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When the Year-End Blessing ceremonies begin, we know the new year is coming soon. I am grateful for every peaceful day we have had in the past, and grateful for how everyone’s love has continuously gathered together. With the power of our love, we keep encouraging each other.
Sometimes I have the feeling that, since we have come to this world, as long as we do not live in vain, then we have done our part for this lifetime! In particular, recently, I feel that I have done what I needed to do. My only wish is to be able to see your wisdom life extended. I truly hope there are people who will take on this mission and walk this path steadily and smoothly.
Over the past several months, the COVID-19 pandemic has continued to spread, silently, without a trace, despite all efforts to control it. So what can we learn from this disease? That we need to right our past wrongs and manifest our sincere faith in our daily living. People of different religions need to work together to protect innocent lives in the name of love, whether it is the love of Islam, Christianity, Buddhism or any other religion. Then, all humans and animals can live in peace and harmony on Earth.
With advancements in technology, the whole world is now connected and I am able to meet with you all online. Everyone can instantly come before me and interact very naturally with me, and I can also enter the homes of volunteers in dozens of countries in real time. Around the world, our Bodhisattvas have this “spiritual power of transporting themselves” which they diligently use to create blessings. For this I am very happy and grateful!
Time passes so quickly that it often feels like we do not have enough time to finish anything. However, in the midst of this pandemic, it feels as if the passage of time has become unbearably slow. As this pandemic continues to spread, it moves unpredictably and invisibly. Yet, it has shaken the world and brought about disorder around the globe. Whenever people discuss this virus, everyone is afraid and wonders, “When will it pass?”
I am very grateful and also very touched. Now, online, I see that throughout the US, in every place where there are Tzu Chi volunteers, there are Bodhisattvas who have joined us. Although you are very far away from each other in different states, not to mention that you are all very far away from me as well, it is as if you all are in front of me. As I listen to you report on the things that are going on in your respective areas, I resonate with you all.
For a long time, there has been an inextricable sadness in my heart. I am concerned about the illness of the world and I worry about the disharmony in people’s bodies and minds. Throughout 2019, the Amazon rainforest was continuously burning, and even worse, the Australian forest fires were also burning day and night. These disasters not only affected human settlements, but they also killed billions of animals. These endless forest fires were burning fiercely, and now they have been joined by a pandemic.
Photo by Peter Lin The practice of making vows exists in Buddhism, as in other world religions. The vows of prātimokṣa (Sanskrit), which lead to “individual liberation,” are the principal vows that can be made, and outline rules for disciplining one’s physical behavior as well as not harming others. For monastics, prātimokṣa vows can number […]
Buddhists aren’t afraid of trouble, and they actively throw themselves into serving others. In our service to others, we must not be swayed by what happens around us, and we must courageously overcome all obstacles. We must do what others can’t do, endure what others can’t endure, and give what others can’t give. This is taking advantage of all difficulties to strengthen our minds.
The most fulfilling thing in life is to contribute in whatever way one can to benefit humankind. One who is willing to be of service to others will be able to endure hard work willingly and without complaint because of [their] volunteer spirit. Because of such a spirit, [they feel] boundless happiness and joy no matter how busy [they] may be.
