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Master Cheng Yen answer commonly-asked questions about Tzu Chi
What principles do you apply to managing such a big organization?
A: I do not manage anything. I only remind everyone to manage himself or herself, to contribute willingly, and accept joyously. Thus, our hearts will be filled with delight regardless of how arduous the work.
 Q: Have you ever had the thought of giving up on what you are doing?
A: If we stand firm, nothing is difficult. I have often said that one should seize the moment of making a commitment and continuously hold on to it. The key is in that moment when one vows to do good. When I made my vow, I seized that very moment, and have firmly held on to it to this day.
 Q: What is the difference between working on a job, running an enterprise, and volunteering?
A: A job provides for our living expenses. An enterprise is usually established to increase wealth beyond basic needs. An enterprise may forces us to compete for fame and profit. Volunteering comes from our willingness to give and serve unconditionally. What we need is the environment that provides us with volunteer opportunities. Service to others is the true goal of life.
 Q: If everything is impermanent, why dedicate so much time on career and volunteer work?
A: Impermanence is not to be taken pessimistically, but optimistically. It is a reminder that we should utilize our time well by doing good deeds and creating good karma before impermanence arrives. Everyone should seize the moment and race against time.
 Q: What is the relationship between “shared heart”, “shared path” and “shared vow”?
A: " Shared heart" means to inspire our own Buddha nature. " Shared path" means to travel side by side on the same Bodhisattva path. " Shared vow" refers to working towards the same goals of contributing to the society. Together, these three aspirations assist us in achieving our work.
 Q: When do we see the "purification of the mind"?
A: When people do not distinguish themselves from others, and when every heart is filled with unconditional love.
 Q: Please explain "Jing Si, or Still Thoughts" in detail.
A: In order to elevate our character, we need to constantly be in a state of tranquility. "Jing" means stableness and deep meditation. "Si" refers to contemplation. Jing Si means to contemplate and analyze everything with a tranquil mind. The thoughts that arise from this still mind are pure, firm, and full of wisdom. If we can apply this to our daily life, we will not make mistakes.
 Q: How do we achieve the state of Tzu Chi's “Four Spiritual Soup”?
A: The “Four Spiritual Soup” consists of being content, grateful, understanding, and accommodating. We need to drink it, and steadfastly encourage ourselves to practice it. Love is contagious. When we steadily give, others will gradually be influenced, and everyone will live in harmony.
 Q: How do we decide when to stand on principles and when to be flexible for expedience?
A: We must closely guard our principles and apply them carefully. For example, in the abode, there are several posts that support the entire building. For safety purposes, they can never be removed. However, since rectangular posts would affect the aesthetics of the building, they were made cylindrical. Not removing the post is standing on principle. Reshaping it to beautify the space is being flexible for expedience.
 Q: How do we internalize selfless love?
A: Shrink our ego as much as possible to leave space to accommodate others. This is selfless love.
 Q: What is “human spirit”?
A: As a human being, we must develop qualities such as morality, courtesy, a sense of honor, etc. These qualities constitute the human spirit, the objective of education.
 Q: What should mankind do in order to create a peaceful and happy world?
A: What needs to be done is to offer unconditional love. Desires and greed lead people and countries to fight each other. I hope for a new start in the new millenium. May love be deeply rooted in everyone's heart.
Question Asked of the Master Q: How do you deal with misunderstandings or slanderous rumors?
A: Keep silent. There is no need to argue. To be a true Buddhist, we must be true to our principles.
 Q: How do we (Tzu Chi members) respond to opposition?
A: "Disputes are ceased by the wise." When there are opposing voices, we should emulate the wise, be firm in our mission, maintain our resolution and remain tranquil. In this way, we can continue with confidence.
 Q: How do we respond to scandals?
A: It is inevitable that people look at things from different angles. How do we come to a consensus? We need to remain hardworking and diligent, be grateful to those who understand, and communicate well with those who don't.
 Q: How do you face obstacles, slander and criticism?
A: Even the Buddha had to face someone like Devadatta (one of the Buddha's disciples who opposed and betrayed the Buddha). Even the Buddha had to face the opposition of a group of five hundred. How could I possibly avoid opposition? How could I possibly avoid anything that not even the Buddha could avoid? I think that after I'm gone, everyone will remember "Master Cheng Yen's" spirit.
