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

* Extracted from the book “Infinite Teachings, Infinite Meanings”. Serene Reflection Question & Answer By Dharma Master Cheng Yen When Master was talking to some businesspeople, she brought up the subject of children’s education. “What is more important than leaving huge fortunes and businesses to our children is to pass virtue on to future generations. We should guide our children to do good for others, then they will lead good and proper lives. Tzu Chi’s goal is to purify people’s minds. This means to educate everyone to take responsibility for his or her own duties. For example, children’s current duty is to study diligently, and later on they will need to take responsibility for their families. This is purifying the mind.” A young mother told Master, “My child was just six months old when he died last week of a cerebral haemorrhage due to our babysitter’s negligence. This sudden loss is so hard to bear. Furthermore, the babysitter did not even apologize, which really upsets me.” Master said, “The fact that she has not apologized to you does not mean she took this lightly. On the contrary, she might be blaming herself, so she is avoiding you and does not dare face you. Do not be so quick to resent her; instead, you should comfort her, so her mind can settle down. “Your inability to let go is like a rope that ties your child down and prevents him from moving on. Only when you open your mind and cut the rope can he be at ease. The mind of a child is pure; you too must have a pure mind as you wish for him to find new parents with whom he has good affinities, and thus return to this world. Then, you are expressing true love. “Although your child’s life was short, if it can help you give rise to Great Love, his journey to this world will not have been in vain. Therefore, we need to be grateful to this child for coming to this world. Having Great Love means to open your heart and forgive the babysitter, give your blessings to your child, and view all children of the world as your own children.” 2021 • 10 50