Translated by Teresa Chang
With autumn ending and winter approaching, each shorter day reminds us of time’s fleeting nature. Life is brief, but the best way to counter this brevity is by making the most of every moment. Whether it’s through completing a meaningful task or acting on a generous thought, every positive action brings its own reward—in giving, we ultimately receive.
Our hearts are fields of spiritual cultivation. Everyone we encounter is a fellow cultivator, playing a role in our collective journey. Therefore, we should care for one another with gratitude. Even when someone irritates us or we struggle to get along, we must strive to transform those feelings into positivity, as this is essential for our spiritual growth. By doing so, we can better focus our minds and cultivate wisdom. Each person we meet can aid in our cultivation and has the potential to attain buddhahood; let us never underestimate anyone and always cherish those around us.
Taming our wants and desires also aids in our spiritual cultivation, as it helps free our minds from attachments. Society is evolving, and one generation inevitably gives way to the next. Lifestyles and values have shifted from the past. I remember when people led simpler and often more impoverished lives, content with basic meals of rice and vegetables. Today, there is access to a far wider variety of foods, yet many still feel unsatisfied. This extends beyond food to clothing, housing, and transportation, but the desire for “more” and “better” has placed increasing demands on the Earth’s resources.
Many people center their lives around their desires—small wishes for ordinary people and grand ambitions for those in power. Some seem to stop at nothing to get what they want. Moreover, what they have is never enough; they always seek something better, leaving little room for satisfaction. Their hearts cannot find peace in this way. It’s akin to a desert under a scorching sun: no matter how much water is poured onto the sand, the parched earth remains unquenched.
Desires and wants often lead to competition. People vie with one another to get more, while nations engage in rivalries that can destabilize societies. Though natural disasters may cause temporary upheaval, the impact of conflicts and wars can persist indefinitely. Even the wealthy are not immune. Even those with abundant possessions may be forced to abandon everything and flee in times of conflict. Each time I see refugees struggling in forgotten corners of the world, my heart aches—where is their home? Their plight weighs heavily on me.
We humans are arguably the most intelligent of all beings. While we can create unrest, we also possess the power to bring peace to the world. If our hearts and minds stray from the right path, we cannot be a blessing for society or humanity. We must take good care of our hearts and minds, for even a few misguided words can lead to tragedy.
Everyone has their own perspectives. Even within the same family, siblings born to the same parents can hold different views. When a family cannot live in harmony, parents are burdened with worry. The same dynamics present in small dysfunctional families can likewise be found in larger communities: if individuals refuse to consider others’ perspectives and take on confrontational attitudes, conflicts will multiply, resulting in more strife.
Looking back at history, whether one brings happiness or misfortune to others, whether one benefits or harms society, can often be determined by a single thought. Religion serves as a guide, elevating our thoughts and harmonizing our hearts, providing a unified direction. Goodness and love are the common threads woven through all religions. Whatever faith one follows, it is essential to respect and appreciate one another. Unity among different faiths is crucial for realizing a harmonious world.
The sufferings in this world are endless and cannot be fully expressed. In addition to man-made disasters, drastic changes in climate have intensified natural disasters. Yet, whether these disasters are caused by human actions or natural forces, they ultimately track back to the human heart. When people’s minds are unbalanced and driven by selfishness and greed, the world becomes filled with negativity, leading to disasters. Conversely, people sow blessings when they act out of kindness and altruism. These accumulated blessings create a protective layer over the planet.
Our world needs us to inspire more people to activate their innate love, guide them onto the right path, and unite the positive energies of all religions. Let us focus on all that can dispel harmful influences, promote goodness, and bring peace to the world. Please be ever more mindful.
Dharma Master Cheng Yen encourages us to care for and appreciate even those who irritate us or with whom we struggle to get along, as everyone contributes to our cultivation. Huang Xiao-zhe