Most people become memorable after their death. Master Tai Shu, for example, received much criticism when he was alive, but much appreciation after his death. Similarly, when Confucius was alive, he was considered worthless and shunned by everyone. After he passed away, his teachings – The Analects, The Four Books, The Great Learning - became most valuable.
Similarly, "Still Thoughts" does not seem to be of any importance. However, a professor told me that he reads it every day, and it is his key to resolving obstacles. A government officer also told me, "Master, I have two copies of Still Thoughts, one in the office and one in my car. Before I give any speech, I would read the one in the car. Whenever I encounter obstacles, I would read the one in the office." Actually, I haven't looked at it myself since it was published. Things don't appear to be valuable when they are too close and too handy.
For example, people who live far away and rarely come to see me, cherish their time spent with me, and treasure every word I say. On the other hand, those who are close to me may take this for granted and not be as fortunate as they believe.
 Q: What should we do when we work with dedication but receive criticism and hostility?
A: Those who can withstand anything and face obstacles or hardships with a grateful mind, will naturally be able to manage everything with ease.
Is it worthwhile to confront greedy siblings over inheritance?
A: We only deserve what we earn. It is not necessary to fight over the inheritance. We do not have a claim to anything in this world. Disputes will only ruin relationships and produce animosity and hatred.
 Q: What should we do to bring the students back on track after long winter or summer vacations?
A: It is necessary to help them re-enter the classroom environment. During winter and summer vacations, teachers should continuously keep in touch with their students. They need to show that they care by calling occasionally. Then, students could easily focus again when school starts.
 Q: Why address those who receive aid as our “benefactors”?
A: Tzu Chi commissioners are like the bodhisattvas. Listening with keen ears, they search for the source of the voices crying for help. Wherever there are voices of suffering, they will appear and provide assistance. What do they ask for in return for assisting others? Nothing. Their reward is the happiness and joy found in being able to help. This is why we need to be grateful to those who are willing to accept our assistance. This is why we call them our "benefactors".
 Q: Are nightmares punishment from the ancestors?
A: All ancestors love their descendants. Whether they are alive or not, they would try their best to protect their offspring. Why would they punish them? When you do not sleep well and fill your mind with scattered thoughts during the day, you have nightmares. See the doctor, take some medication, and adjust your lifestyle. After recovering, you will feel that life is full of hope.
 Q: Which is more important, logic or emotions?
A: We need to have both. The overly logical person is prone to egotism. We need to constantly reflect within. When we compare one who is kind and humble to another who is aggressive and egotistic, it is obvious from whom we should learn.
 Q: Which is more important, to learn how to be a good person or to learn how to contribute?
A: Both are equally important.
If we focuse on improving the self, cultivating in solitude, we miss the opportunity to serve others. At the end of our life, if we leave no concrete contribution, it will be difficult to account for our actions.
Yet, we need the presence of a still mind to make a contribution. This presence does not refer to fame or status, which brings disdain and suffering due to not receiving recognition. Only when we humble ourselves and respect others can our presence open other minds.
Any achievement requires the effort of many. Regardless of how talented we are, we only have two hands. Regardless of how articulate we are, we only have one mouth; regardless of how much we want to dedicate our life to service, our life only lasts for a few decades. Only the virtuous can lead others to work together toward a common goal. If we are willing to contribute selflessly, we will be able to stand tall. With sincerity, we will be able to touch others.
 Q: Is Tzu Chi taking up too much monetary resources because too many people in society donate money to Tzu Chi?
A: Actually, Tzu Chi prevents people from squandering money. Many have saved money that would otherwise have been spent on unnecessary things such as tobacco, alcohol, stocks, and jewelry. These donations are used toward benefiting everyone in society.
Q: Is it worthwhile to confront greedy siblings over inheritance?
A: We only deserve what we earn. It is not necessary to fight over the inheritance. We do not have a claim to anything in this world. Disputes will only ruin relationships and produce animosity and hatred.
 Q: What should we do to bring the students back on track after long winter or summer vacations?
A: It is necessary to help them re-enter the classroom environment. During winter and summer vacations, teachers should continuously keep in touch with their students. They need to show that they care by calling occasionally. Then, students could easily focus again when school starts.
 Q: Why address those who receive aid as our “benefactors”?
