The world of Tzu Chi December 2020(Vol.129)

01 TZU CHI 129 By Dharma Master Cheng Yen Translated by Goh Hwe Yong aster’s Teaching If we laud about compassion but cannot curb our desire for meat, we will continue to kill animals for food, and they will retaliate. Plant-based diet provides sufficient nutrients, not only to maintain good health, but for a peaceful mind too. S ince the beginning of this year, forest fires have been rampant on the west coast of America, closing in on residents living nearby, forcing animals to run for life but found no way to escape. While in Brazil, forest fires were more severe compared to last year, with more than 20,000 ignition spots in September alone. The map of forest fire hotspots indicates that the red zones are expanding. This is an alarming sign that a crisis is closing in on us. When driving on the road, one must stop the vehicle when the traffic light turns red, to let pedestrians cross the road. If one breaks the rule, accidents are bound to happen. Similarly, humans must abide by the laws of nature. As expounded in the Lotus Sutra , “the Three Realms is like a burning house”. Bad karmas are created due to greed, anger and delusion, resulting in a defiled world; yet humans are so immersed in their enjoyments and unaware of its danger. Such a situation is similar to one where the children playing in a burning house are ignorant of the danger; they are not afraid, thence have no intention to run for safety. In our daily life, there are temptations of various forms that may deviate us from the right path hence cause us to lose vigilance and lose hold of a pure and sincere mind. Egoism leads to disasters. A self-centred person will try all means and manners for personal gains and pleasures. Our lifestyles have caused much environmental destruction and climate change. Frequent occurrences of fires, floods and typhoons are threatening the life of mankind. Are these seemingly natural disasters really “natural”, or are they caused by humans? First there is destruction, then comes a disaster. Mankind has planted the seeds of disasters, and they are now bearing the consequences of their own actions. That is the Universal Law of Cause and Effect. Disasters with physical presence are visible to our eyes, but virus diseases are invisible and intangible, yet they are more life threatening. Unable to control his appetite, mankind has devoured game meat, which has given rise to diseases that spread globally. Covid-19 has a long incubation period in the human body. A Covid-19 carrier may transmit the virus through direct or indirect contact, which frightens everyone. Despite how advanced medical science is today, we are still unable to contain the pandemic. The Wholesome Love