[eBook] Jing Si Aphorisms Volume Three

[eBook] Jing Si Aphorisms Volume Three

Introduction

"To achieve the peace we wish for tomorrow, start working on it today."
"The path of life is difficult and rough, but as long as one is willing to give with joy, the path will not be arduous."
~Master Cheng Yen ~

Master Cheng Yen said, if one wishes to improve oneself, one must start with "the mind in a state of stillness or calm" (i.e., "Jing Si" in Chinese). "Jing Si" here means unshakable and unperturbed and being in a very quiet state. "Jing Si" refers to calmly contemplating every worldly affair. This produces the purest thoughts from people. Such thoughts are very firm and full of wisdom. If we can have such thoughts in our daily lives, then we would not make mistakes or commit sins.

Dharma Master Cheng Yen is one whom millions of people around the world look up to as a wise teacher because with her teachings, they find the path for a more fulfilling life and lasting happiness. Named as one of the 2011's TIME 100 most influential people in the world, she shares her insights into the Buddha's teachings in simple and easy-to-understand language to help people in modern-day society understand the profound truth in life. Her teachings have been compiled and published as Jing Si Aphorisms. In this collection of Jing Si Aphorisms, you will find many tested and true lessons in life from Dharma Master Cheng Yen.

About Author

Dharma Master Cheng Yen was born in 1937 in a small town in Taichung County, Taiwan. When she was twenty-three years old, she left home to become a Buddhist nun, and was instructed by her mentor, Venerable Master Yin Shun, to work “for Buddha’s teachings, for sentient beings.” In 1966, she founded a charity, which later turned into the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation, to “help the poor and educate the rich”—to give material aid to the needy and inspire love and humanity in both givers and recipients.


In recent years, Master Cheng Yen’s contributions have been increasingly recognized by the global community. In 2011, she was recognized with the Roosevelt Institute’s FDR Distinguished Public Service Award and was named to the 2011 TIME 100 list of the world’s most influential people. In 2014, she was presented with Rotary International’s Award of Honor in recognition of her humanitarian efforts and contributions to world peace.