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

TZU CHI 137 49 * This article is extracted from the book “Master Tells Stories”. Blessings and wisdom can be seen as the two feet we stand on. If we care for them, we will have two strong feet that will take us wherever we want to go. Living in this world filled with impurities, if we can remain unaffected by the contentious affairs of others, regardless of the circumstances—and keep our hearts open, unobstructed and joyous—we have attained wisdom. When we see people suffering from illness, we compassionately extend our hands to help them; thus, a compassionate heart creates blessings. If we are able to uphold our initial aspiration and persevere unwaveringly, our blessings and wisdom will naturally increase with each passing day. practitioner was whipped, he suffered very little. The Buddha said, “This filthy old bhiksu was that prison guard in a past life, and the man who was wrongfully accused was me. He showed compassion towards me, and I have been hoping to repay his kindness for many lifetimes.” In spite of the prison guard’s extreme brutality in his previous life, which led him to suffer from poverty and sickness in this incarnation, the compassion he showed towards the innocent practitioner allowed him to meet and be personally attended to by the Buddha. Every kind of cause and condition will have a corresponding effect and retribution. The law of karma is infallible. If we create negative karma, we will receive negative retribution. If we create positive karma, we will receive bountiful blessings. “Our transgressions arise from the mind; blessings are also created by the mind.” Thus, all good and evil originate from the mind. Once we deeply comprehend the law of karma, we will naturally rid ourselves of ill intentions and hold good intentions in our minds.