All plants and trees are sentient. When I sit calmly in the Jing Si Abode,  with a pure mind and body, I can always hear the earth breathing. 

The Abode nestled against the mountain and facing the sea, is surrounded by a vast area. During Typhoon Kangrui, strong winds and heavy rains knocked down trees. It wasn’t that the soil was too soft, but the trunks were broken from the middle, and the roots were severed. I felt reluctant as my heart ached to see this. 

I am deeply grateful for the love of faith corps, commissioners, and my colleagues. Those who stay at home return to the Abode in groups to help. Together, they have been clearing away broken branches and tree trunks, cutting them into segments and even repurposing the wood to make essential oils. 

The birthplace of Tzu Chi is the Jing Si Abode. The Jing Si Dharma  Lineage established Tzu Chi. The dignified presence of every Tzu Chi member, all embody the spirit of Bodhisattvas. I often think about how, in the time of the Buddha, so many people were called to gather from distant places in unity. Just like a brick and a bag of cement, every small effort contributed to the completion of Jing Si Hall. 

For nearly sixty years, Tzu Chi has grown from saving “five cents” at the market to help the suffering with food, medical aid, and charity,  reaching 136 countries. Some may ask, with so many people in Taiwan needing help, why extend assistance internationally? However, in this vast universe, we all breathe the same air. As the Earth rotates and orbits the sun, day and night follow in perfect harmony, with no error— this is “Yun” (the inherent principle of the universe). 

As stated in the Heart Sutra: “The five aggregates are empty.” The  “aggregate of action” is a very subtle transformation. From the  moment we are born, our bodies change daily through this process,  which is called “life force.” Just like the plants and trees on the Earth,  when we look down, the grass is lush and green, and when we look up,  the trees spread their branches and leaves, offering shade to people.  The worry is that with destruction and development, the forests don’t have enough time for the trees to grow! We can only remind everyone to always be sincere, conserve, and cherish all things. 

Trees can be used as building materials, but what can we humans be used for? Reflecting back in our life, value lies in what can be used,  and greater value lies in being “used” by others! Those who can help others are truly blessed. How can we live in peace and stability? 

Create blessings, so that “good fortune” becomes a trend. 

When we speak, we should express gratitude; when food enters our mouth, we should appreciate its hard-earned nature. The dining hall at the Abode has a “Five Observations of Eating” sign. 

“Measure the merit by the effort, and consider the source.” Before  eating, we join our palms and reflect: “Is what I’ve done today beneficial  to others?” Think about where the food comes from. The people who grow rice and vegetables work hard; we should be grateful to them! 

“Reflect on one’s own virtue; know between right and wrong .”  “Reflect” means to think carefully, to come from the heart; to live with discretion is to cultivate virtue. Think about how much we give to others, and what our purpose is in this world? 

A finely crafted bowl must be made with a mix of soil and water, shaped by hand, then fired in a kiln to form the ceramic before it can be used.  The Earth provides sunlight, air, and soil for the trees to grow. These trees are then used to make furniture and utensils that serve our daily lives. 

“Guard the mind, avoid transgressions; greed and other vices should  be avoided.” Why do we sometimes make mistakes in life? It is because we leave behind our pure heart and deviate from our true nature. To prevent mistakes, we must avoid indulgence and excess. The blessings we enjoy in this life come from the good deeds of past lives; we must act to cultivate blessings for the future. Those who are blessed are those who are willing to help others and contribute to the world; this is true blessing. 

Understanding the truth, we must remain alert and mindful; speaking and acting with discretion. When we earn money, we always want more. Once we have “one,” we wish for another. Is it enough? “Add  another zero.” “Still not enough.” “Add another zero.” 

“Surely, there must be more.” How many zeros do we add? The greed is endless. 

In Zimbabwe, you have to carry a huge bag of bills to buy anything.  Two bananas and one egg cost billions of Zimbabwean dollars. 

Not to mention buying oil, salt, and rice; Are the local people blessed?  Or is it the money that has lost value? 

Suffering in the world is inevitable, but even suffering has its blessings.  Blessed are those with good karma, for we are able to help them. Blessed are those with love, for their great blessings, abundant compassion,  and selfless giving are like a vast field of blessings. Every drop of water enters the ocean, creating boundless merit.