The world of Tzu Chi Nov-Dec 2022 (Vol.144)

TZU CHI 144 49 * Extracted from “ ASteady Heart and Steady Practice ”. the disciple, then they would all leave the monastery instead. This was considered the most severe form of protest. Maintaining his composure, Venerable Pan Gui said to them, “You all have a clear understanding of the principles and this matter. Since you have all taken in my teachings every day, you know to uphold the virtuous Dharma and eliminate evil habits. You are now mature, and since you can maintain the precepts, you can practise in peace wherever you go. Yet this thief remains immature, and he continues to make the same mistake. He has not realized his error, so he cannot correct this habitual tendency. If I do not take him in, who would? So, if you hate him so much, you may leave him behind. You all are able to practise in any monastery, but I must make the decision to continue earnestly teaching this disciple no matter what.” The disciple who had stolen cried when he heard this. In that moment, he was moved to tears and deeply repented for his past wrongdoings. This washed away his urge to steal, and he changed his ways. From then on, he constantly focused on his purifying practices, and later, he would pass Venerable Pan Gui’s teachings on to others. Most people think only of looking after themselves, but they do not know how to practise love. I often say that we must forgive those who cannot be forgiven and love those who cannot be loved. This is what we must learn. Those who cannot be loved by others live in great suffering, and those who cannot receive forgiveness live in great misery. If we indulge ourselves and lose sight of our intrinsic nature, then we cannot exercise our compassionate love. This is what results from a lack of discipline.