The world of Tzu Chi August 2020 (Vol.125)

* The article is extracted from the book “Still Thoughts (Vol. 2)”. What is compassion? Compassion requires us to love those with whom we do not have a special relationship and to share in the unhappiness of others. Compassion is concerned with all living creatures. Can one better help all living creatures by becoming a monk or nun? Being a monk or nun is a great mission, and you need to cultivate a healthy mind first. When you become a monk or nun, you should not immediately begin to spread Buddha’s teachings and help all living creatures. You should first learn how to set yourself free from worry and get along well with other monks and nuns. I want to teach primary school students how to behave properly in the hope that they will not commit any crimes when they grow up. Please tell me how I can best fulfil this task. You must cherish your own happy family and carefully educate your own children. It is also appropriate for you to take the time to act as a volunteer safety guard at your children’s school or at the nursery school in your community. Try to make friends with children. You will then be able to show your love and wisdom to them. Is it so difficult to cultivate virtue? I have encountered a lot of setbacks. What should I do? Try to understand Buddha’s teachings thoroughly. However, you should not take worldly human affairs too seriously. We work with ordinary people every day, and of course we will face disagreements. Though we might become upset by these things, we should learn to remain calm in our deepest heart. So, don’t quit. Try as best you can to walk on the Path of the Bodhisattvas. Serene Reflection Question & Answer By Dharma Master Cheng Yen 2020 • 08 54