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A person once asked me, “Master, do you think that the present-day society is able to have peace and harmony?”
I replied, “Yes, definitely.”
There were also some who asked me, “Master, are we able to live a happier life in this world?”
I gave the same answer, “Yes, absolutely.”
The Chinese Character “能” (neng), which means “able to” or “ability” in English, can be used to refer to different types of ability. Let us talk about three types of ability: “本能”—instinct, “功能”—skills or function, and “良能”—service for a good cause, and the roles they play in our life.
Instinct is something we are born with. For example, a baby is able to cry, sleep and drink after it is born. These are survival instincts. We eat when we feel hungry, and sleep and rest in the night. These instincts are closely related to our survival.
Skills come about when we put the knowledge we have learned into practice. People who know how to teach may not know how to farm, and people who know how to farm may not know about industries, while people who know about industries may not necessarily be good at doing business. All these jobs require skills and expertise, which can only be attained through continuous learning. A combination of different people from various walks of life is required to form a complete and functioning society.
The main purpose of skills or function is to enable us to earn a livelihood. And there are both positive and negative aspects to them. For example, “electricity” can be used to light up our homes, but any negligence in handling it may lead to a fatal accident. Our hands have infinite abilities and are capable of doing both good and evil. In order to earn a living, some people contend with one another. Such people will end up going astray and causing great harm and damage. Their skills or functions are destructive.
“Service for a good cause” refers to skills or function at a “higher” level. It is pure and non-seeking, as well as constructive and sublime.
How do we improve our character and serve for a good cause?
The Buddha spoke of having a mind that is so broad that it can accommodate the infinite worlds in the universe. When we have a broad heart and mind, we will be able to embrace everything in the universe. We must learn to cultivate this spirit by opening up our heart and mind to embrace and care for all living beings in the world.
Genuine Great Love does not discriminate. It embraces all and is an equal love that sees all living beings in the world as one with ourselves. We can only enjoy happiness, joy and harmony in life with the presence of love.
Everyone seeks happiness, joy and harmony in life. The society belongs to everyone. If everyone is able to self-reflect, and serve and care for the society with a pure, selfless heart, it will definitely be harmonious, stable and peaceful. Then everyone will be able to live a happy life.
Therefore, love can change our lives, and it is also that which brings true happiness in life. Great Love comes from the combined loving efforts of everyone. If we can all inspire the goodness within ourselves and serve with a sincere, loving heart, there will be nothing too difficult for us. We will definitely be able to accomplish everything.
Extracted from “Sheng Huo De Zhi Hui”《生活的智慧》
Translated by the Tzu Chi Singapore translation team
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