The Buddha says:
People who only say beautiful things
but do not put them into action
are like flowers that only look pretty
but have no fragrance.
“Mercy” means that we must show care and concern even for total strangers. “Compassion” means that we must share in the suffering of others.
These two words may sound very sublime, but if we don’t put them into practice, then they are nothing more than jargon. Therefore, we should practice mercy and compassion in our daily lives.
How was Tzu Chi able to concentrate the efforts and mobilize the love of so many people?
Dharma Master Cheng Yen replied: “We follow the four principles of sincerity, integrity, good faith, and honesty. We try to do every task well by being realistic and going in the proper direction. This is how we gain everyone’s support and trust.”
Translated by E. E. Ho and W. L. Rathje; drawings by Tsai Chih-chung; coloring by May E. Gu
