The world of Tzu Chi July 2020 (Vol.124)

52 2020 • 07 * The article is extracted from the book “Still Thoughts (Vol. 2)”. We often use the phrase “one thousand hands and one thousand eyes” to describe the capabilities of the bodhisattvas. What is the significance of this? The “thousand hands and eyes” is a metaphor for completeness. With one thousand eyes, you can see the suffering of all living creatures, and with one thousand hands, you can reach out to help them. It’s very difficult to earn money, so I am not so stupid as to share what I have earned with others. You should share what you have earned with other people. We should sow the seeds of kindness while we can today, so that we can reap rewards and blessings in the future. Which is more stupid, to help others while you can or to create bad karma for yourself by hoarding every penny in a bank? It is a big mistake when you assume that you are smart but do no good for other people. If I make a lot of money on the stock market, I will donate a large part of my profit to Tzu Chi. We do not have a penny when we come into this world, and we will not take a penny with us when we leave. You should do better to earn your money in a regular way and donate it according to your financial ability. Do not let your emotions fluctuate in accordance with the ups and downs of the share price index. If I advised you not to invest in the stock exchange, you would surely thank me when the index falls, but you would also surely complain to me when it goes up. How can you cultivate your wisdom when your mood fluctuates according to stock market changes? How can you have enough energy to work on other matters? You will have an unencumbered mind when you decide not to earn money this way. Serene Reflection Question & Answer By Dharma Master Cheng Yen