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Dharma Master Cheng Yen responds to questions and comments from visitors, volunteers, staff, and disciples.
There is no room for arrogance
Question: What does it mean to have the gentle and humble demeanor of a Bodhisattva?
Answer: When speaking to impoverished people, your tone must be soft and gentle, and your attitude humble and sincere. Their need is not only for material things; they need love even more. Love is expressed through demeanor, so you cannot be arrogant in your attitude; you have to be warm and genuine.
Generosity is crucial
Question: How can we be generous toward others?
Answer: We say, “In this world, there is no one I do not love, no one I do not trust, and no one I cannot forgive.” If you all keep to these three principles, your mind will be healthy and develop properly, and then naturally you will be generous toward people, and you will love and trust them.
Harmony has no sharp edges
Question: How can we interact with people and do things in a harmonious manner?
Answer: Harmony can be thought of as a circle; that means the edges are smooth. Conduct yourselves and treat others in a manner that is smooth, not sharp. Sharp edges will harm people and hurt their feelings.
Excerpts from Still Thoughts: A Collection of Short Teachings and Jing Si Aphorisms, Volume 1, Third Edition by Shih Cheng Yen, published in 2024 by Tzu Chi Publishing
