The world of Tzu Chi May-June 2022 (Vol.141)

46 2022 • 06 Serene Reflection Question & Answer By Dharma Master Cheng Yen How can we deal with people and matters without being influenced by them? If a snake drinks from a basin of water, the water can be transformed into venom that harms people; if a cow drinks from the same basin, the water can be transformed into milk that nourishes people. The water’s inherent nature is the same, but it turns into different substances after being consumed by different animals. Thus the analogy, ‘a wise man’s practice leads to enlightenment, while an ignorant person’s practice results in afflictions. Sometimes, a thing that is clearly good becomes mired in controversy. This is truly unwise. We should treat interpersonal matters as a means of learning and growing so that we can utilize our wisdom to better serve others. A Tzu Chi brother in a leadership position told Master of his difficulties with interpersonal relationships. Master said, “Speak gentle words. Avoid saying anything aggressive like, ‘If you do not want to do it, there are many others waiting to take your place!’ Comments like these can really hurt people’s feelings. If our words are too direct, people who have a different mindset from us will consider them thorns. On the other hand, those who share the same mindset as us will appreciate them as beautiful roses. Only those who understand us can see that above the thorns are roses and that our words are meant for their good.” Master Cheng Yen, you must have experienced many difficulties since the inception of Tzu Chi. Can you tell us how you dealt with these difficulties? I only have six words: “Willing to work, happy to bear.” If this is the road we have chosen for ourselves, we should be willing to walk it. And whatever difficulties we might encounter, we should face them happily. It is as simple as that.