Don’t let a narrow mindset hinder the journey of good deeds

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Yicheng · Jan 17, 2025
On the journey of advancing public welfare, we often encounter the criticism: “Your charity seems too religious.” This is a classic example of a narrow perspective—one that is influenced by bias, limitations, or even misunderstanding, and fails to truly consider the viewpoint of those involved in charitable efforts. To better explain our original intentions, it […]

On the journey of advancing public welfare, we often encounter the criticism: “Your charity seems too religious.” This is a classic example of a narrow perspective—one that is influenced by bias, limitations, or even misunderstanding, and fails to truly consider the viewpoint of those involved in charitable efforts. To better explain our original intentions, it is necessary to offer a clarification, and we hope that every reader can approach the journey of kindness with a broader perspective.

I. The essence of Yicheng welfare

Our commitment has been clear from the beginning. That is to pursue welfare and happiness for everyone, and to promote civilization for the world.

Since day one, our cause has been grounded in this belief. What’s truly thought-provoking, however, is that over the years, all of our funding and support have come, without exception, from the strength of people with religious faiths or spiritual beliefs—those who are committed to turning their faith, love, and kindness into tangible actions. Through their sincerity and dedication, they have helped advance our mission, spreading happiness and promoting civilization.

Unfortunately, up until now, we have not received support from those identified as “civilized individuals” or “non-believers.” In fact, this type of support has been absent.

II. Why does kindness require the basis of faith?

The path of kindness is never a smooth one. It requires unwavering belief, inner strength, and selfless dedication—qualities that faith provides. Kindness without the support of faith often lacks lasting motivation and struggles to endure the pressures and challenges of reality.

The supporters of our organization are willing to persist in doing good in this complex world precisely because of their deep faith. They understand that charity is not an easy task and may even involve sacrifice, yet they are still willing to shoulder this responsibility.

Here we would like to share a story.

A painter was interviewed by a host. The host candidly told him, “I don’t like your paintings at all, and I don’t think you’re a good artist.”

The painter smiled calmly and replied, “You’re right, and that’s exactly why I need to keep striving.”

This story teaches us that when faced with external doubt and misunderstanding, the important thing is not to argue, but to stay loyal to our beliefs and respond through actions. Our cause, much like the painter’s work, may not be understood by everyone, but that will not stop us from pursuing happiness and civilization. The voices of doubt will not hold us back; instead, they serve as a source of motivation for us to keep striving and improving.

III. Don’t judge our world through your narrow perspective

On the path of charity, we sometimes have to face not just challenges but also external misunderstanding and even hostile criticism. Some people try to use their own experiences, perspectives, and logic to make sense of our world and social issues, but such reasoning often lacks validity.

The reality of kindness is far more complex than they imagine. In some places, working to benefit society can come with the constant threat of losing one’s life. This isn’t an exaggeration. It’s the harsh reality many people involved in public welfare face. So, trying to understand the essence of charity through personal logic, without considering the deep faith and sense of mission behind it, only leads to distorted conclusions.

IV. Let kindness overcome the constraints of a limited view

In the face of these misunderstandings, we will not give up or back down. We believe that true kindness is not limited by narrow personal views, but is a force that can break through prejudice and cross boundaries.

Charity initiatives require not only the support of people of faiths and beliefs but also the understanding and participation of everyone. Each person has the choice to approach charity with an open mind, rather than criticizing and rejecting it with a narrow perspective.

No matter how the outside world evaluates us, we will continue to rely on the strength of our faith to stay true to the path of doing good. Just like the painter’s calm response to the host, doubt will only drive us to work harder, not retreat.

The meaning of public welfare lies in seeking happiness for all and civilization for the world. Through our actions, we hope to inspire more people to recognize and practice kindness, regardless of their faith, because kindness should be a universal value that transcends all boundaries.

Conclusion

Don’t allow personal narrow views to hinder kindness, and never let bias and misunderstanding diminish the efforts of those who contribute to public welfare. The world needs more understanding, support, and faith to unite in driving the progress of human happiness and civilization.

We are still on the journey, even though the road is fraught with challenges. Our belief remains unchanged: to seek welfare for all and civilization for the world. We firmly believe that true kindness is a light that is unafraid of doubt and sacrifice, one that will penetrate all narrowness and illuminate the entire world.

