(Photo by Alvin Tan)
Someone asked Master Cheng Yen, “I heard that you have ‘Three Nos’: There is no one you do not love, no one you do not trust, and no one you do not forgive. How are you able to persist in that?”
The Master answered:
It is because I believe that my intentions are selfless and everyone has love in their hearts. As my heart is selfless, I naturally have confidence in life and believe that everyone has a pure, innate nature and love within their hearts. Even if someone were to harm me or do something unfavourable to me, it was only because his pure heart was covered up by impurities. If he was touched and inspired (by goodness) one day, his pure, innate nature would be restored. When we are able to thoroughly understand this truth, we will find that there is nothing and nobody we cannot forgive in this world.
If we can broaden our mind, and face each day with a pure and carefree mind, every day of our life will be peaceful. On the contrary, when people’s minds are filled with greed, hatred, ignorance, arrogance and doubt, they will be tempted and shaken by external conditions, causing chaos and disturbances to arise. On a small scale, this may cause disputes and disagreements between people, family disharmony or even social unrest. On a big scale, it may lead to catastrophes in countries, and the world will have no peace.
How can we cut down on the occurrence of disasters? How can we truly help those who are suffering? To do these, we must start with purifying the minds of people.
A minor unwholesome thought may develop into an inner storm if the environmental conditions permit it to grow. This may bring about disasters to people and the world. Therefore, it is important that we take good care of our minds.
I hope that everyone will find self-love within themselves, break free from delusions and afflictions, get along harmoniously, and help and love one another. Then, the world will be bright, harmonious and peaceful. A harmonious atmosphere is a blessing. If everybody can count their blessings and sow more blessings, there will be fewer disasters in this world.
Translated by the Tzu Chi Singapore translation team
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