If we really think about it, not a single thing belongs to us forever. No matter how much wealth we have or how close we are to somebody, there will always come a day when we must leave them behind.

Our wealth is not a part of our bodies. Wealth comes and goes, as does everything in life. So when we are rich there is no need to be proud, and when we are poor there is no need to be sad.

Many people were not very nice before they joined Tzu Chi. Have they all changed since they joined?

People are not born good or bad. Their social background and education make them become attached to certain values. If they can find a warm environment filled with goodness and gratitude, they will naturally improve and mature.



Translated by E E Ho and W.L. Rathje; drawings by Tsai Chih-chung; coloring by May E. Gu