The world of Tzu Chi September 2020 (Vol.126)

52 2020 • 09 * The article is extracted from the book “Still Thoughts (Vol. 2)”. Amedical student expressed deep sorrow over the death of one of his close relatives. The Master consoled him. “Since you’re a medical student, you’ll deal with many patients in the future. You should have a deep understanding of life and death. In Buddhism, death is a form of rebirth. The dead leave for a new life. Life and death are cyclical. Therefore, death is not sad. We should pray for the dead and chant sutras for them.” “What can I do for the dead?” The medical student continued. “Be a good student. Study hard so that you can save a lot of people in the future. Our bodies are given to us by our parents. The best way you can show your gratitude to them is to be a good doctor.” An elderly gentleman was suffering from stomach cancer. Thirty percent of a person’s illness is physical pain, while the remaining seventy percent is mental pain. A sick person needs to maintain a tranquil mind. You need to release your anguish aloud, whether the sounds are groans of pain or joyous sutra chants. You must demonstrate your sorrow or happiness with facial expressions. You should be aware that your joyful sounds and happy facial expressions will bring comfort to others as well as yourself. Why do living beings have to suffer so much pain? You suffer a lot of pain if you do not have a clear understanding of life. However, you will be very much at ease if you possess a clear understanding. The Buddha said that everyone is born equal, and each of us has Buddha-nature. You can become as good as the Buddha if you are willing to improve yourself constantly. In order to become a buddha, you must walk on the Path of the Bodhisattvas. You must study the Buddha’s teachings and help all living creatures to attain Enlightenment. Then, joy and suffering will be all the same to you. Serene Reflection Question & Answer By Dharma Master Cheng Yen