(Photo by Wong Twee Hee)
I travelled from the North to the South and back again in June, spending 31 days on this journey. As I listened to everyone reflect on their lives, I noticed that the more they reflected, the more joy they found. They felt fortunate to have joined Tzu Chi, and Tzu Chi’s global presence is strengthened by your contributions, bit by bit. The countless lives Tzu Chi has helped are partly due to your support and resources. Reflecting on the past, I say to myself, “Thankfully, it has been a life of great value.”
Seeing everyone safeguarding the community and the Tzu Chi hospitals, the strength of love remains steadfast, just as it has been for decades. Then there are the environmental volunteers who set out early in the morning to contribute selflessly without expectation and without tracking time and expressing their sincere gratitude. Indeed, their merits are boundless. Along the way, I heard the stories of living Bodhisattvas who continue to progress diligently. I also saw the elderly, the ill, and the suffering. Some senior volunteers have been with Tzu Chi for thirty or forty years and are fully committed. Even as they age, their wisdom life remains uninterrupted, embodying Tzu Chi’s principles—this brings me great comfort.
But of course, there are also regrets. Some volunteers have fallen ill and could not come; others I can no longer see. When I hear that some of my disciples have passed away, it pains me deeply. But I remind myself to embrace wisdom. This is the natural law, and with sincerity, I bless them. They have come and gone freely, with peace and ease, without attachment or suffering.
Although life holds regrets, it is through the great love we have shared over such a long time that Tzu Chi has been able to spread globally today. We have truly realised the value of life. By aligning with the Dharma and Tzu Chi, we are walking the path of Bodhisattvas in the human world. Our lives diminish daily, but our spiritual wisdom continues to grow. Moreover, we must pass on this legacy of love to future generations, ensuring that the history of compassion continues.
Life unfolds in different stages. In youth, the greatest joy comes from constant learning and recognising the right way of thinking. In today’s world, young people often leave to study and build their careers, focusing on their small families, while the elderly are left alone or with only each other for companionship. As one moves through youth, middle age, and into old age, joy is often accompanied by worries. Whether rich or poor, there are many things in life that remain out of reach. Although life is filled with suffering, there are also great blessings in people caring for one another and offering each other companionship.
We should not let a single moment go to waste as we age. Whether at a recycling station or a branch office, spend each day speaking kind words, sharing the good deeds we’ve done, and joyfully moving our hands and using our brains, these will naturally lead to good health. Life is boundless—have faith and stop counting the days. Instead, bless yourself: "I am fortunate, as I spend each day with good people, hear kind words, and have others remember my good deeds. I have no worries nor complaints. I am content and always joyful."
Listening to everyone’s stories daily is like reading a personal sutra from each family. Some family sutras are harder to recite, and when people share their stories before me and the community, they realise that while they thought their suffering was the greatest, others may be enduring even more. With this understanding, they willingly accept their struggles, transforming their troubles into gratitude—grateful to those who challenge and polish them until they shine.
The joy of birth and the helplessness of ageing—such is life. When we have children and grandchildren, we feel great pleasure. When the grandchildren are young, we can still make decisions for them, but as they grow up, we grow old and need care ourselves. However, life doesn’t end there. We must work to increase our blessings, not our worries.
If we are prone to being calculative, unable to see things clearly or let go, obstacles will always arise, and life will be a constant struggle. Ignorance will keep growing, and not only will this life be difficult, but bad karma will extend into the next life, bringing even more suffering. In life, sometimes there is sunshine, and sometimes there is rain. We must learn to find shelter from the storms and, more importantly, learn how to dispel ignorance.
Every night, Tzu Chi staff accompanying me compile reports on the worldwide ecological states. Nature is out of balance in many ways, and human mindsets differ greatly – intertwined and complicated, creating the collective karma of sentient beings. Seeing these situations always leaves me in deep reflection, reminding myself that I must not rest. I must seize life—however much time I have left, I will use it to do as much as I can.
There is much suffering in the world, constantly pulled between good and evil. When the force of goodness prevails, people can live in peace and health. But if evil grows stronger, it pulls even the good towards it. How do we maintain balance? Neither side should pull; instead, we should love one another. You give an inch, and I will also give an inch. With mutual respect and sincerity, we can create a beautiful world.
Global warming is severe, and temperatures continue to rise. Most material items harm the earth, as they must be extracted, cut, and processed in order to be used. In our enjoyment, we must not forget the ecology of the planet. Consume less, live a simple life, reduce harm to living beings, and follow a clean diet. Increase good deeds and reduce harmful actions. The energy of love is endless. Just keep doing the good deeds we can accomplish and keep moving forward. I urge everyone to be mindful!
Translated by Blanche Yap
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