(Photo source: Envato)
Together with several staff members of the Tzu Chi Retreat Camp, Master Cheng Yen held a discussion about the recent situation at the 921 Earthquake disaster area. During this discussion, Master Cheng Yen addressed one overseas Tzu Chi volunteer.
Master Cheng Yen said:
Those who are committed on a task must not be deliberately involved in a dispute. One has to be responsible for the path that one has chosen. Once we have decided to contribute to Tzu Chi, we should not be easily affected by others.
A Tzu Chi brother asked, "If one were to encounter trivial matters daily, will it affect the pursuit of spiritual cultivation?"
Master Cheng Yen answered:
The true pursuit of Buddhist cultivation is about attaining perfect harmony with people, matters and principles. If we cannot forge good relationships with others, we need to continuously cultivate ourselves until the people and matters come to a satisfactory solution. Everyone needs to handle their thoughts with care. We should not focus on the failures and mistakes of others. The true pursuit of Buddhism cultivation requires the cultivation of oneself when interacting with others. Setbacks are unavoidable. Hence, we should not take it to heart. Otherwise, it will be difficult to achieve anything. All of us need to communicate more, understand one another better and reach a common consensus.
Tzu Chi brother said, "I have always thought that I lack adequate virtuous conduct and that it is challenging to rally support from others."
Master Cheng Yen replied:
My virtue is an accumulation of more than thirty years of cultivation. Do not belittle yourself!
Translated by Andrea Lim
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