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

52 2020 • 04 Serene Reflection Question & Answer By Dharma Master Cheng Yen ATzu Chi member who engaged in the fields of culture and education suffered the loss of her beloved husband. Master Cheng Yen consoled her, “Don’t count a man’s life by his age, but by his achievements. Your husband made enormous contributions to his family and work. If you truly miss him, you should carry on his spirit of dedication and demonstrate your own talents as well. You should devote your time and energy to educating your children, purifying our society, and promoting our traditional virtues and culture. “Don’t confine yourself only to your family,” the Master continued, “and don’t become depressed simply because you lost your husband’s support. Chin up, chest out! Be confident! You should extend your love and concern to other people and do everything that you can do.” “I’ll try it gradually…” the member replied. “Do it immediately,” the Master interjected. “Life is filled with changes. We must seize the day. Someone asked me if I had any plans for the future. I said I certainly have plans and goals for the future, yet I must live in the moment. Our achievements in the future are based on our daily endeavours. The future is an accumulation of many ‘todays’. You must do the best you can.” “I haven’t been able to calm down during the last three months,” the member confided. “I locked myself in my office, and didn’t want to face others or go to any meetings. This situation continued until I dreamed that my husband told me that he would not be able to come back. Suddenly, Master, I understood what you meant by your words, ‘You should stop missing him all the time.’” “Your husband is physically free from all worldly worries,” the Master explained. “Don’t drag him down. It’s your own problem if you can’t let him go. Life is like a play, and each “Life is filled with changes. We must seize the day. Our achievements in the future are based on our daily endeavours. The future is an accumulation of many ‘todays’. You must do the best you can.” —Master Cheng Yen