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In the modern workplace environment, we often encounter people who speak harsh words, which cause tension between colleagues in the office. While it is important to be capable, it is even more important to learn how to be human to one another.
When we are able to build harmonious relationships with others, we will be able to work harmoniously with them; then we are in harmony with the right principles. However, if we keep fighting along the lines of “principles”, we will become alienated from one another, and it will become even harder for us to accomplish things together.
Although it is not wrong to have a straightforward personality, we must take care to tone down our voice and speak gently while interacting with others. As we make an effort to improve our own personality, we are learning how to be human. We should regard challenges as opportunities for us to cultivate and refine our character. When we adopt a humble attitude towards others and broaden our hearts at the same time, we will be able to further improve our character.
In the process of accomplishing something, we must cultivate a heart of patient endurance. For example, when setting up Da Ai TV station, although I had my own ideas as to how things should be done, I had to face differences in opinion as I work with various people. I would always give them sufficient time and space to work things out. As for myself, I only sought to serve with utmost sincerity, with a firm belief that one day, everyone would be touched by my sincerity.
There is another type of person, who may seem strong on the outside, yet is deeply melancholic inwardly, always thinking that no one cares for him or loves him. I recall that when I went for my monastic ordination, no one knew me or came to care for me. How did I anchor my own heart then? It was through “self-love”.
At the time of my ordination, I had only NT$10 in my pocket, and possessed nothing else. During visiting hours, others inevitably had friends or kinfolks visiting them; I was the only one without visitors and would stay in a corner quietly reading my books. It was precisely because of those moments of solitude, that I had the time to ponder about my future directions in life.
I have never begrudged my circumstances. Even after I started Tzu Chi and encountered numerous setbacks, I had never once harboured resentment in my heart.
In practising Buddhism, we must bring ourselves to love others without asking for anything in return. In fact, when we serve with a heart of love, others will ultimately give their love to us. And we may even receive more than we give (i.e. receiving love from numerous people through a single act of love).
Hence, we must free ourselves from our mental afflictions and strive to be amiable, gentle, sincere and truthful as we interact with others. Let us seek to do our best in everything we do.
Extracted from “Chen Jin Guang Sheng”《尘尽光生》
Translated by the Tzu Chi Singapore translation team
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