A: Tzu Chi commissioners are like the bodhisattvas. Listening with keen ears, they search for the source of the voices crying for help. Wherever there are voices of suffering, they will appear and provide assistance. What do they ask for in return for assisting others? Nothing. Their reward is the happiness and joy found in being able to help. This is why we need to be grateful to those who are willing to accept our assistance. This is why we call them our "benefactors".
 Q: Are nightmares punishment from the ancestors?
A: All ancestors love their descendants. Whether they are alive or not, they would try their best to protect their offspring. Why would they punish them? When you do not sleep well and fill your mind with scattered thoughts during the day, you have nightmares. See the doctor, take some medication, and adjust your lifestyle. After recovering, you will feel that life is full of hope.
 Q: Which is more important, logic or emotions?
A: We need to have both. The overly logical person is prone to egotism. We need to constantly reflect within. When we compare one who is kind and humble to another who is aggressive and egotistic, it is obvious from whom we should learn.
 Q: Which is more important, to learn how to be a good person or to learn how to contribute?
A: Both are equally important.
If we focuse on improving the self, cultivating in solitude, we miss the opportunity to serve others. At the end of our life, if we leave no concrete contribution, it will be difficult to account for our actions.
Yet, we need the presence of a still mind to make a contribution. This presence does not refer to fame or status, which brings disdain and suffering due to not receiving recognition. Only when we humble ourselves and respect others can our presence open other minds.
Any achievement requires the effort of many. Regardless of how talented we are, we only have two hands. Regardless of how articulate we are, we only have one mouth; regardless of how much we want to dedicate our life to service, our life only lasts for a few decades. Only the virtuous can lead others to work together toward a common goal. If we are willing to contribute selflessly, we will be able to stand tall. With sincerity, we will be able to touch others.
 Q: Is Tzu Chi taking up too much monetary resources because too many people in society donate money to Tzu Chi?
A: Actually, Tzu Chi prevents people from squandering money. Many have saved money that would otherwise have been spent on unnecessary things such as tobacco, alcohol, stocks, and jewelry. These donations are used toward benefiting everyone in society.
Q: Where does the soul go after one dies?
A: After death, one will be reborn. The soul is invisible, but it is reincarnated through the force of one's karma.
 Q: How can one balance cultivating spiritual growth and work?
A: Cultivation is to remain at ease in any environment. To me, cultivation does not necessarily take place in solitude or in a monastery, but to walk into crowds. It's said that 'When I walk along with two others, at least one can serve as my teacher.' When interacting with others, one needs to constantly reflect within. All the teaching materials are in our daily lives. Thus, one should cultivate in daily life and give one's best at work.
 Q: How does Tzu Chi's deathbed recitation and memorial services differ from others?
A: Tzu Chi emphasizes simplicity, that simplicity is beauty. Deathbed recitations or memorial services are activities where the living memorialize those who have passed away. Any simple, orderly, and deferential ceremony is fine.
 Q: How should we view life?
A: All lives are equal and should be respected. Why? Because not only human beings, but all living beings, are born with a pure Buddha nature. Thus the Buddha said, "The mind, the Buddha, and all living beings are indistinguishable."
 Q: Some individuals see no meaning in life and try to commit suicide. How should we guide them?
A: They commit suicide because they do not understand love. When the heart is filled with love, we will understand that life is invaluable. Before we can love others, we must first love ourselves. To love ourselves means to take good care of our own mind and corresponding actions and not to worry our parents.
 Q: What is the meaning of life? How do we measure the length of life?
A: The value of life is not measured by how long we live, but how much we do. If people do not make good use of their lives, those lives are meaningless regardless of how long they live.
 Q: How should we view death?
A: In a sense, our sleep is a "short death". Death is like going into a long and deep sleep, so it is also called "a long sleep" in Chinese. If we wish to peacefully leave this world, we need to utilize our time in serving all living beings. Then we will be able to leave in peace when the time comes.
 Q: What do we do at the deathbed of a close relative?
A: Do not cry and wail. Although it is hard to let go, we need to comfort the dying and tell him to not worry about anything. Buddhists recite the Buddha's name to pacify the minds of the mourners, and allow the dying individual to pass away peacefully.
 Q: What would be proper to say when visiting terminally ill patients?
A: It is most important to ease their minds. Help them understand that death is not scary. If we only encourage them to be hopeful and to get well, the patient will be troubled.
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