The world of Tzu Chi April 2020 (Vol.121)

02 2020 • 04 zoonotic diseases is to adopt a vegetarian diet. This way, we also show our sincere piety in valuing lives. Grains and vegetables are the best food sources that Mother Nature provides to nourish us. They are natural and nutritious. A simple meal filled with the natural fragrance of vegetables and fruits can not only fill our stomachs but also provide us with the nutrients we need. Isn’t such a simple and pure way of life all we need for a blissful life? By following such a natural path of life, we will have peace and safety. This pandemic is also a call for reflection and repentance. We should learn from the lessons it has taught us and make a change for the better. A vegetarian diet is beneficial in many ways, why not give it a try now rather than later? The food we taste is swallowed in a mere few seconds. Instead of enjoying the transient pleasure, shift your mindset to show respect for the world of animals and stop domesticating and sacrificing them for food. There is no difference between any other living creatures and us human beings. Hence, we should feel for them, care for them and love them, and respect their right to live. In the face of the pandemic, we must be on guard and be vigilant, and be a guiding light to others. Take good care of our body and mind, and refrain from being ignorant and passing on unfounded news or information blindly, for that will only induce fear and panic. Even if someone unwittingly passes on baseless information to you, act wisely and let the rumours stop with you. Be it the wildfires or the pandemic, we can no longer count solely on physical efforts to battle the blaze or virus, but we must stay vigilant and pray sincerely. Despite advancements in science and technology, viruses and pathogenic bacteria are virtually invisible and can spread everywhere once the conditions for them to transmit are created. Hence, only when all living beings on Earth co-exist in harmony and treat one another with mutual respect and love, can we all be safe. The medical staff battling bravely on the front lines are the true heroes in this fight against the pandemic. While they work hard to safeguard lives, we should also observe preventive measures and regulations to protect ourselves and others from being infected, and take good care of ourselves. Let us unite the hearts of everyone and embrace a vegetarian diet as a demonstration of sincere piety and show our love and respect for other living creatures. Think wholesome thoughts, make good vows, and pray sincerely for our prayers to reach the powers above and for the pandemic to end soon. aster’s Teaching * Compiled from a collection of speeches delivered by Master Cheng Yen from February 3 to 11, 2020.