The world of Tzu Chi May 2020 (Vol.122)

02 2020 • 05 force. We should reassess our way of living and move forward in the right direction, levelling both sides of the scale with compassion and benevolence. Many viral diseases are found to have animal origins. These afflictions arise from the negative karma manifesting from the slaughtering of animals to satisfy our appetite for meat, disrupting the equilibrium of the ecosystem. Vegetarianism plays a part in saving the lives of sentient beings, protecting mankind from danger and fostering a healthy lifestyle. If only we resolve to curb our desire for meat and rid our minds of ignorance, we will discover that a plant-based diet rich in cereals, grains and vegetables is nutritious and spares us from the burden of a guilty conscience. When we are in the pink of health and our minds are at ease, peace will prevail. Compassion is essential for all living beings on Earth to co- exist in harmony, hence the appeal to our fellow humans to abstain frommeat to eliminate the need for animal slaughter is worth spreading far and wide as an urgent call to action. Adopting a vegetarian diet is a practice in compassion. Benevolence is characterized by one’s willingness to help create favourable conditions for harmony and happiness to flourish in society; compassion is represented by one’s readiness to alleviate the suffering of others by committing charitable deeds. Therefore, let compassion and benevolence be our guiding light as we navigate the choppy waters of life. The virus is transmitted among humans. Hence, it is advisable to scale back travelling plans tominimize the risk of infection. People nowadays rarely have time for their loved ones; take this opportunity to spend quality time with family and cherish each other’s presence. Stay connected with fellow members of the Tzu Chi community by sharing experiences and insights with one another, besides learning from each other and maintaining rapport. On March 8, a global fellowship session was conducted online in keeping with social distancing and isolation measures. The session was the first of its kind, during which lessons were delivered through live streaming to more than 21,000 participants from 30 countries and regions, in addition to garnering 180,000 public viewings. The course focused on imparting Covid-19 precautionary measures, such as complying with regulations, wearing face masks and washing hands frequently, while at the same time highlighting the importance of utilizing resources wisely. Group assemblies are discouraged for the time being, but it is possible for us to use our mobile phones to spread the message on vegetarianism and its benefits and rally those around us to pray together as a form of mutual support. As we heighten our vigilance towards the dangers of the virus, avoid giving in to unnecessary fear. A still mind breeds kindness and generates positivity. While our medical personnel are bravely fighting on the frontlines and saving lives unconditionally, we shall do our part by praying for the safety of humanity with a heart of gratitude and piety. aster’s Teaching * Compiled from a collection of speeches delivered by Master Cheng Yen from March 2 to 16, 2020.