The world of Tzu Chi September-October 2021 (Vol.137)

02 2021 • 10 based diet is good for our health; it offers only benefits and no harm. Mother Nature provides enough grains, vegetables, and fruit to sustain and nourish us. There is no reason to cause lives to be lost just to feed ourselves. When I founded Tzu Chi over 50 years ago, I committed myself to working for all living beings. I wanted to save all living beings—not just humans—from suffering. Abstaining frommeat shows our love for all living creatures with whom we share this planet. A vegetarian diet helps our love become more complete. The Buddha taught us to be compassionate, to refrain from killing, and to love and protect all lives. Science supports the wisdom of his teachings too. It is clear the Enlightened One was pointing a right path for us to follow, and yet many people still find it hard to become vegetarian. They just cannot tame their craving for meat. In fact, at least 80 billion animals are currently being raised to meet the need for meat consumption globally. Just imagine the sheer amount of water and food needed to raise such a large number of animals—not to mention the impact on the environment of all the carbon dioxide emitted in processes connected with providing meat for consumption. Today’s advanced technology has made receiving and spreading information easy. There is no better time to use such means to spread compassion and nourish wisdom. But what is wisdom? Doing good for the world is wisdom. Some people might be clever but lack wisdom. As a result, they might try to get whatever they want, no matter the cost. They might commit foolish deeds that damage the environment, pollute the air, and that harm or kill living beings, thus contributing to the world’s collective bad karma. Let us all work to tame our desires, rid ourselves of inner impurities, and do things that benefit the world. Vegetarianism is a good way for us to show our love for the world. To nurture a kind heart, we must start by doing no harm to other people, to animals, or to this world. We humans are the most intelligent of all animals. We have the power to relieve suffering and provide a safe haven for everything else. Let us all eat vegetarian and encourage others to do the same. Together, we can create a cleaner Earth, help people have better health, and nurture kindness in everyone’s heart. aster’s Teaching * Compiled from a collection of speeches delivered by Master Cheng Yen from August 1 to 17, 2021. Reprinted with permission from Tzu Chi Bimonthly.