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

54 2020 • 03 * The article is extracted from the book “Still Thoughts (Vol. 1)”. Serene Reflection Question & Answer By Dharma Master Cheng Yen Q: A: Q: A: Q: A: Q: A: What is morality? Morality is a commitment to put one’s skills to use in perfecting the Buddhist Path. When morality is in the mind but is shown externally through action, this is called the “form of morality”. For example, one’s way of walking, courtesy towards others, and so forth, can show one’s form of morality. Thus, morality is the self-education, inner organization and regularity that is expressed in external behaviour. A young girl asked, “How should we dress?” It is best to dress naturally. Our clothes protect our bodies and express our characters. They should naturally suit our status, age and circumstances. To be beautiful, dress naturally. That which is too forced or unnatural does not look good. What is speech karma? When every word one says is true and one takes responsibility for every word uttered, one has “Right Speech”. To do the contrary is to create speech karma. When one opens the mouth and wags the tongue, one always creates karma. Use wisdom to avoid creating bad karma. If one makes jokes or laughs at others, there will be irrevocable retribution. Harmony and respect are the most important requirements for moral cultivation, thus one’s actions should not go against the natural rules of life. Speaking to others with a vulgar tone of voice, lies, profanity or deception creates karma through sound, which is speech karma. Why do we treat strangers more politely than friends or relatives? Some people are very polite to those with whom they are unfamiliar. They observe every detail of etiquette and spend time together happily. But after they have spent some time together and have gotten more well-acquainted, then familiarity breeds contempt and they no longer think about courtesy. For this reason, some people say hate arises from love. In the beginning, when everybody is mutually polite, they are able to respect and love each other. But then, as they get to know each other better and their attention to etiquette gradually dies away, apathy takes its place. We should maintain the courteous attitude of the first meeting. This is the true way to be a person and deal with others.