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Buddhist practitioners should extend their compassion to civilization

Master Wonder · Dec 26, 2024

To pave a grand path for civilization toward the pure land of happiness Compassion is the heart of Buddhism, yet it goes beyond aiding individuals in overcoming suffering. It seeks the liberation and happiness of all sentient beings. The development of world civilization is deeply connected to the well-being of all life, which is why […]

佛法修行者不仅要对众生慈悲,更要对文明慈悲

Master Wonder · Dec 26, 2024

为文明开启通向幸福净土的大道 佛法的核心在于慈悲,但慈悲并不仅仅局限于帮助个体脱离苦难,更要着眼于所有众生的烦恼解脱与幸福。世界文明的发展与众生的幸福密不可分,所以阿弥陀佛才发愿要创造一个极乐世界,让众生在更好的文明世界中修行。 一个进步的文明能够为众生创造更加公平、自由、幸福的生活条件,长养善根与慧根,提供有利的修行环境。而一个失序的文明则可能加剧众生的苦难,让众生奔波劳碌,无暇他顾,更别提修行了。 作为佛法修行者,只有超越对个体的慈悲,将目光投向整个文明,以智慧和行动推动社会进步,才能真正实现“庄严国土、利乐有情”的佛法理想,让这个世界成长为极乐净土。 这不是贪恋红尘,而是行渡世人,让佛法在这个过程中深入人心,属于普贤大行。 一、对文明慈悲就是对众生慈悲 佛陀在教导中提到,众生之苦源于无明,而无明不仅存在于个体之中,也存在于文明的结构中。当文明以贪欲、无知和对立为基础时,其结果必然是集体的苦难。因此,佛法修行者不仅要对个体的苦难生起悲悯之心,更要对整个文明体系的不公与无明生起慈悲之心,因为只有改变文明,才能真正改变众生集体的处境。 对个体的慈悲是修行的起点。佛法提倡“观一切众生皆为父母”,修行者通过慈悲心和智慧帮助身边的众生减轻痛苦,例如扶危济困、解人迷惑。但这种个体的救助并不能根本解决苦的源头。 一些学佛之人将自己的财物用于布施寺庙,但对于社会上的压迫和苦难关注较少,这样做或许能换来一种虚妄的安慰感,但离真正的佛子精神相差甚远。真正的佛子行应通过具体的行动积极改善众生的困境,努力为驱散苦难贡献力量。 对文明的慈悲是修行的升华。文明是众生集体行为的结果,也是众生苦乐的根本场域。如果文明的规则充满了剥削、压迫与分裂,那么无论个体多么努力,都难以摆脱痛苦。因此,修行者应对文明中的无明生起觉知,积极参与社会变革,用佛法智慧塑造更慈悲、更智慧的文明体系。 二、如何对文明慈悲 要对文明慈悲,需要修行者将佛法的智慧与慈悲转化为具体的社会实践。以下是一些路径: 1. 弘扬佛法,提升文明的精神高度 文明的进步离不开精神的升华,而佛法正是提供精神指导的智慧源泉。修行者应致力于将佛法的慈悲理念与智慧传播给更多的人,帮助他们从物质的执着中解脱出来,找到生命的内在意义。 修行者可以通过佛法课程、讲座、公益活动等,为现代文明注入新的精神力量,例如通过文学、艺术、影视等文化形式,将佛法中的慈悲与智慧融入大众文化,教育和启发人们关注内在修养与共同福祉。 2. 推动社会公正,构建慈悲的文明制度 文明的进步不仅依赖个体觉悟,还需要制度的支持。修行者可以参与或支持推动公平、正义的社会制度,以佛法的平等观和因果法则为指导,消除社会中的歧视与不公,为众生创造更加和谐的生存环境。在社会中,佛法修行者可以从如下方面入手,推动更加慈悲的社会建设: 3. 实践慈悲经济,带动共同富足 经济活动是文明的重要组成部分,修行者可以通过实践“慈悲经济”,以商业为工具传播佛法精神,推动社会共同富裕。这种经济模式强调“利他先于利己”,在创造财富的同时,带动更多众生脱离贫困。 4. 文化中融入佛法智慧 佛法修行者并不应远离世俗事务,而应以觉悟者的姿态介入文化,以佛法智慧推动文明进步。 三、从慈悲到净土:文明幸福的实现 佛法的终极目标是建立一个“极乐净土”,这不仅是个体的解脱与安宁,也是众生的共同幸福。净土并非遥不可及的彼岸世界,而是修行者通过慈悲与智慧努力构建的现实文明。 1. 极乐净土的特质 极乐净土不仅意味着没有痛苦,更意味着慈悲与智慧的广泛实践,是个体与文明共同成长的结果。这样的世界将具备以下特质: 2. 净土建设的路径 极乐净土的实现需要修行者的共同努力: 结语 佛法修行者对众生的慈悲,是对个体痛苦的关怀;而对文明的慈悲,则是对整个世界命运的真实担当。当修行者将佛法的慈悲与智慧付诸实践,不仅帮助个体脱离苦海,更推动文明走向光明。只有当我们的文明充满慈悲与智慧时,众生的幸福才能真正实现,这个世界才能成长为极乐净土。让我们以佛法为依托,以慈悲为动力,以文明为平台,共同开启通向幸福净土的大道。

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