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Buddha often taught that we must bear with the Saha world to save sentient beings. This world is a melting pot of suffering and joy. Unfortunately, our population has gradually increased, the climate is changing, and more natural and man-made disasters are constantly occurring around the world. Hence, purifying people's minds has become more critical than ever. We need to help people become mild and gentle so that the world can be a peaceful and happy place to live.
It is everyone's, especially the educators’ responsibility to purify minds. All who teach at kindergartens, universities, secondary schools and primary schools are educators. Among them, primary school teachers play a critical role in laying the foundation for developing a person's character.
Secondary school children, regardless of age, have just embarked on their life journey. With their minds and emotions newly developed, teachers need to adopt common sense and knowledge to guide them towards living a purposeful life and becoming role models. Secondary schools are where educators should guide children to take the righteous and bright path in life.
Universities are equally important. The future leaders of society depend heavily on education. If the direction of their university education is not steered properly, their growing maturity may threaten peace in the future society.
We must carry with us a sense of mission and provide consistent education to the future leaders of our society. This is why Tzu Chi's ambition is to provide a holistic education. From early childhood education all the way to tertiary education, we have now advanced to doctorate research classes too. We are pinning our hope on the future of education. Tzu Chi’s education is not only provided on campuses but everywhere and at all times.
We have a common philosophy to impart Tzu Chi's humanistic culture at any time. Hopefully, in addition to the education given in schools, it can be promoted in smaller communities. It is, in fact, our wish that everyone in the neighbourhoods will have the opportunity to be in contact with Tzu Chi.
We hope that getting in touch with Tzu Chi will be like building a clear stream that flows into everyone's mind and purifies it. Therefore, other than teaching in schools, educators should never forget to do the same for small communities as well.
I hope that the teachers of the Tzu Chi Teachers Association will move forward step by step to become Tzu Chi commissioners in future and work with community volunteers in their neighbourhoods. May you also reach out to every family and not just students’ parents. I look forward to you connecting with everyone in the neighbourhoods you are in. If education can be promoted in this manner, we will indeed have a promising society in future.
Translated by Lee Mui Hoon
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