The world of Tzu Chi May 2021 (Vol.134)

02 2021 • 05 have worked together and distributed rice to tens of thousands of families to prevent them from going hungry. One local resident makes a living by working as a driver. Getting by was already a struggle for him, but the pandemic made it even more difficult for him to scrape by. After he received rice from Tzu Chi, enough to last his family for a month, he could finally breathe easier. Third, respect and love life. If we want to dispel or stave off disasters, we must abstain from killing to avoid creating bad karma. That is why eating vegetarian helps us sow blessings. As we put our love into action by doing good deeds and giving to others, we must also endeavour to inspire in everyone a love for animals and help them see the importance of a meatless diet. Loving just our fellow human beings is not enough—we must extend our love to include all other living creatures as well. I have seen many children choosing a vegetarian diet and urging others to refrain from meat to prevent animals from being slaughtered for food. If even little kids can do this, I hope more adults can overcome their craving for meat and show their love and respect for life by switching to vegetarianism. Fourth, rein in your unwholesome thoughts, greed or desires. A bad or unwholesome thought can lead to wrongdoing and cause harm. Our incorrect thinking and practices have resulted in irreversible damage to the environment and caused harm to many living creatures. We should all repent for our mistakes and try to make amends. Not long ago, a volunteer in Kaohsiung, southern Taiwan, stopped selling meat in his three restaurants. He says that his businesses have done just as well since the switch. What is even better, he is more at peace now because no lives are being sacrificed for his sake. A change of mindset and thinking has resulted in a new and better life. Just like this volunteer, we can all attain peace of heart by a simple shift of mindset. This Covid-19 pandemic is like a “grand lesson” for all of us. Let us all awaken to the message it is bringing us and use this opportunity to reflect on ourselves and aspire towards the good. Let us head in the direction for the common good of the world and work together with love to dispel and mitigate all disasters. aster’s Teaching