The World Of Tzu Chi(Vol.128)

51 TZU CHI 128 * Extracted from Tzu Chi Singapore website. How to speak your mind without hurting people’s feelings? People who are direct with their words may offend people who do not share the same frequency as them. However, people who know them well may see their good intention behind the direct words. Speak kind words, be considerate and empathetic, do not hurt people with our words. We can only be frank with close confidants because these people can understand our good intention. As for unreasonable people, just treat them kindly and politely. How can I avoid becoming jealous and hateful of others? How can I be more soft-spoken? We will not make enemy if we are compassionate. The fact is no one is absolutely kind nor absolutely evil. Although human nature is inherently good, humans are easily influenced by their surroundings. Ordinary folks may exhibit certain bad behaviours under certain circumstances and environment. When the external condition changes, they might become someone entirely different. Our surrounding is therefore very important. The song titled “The Spirit of Great Love” has a good lyric that inspires people to love everyone in the world, singing the song frequently can be a reminder for us to stay compassionate when dealing with people we do not like. Buddha has taught us to let go of attachments in order to not give rise to mental afflictions. Master has so many missions to complete and faces many challenges along the way. How do Master remain persistent in Tzu Chi’s missions without getting over attached? Perseverance and attachment are different. Being attached is to blindly pursue something according to one’s own judgement. Perseverance is persisting in fulfilling a duty with a clear mind. There are always different opinions from others when we choose to do something. However, we must persevere if it is something that is ought to be done. We would be stubborn if we choose to disregard other people’s opinion and insist on doing something which is not right. Serene Reflection Question & Answer By Dharma Master Cheng Yen