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There is an old saying that goes, “The Karmic Law of Cause and Effect never fails.” The Buddha has taught us that whatever karmic causes and conditions we have created will lead to karmic consequences and retributions (as outcomes of those causes and conditions). As one sows, so shall one reap.
During the Chinese New Year festive season, people usually greet each other with auspicious wishes, such as “good luck”, “peace”, and best of health”. In fact, “good luck” and “good health” are both outcomes. People usually like to focus on positive outcomes; they often neglect the “causes” (that will lead to such outcomes).
Peace and good health actually come from a healthy mind. But how can we maintain a healthy and wholesome mind? We must eliminate greed, hatred and ignorance, which are the sources of all our troubles and afflictions. If we cannot let go of our troubles and attachments, it is only a matter of time that we will fall sick. Some diagnoses could not reveal the causes of illnesses; in such cases, the illnesses might have arisen from an unhealthy state of mind.
Happy people are content and do not ask for more
Tzu Chi commissioners regularly visit aid and care recipients of the Foundation. When they come across lonely, elderly folks, they will always show them care and concern. Once they asked an elderly man, “Grandpa, is your home too damp and humid? Are your clothes warm enough? Did you have enough to eat?”
The elderly man, aged 80 to 90 years old replied, “The place where I live is very good. My clothes are warm enough, and I’m happy with the food I eat and the things I need.”
Although most people may find such living conditions very basic, the old folk was very satisfied with what he had, so he did not ask for more. Apart from giving a warm welcome to the visiting volunteers, he did not expect more help from them. People like this elderly man are physically and mentally healthy, despite being advanced in age.
On the contrary, some other aid and care recipients may show the exact opposite. They would start complaining and whining about what is lacking as soon as the volunteers enter their home. If you ask them how they are feeling, they would reply, “I’m not well. I’m sick all over!”
Clearly, there is a subtle and inextricable relationship between our physical health and mental state. Therefore, we must remember to clear the trash in our mind at all times and plant the healthy seeds of loving-kindness, compassion, joy and giving. Only by planting the seeds of good health can we reap the fruit of good health.
Be mindful every moment
Many people nowadays lack mutual trust; they are often in fear of one another. Everyone is always on guard when they interact with each other, worrying about whether the other person would lie to them or do anything unfavourable to them. How are we going to be blessed if we have such a mindset? There needs to be mutual trust in order for things to go well and smoothly. Only by sowing the seeds of blessings, will we reap the fruits of blessings.
I often say, “It is easy to celebrate New Year, but hard to (live each day happily without encountering any trouble or setback).” During Chinese New Year festive season, everyone greets each other with a smile and auspicious wishes, but the festival will be over in just a few days. So, (the festive joy is short-lived and does not hold much meaning.) It is more important to live each day well and joyfully (all year round). If we wish to do this, we have to do good and be good at all times. Then naturally, we will live happily each day, and if so, every year will be a good year for us.
Everyone should be vigilant and mindful at all times -- be cautious not to speak the wrong words or do the wrong thing. If we take good care of our minds, we will definitely enjoy peace and blessings in life, and if we live this way, every day will be a good day for us.
Extracted from “Sheng Huo De Zhi Hui”《生活的智慧》
Translated by the Tzu Chi Singapore translation team
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