The world of Tzu Chi Jan-Feb 2022 (Vol.139)

47 TZU CHI 139 * Extracted from the book “Infinite Teachings, Infinite Meanings”. A student said, “One of the members in our volunteer group has many bad habits. I fear he will drive new members away. For everyone’s sake, I hope to encourage him to change, but I am afraid of speaking improperly and risk hurting his feelings and affecting the atmosphere in the group.” Master said that in large groups there will inevitably be people with different habitual tendencies. “If there is someone who gets along well with the person, he or she can try to sincerely explain everyone’s feelings and thoughts. If the person can accept the advice, then it will help him get rid of his bad habits; if he cannot, then all you can do is to give him your blessings! Since you worry about him being a bad influence on others, then you must all, even more so, mind your own words and actions, so everyone can see that Tzu Chi volunteers have upright characters.” “Any statement from those we have good affinities with is like wondrous Dharma; for those with whom we lack good affinities, every statement is questionable. So, if we have already done all we can to advise someone, there is no need to say more, lest we form severe negative affinities with him. Then, we must still continue to form good affinities with him. Perhaps later on this person might be able to accept our advice.” Some people consider themselves to be good people, and when they fall sick, they complain and wonder how this could happen when they have done so much good. Why is this? If we are strong in our faith, we will not be afraid. This is a matter of our determination. If we do not have strong faith, fear will arise in us. Once we are afraid, we will believe whatever people say. If somebody says to those who do good deeds, “How could you still get sick after doing so many good things?” your answer should be this: “I am glad that I have done good deeds regularly; many people do not have the chance to contribute.” Doing good deeds does not exempt us from getting sick. However, if we did not do good deeds, the joy that come from giving in the past and the affinities we created with others would not exist. Therefore, we should consider ourselves fortunate for having done good deeds.