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

TZU CHI 122 53 * This article is extracted from the book “Reminders under the Sala Trees – A Commentary on the Sutra of the Buddha’s Bequeathed Teachings”. ourselves and contribute our abilities to sentient beings and society, enabling the views and understanding that we believe in to be recognized by all. Only then will we be able to promote the missions of Tzu Chi. The Buddha’s heart and the teacher’s mission are like the two tracks of a railroad used to carry sentient beings away from the sea of suffering; they are both indispensable. We must therefore have harmony in views through common understanding, thoroughly comprehend the Buddha’s heart, and deeply understand the Buddhadharma. The third point is “harmony in benefits through sharing equally”. We live in the Abode and care for each other, working together without personal benefit. When basic necessities are distributed equally and our bodies and minds are pure, then we have “harmony in benefits through sharing equally”. The fourth point is “harmony in actions when living together”. Everyone needs to act in unison. Living at the Abode, we must have the same schedule. For example, in the morning, at the sound of the wooden boards, everyone wakes up and enters the great hall to attend the morning recitation. After morning recitation and breakfast, the work begins for the day, and everyone carries out the work together without fearing hardship. I have said, “As one eye sees, millions of eyes see, and as one hand moves, millions of hands move.” When we work together with one mind in concerted effort—only then can we have “harmony in actions when living together”. The fifth is “harmony in speech without discord”. When we speak, we need to consider four factors. First, the person: we need to consider if our words are appropriate for the person. Second, the time: we need to see if it is the appropriate time to say the words. Third, the place: aside from the time being appropriate, we need to consider if the words are appropriate for the place. Fourth, the volume of our voice: if we are speaking to a crowd, we need to raise our voices when we speak. If there are only a few people, we need to lower our voice when we speak so as to not disturb others. If we can pay attention to these four factors, we will not cause trouble when we speak, and we will not hurt others with our words. The sixth point is “harmony in resolve through shared joy”. Our thoughts need to be sincere and joyful. We must constantly nurture our compassion and wear “the robe of gentleness and patience” so that we can interact with others in harmony without a distinction between people we like or dislike. We need to first treat others with gentleness and compassion, then naturally we can inspire others and make them feel joyful as well. This is called “harmony in resolve through shared joy”. (To be continued in the next issue) REMINDERS UNDER THE SALA TREES