The world of Tzu Chi April 2021 (Vol.133)

02 2021 • 04 reassured that there is nothing to regret in this life’s direction. The Buddha said that all living beings have the innate Buddha-nature; I have observed this. During Year-end Blessing Ceremonies, everyone had taken the Dharma to heart and at that moment, when everyone maintained the same thought, it was committed to eternity. The Buddha came to this world with one great purpose to teach people the Bodhisattva Way and how to practise it. I am grateful and touched that in such an era and in this current situation, there are so many people praying in unison with one heart and one mind, for a peaceful world, free from the pandemic. Feeling the spirit of Great Love and compassion along this journey, there are three things that truly have my admiration. Firstly, everyone returns to Buddha-nature, vowing from the bottom of their hearts to work for Buddhism and all living beings life after life. Secondly, I admire that there is inherent goodness in everyone. Starting from saving 50 NT cents daily in the Bamboo Bank Era, I went beyond my ability to carry out charity work and build hospitals. However, many people offered their support for the good cause. Their overflowing kindness boosted my confidence. Be it charity, medicine, education or humanistic culture missions, our efforts over these 55 years have benefitted mankind and created positive impact on society. I admire the Tzu Chi volunteers for their earnest heart and will power. Moreover, they are not attached to how much aid they have given, nor do they have the notion that they are the givers. They pool more people together to pave this Bodhisattva Path. Regardless of the size of contribution, I am equally grateful. There are many people who have been selflessly giving their all. They follow me wherever I go, sitting quietly at a corner, and do not mind whether or not I mention about them. I am very glad that they have achieved the state of “giving without asking for anything in return”. The third praise comes with lament. It is a law of Nature that people come and go. During this trip, I no longer got to see some people whom I wanted to meet. My heart ached that my disciples have passed away before me, but I believe that we are committed to each other and that they will return to this world to pave the way so that I can join themwhen my time comes. I expect that my disciples and I share the same direction, which is to be a bodhisattva; to relieve suffering like the Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva and Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva. However, with so many disasters in the world, the strength of one person is too small to reach far and wide. Hence, we need more good people and spread the spirit of Great Love so that we can reach out to those in need at every corner of the world. Everything is accomplished through time. I never have disputes with others or fuss over matters, but I often fight against time. Although I can never win over it, I always treat time with respect. I do not live by day but by second, and I am very cautious with every step I take, ensuring that I am always on the right path. In fact, our thoughts at each moment dictate our direction in life. Please pool everyone’s love together and make it last eternally. aster’s Teaching * Compiled from a collection of speeches delivered by Master Cheng Yen from February 2 to 15, 2021.