vain, we are only consuming resources and creating pollution, bringing impending crises to the world; or, if we do not have the right frame of mind, we might end up doing wrong and getting ourselves caught up in endless afflictions and worries. Hence, it is only reasonable for us to walk the Bodhisattva Path with a joyful heart and a clear sense of direction, extending our hands to relieve suffering and benefit mankind, thereby finding peace within ourselves. Let us seize every karmic condition and make good use of our lives so that every day in our lives is worthwhile and free from remorse. Please be mindful always. aster’s Teaching * Compiled from a collection of speeches delivered by Master Cheng Yen from December 22, 2019 to January 6, 2020.