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With the COVID-19 pandemic still raging around the world, new variants have emerged and created new waves of infection. Be vigilant and sincere and pray for the world to stay strong and safe. At the same time, let us also humbly learn the lessons from the pandemic.
It has been said in the past that when a world disaster is imminent, everyone needs to be mindful and conscious and stop indulging in greed, both material and thought. Many of us may think that we have no desire, no craving, and thus generate no bad karma. However, the desires are hidden deep in the mind, very subtle and difficult to detect but can be triggered by external conditions. If everyone allows this hidden desire to break through and turn into action, this karmic force will grow, accumulate and multiply. Eventually, it will snowball into a catastrophe that affects most of us.
Pay heed to all our thoughts, regardless of how small they are. Just like our tiny desire and selfishness would create attachment, making us particularly attached to people and things that matter to us. Likewise, we take no notice of those we think do not matter to us. Or perhaps we may repulse against those due to our dislike or displeasure, forming delusion unknowingly. This delusion may manifest into actions, thereby generating karma. These greed, repulsion and delusion, which bring about environmental damage and pollution, will eventually lead to climate change. Many countries and regions suffer from natural disasters as a result of climate change.
I hope the world will be safe and free from disasters and everyone will be healthy and free. To reach there, the only panacea is self-awakening. Let us be civil-conscious, persevere in a vegetarian lifestyle and abide by our precepts. We cherish the life of all beings. As long as we do not eat meat, no animal will befall. All living beings shall then be able to live together peacefully, and there will be harmony and bliss in the world.
Due to the ongoing pandemic, returning citizens or visitors need to quarantine and self-manage their health. As this pandemic drags on and much more uncertainties, many people have postponed their trips to Taiwan. As a result, this year’s Spring Festival became very different from previous years. Social distancing has pulled people apart physically, but the relationship has not been weakened. Though we may be across different continents but with technology, we are connected instantly and affably. During this Spring Festival, we could travel worldwide without leaving our conference room. Tzu Chi volunteers are one family in the world, keeping the warm and pleasant atmosphere of the Lunar New Year together.
The master and disciples are cognizant and mindful of each other. Friends-In-Dharma walks the Bodhisattva path with one goal and in unity. This kinship is pure and selfless, extending far and wide. Volunteers from Mozambique had an online Lunar New Year greeting session with Jing Si Abode in Taiwan. From the video, it is markedly clear the respect and sincerity they had for the master. Be it the chair, table or teacup, they were arranged earnestly. They have even decorated the tabletop using sand to lay out the world map, pebbles to demarcate the boundaries and flower petals to indicate Tzu Chi contact points. It was definitely remarkable and commendable.
They have no worries and hindrances; their wisdom surpasses the material desires of the world. Lack of material does not hinder nor define them. In Tzu Chi, the sky is the shelter, and the ground is the cultivation hall; their minds are so expansive.
When one is contented, life will be enriching and satisfying. But indulging in self-purification and self-fulfilment is woefully short. After settling oneself, one has to help others and share our spiritual fortune. Carry out life education and inspire everyone's conscience and ability. Everyone has the ability to help another.
Tzu Chi started with 30 members saving fifty cents in bamboo coin banks. This slowly accumulates, grows and spreads throughout the world. And gave rise to the recruitment of Tzu Chi volunteers in many countries. When disasters or catastrophes strike, we are bound by our common tacit conviction – loving kindness. This strength enables us to save the many sufferings.
In turn, the sufferings offer opportunities to those who have compassion, commitment and ability to give. They are not hindered by the many difficulties facing them, unwittingly achieving the Bodhisattva's path. Therefore, those who help others should be grateful and respect those who receive help. Those who receive help are also grateful to the givers. Both parties are honoured and thankful to each other. This is the beauty of life; everyone is content and joyful, turning the filthy world into the paradise of Bodhisattvas.
One must cherish one’s life and affirm one’s usefulness in life and to the world. Recently, I have been calling on everyone to evaluate their lives. Our life values are derived from our service to the world. For me, I also feel that my life has been most invaluable. This value comes from the fact that there are so many people in the world who stand with me on our shared vision and mission. Whenever we are connected online, Tzu Chi volunteers would vow to stay together in this and future lives. I would also tell them we would make this vow together, practice the way in body and mind and lead sentient beings to the path of Bodhisattvas. We shall persevere the Bodhisattva's way in this and the next lives. Let us all devote wholeheartedly to this paramount endeavour.
Translated by Chu Tiong Yong
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