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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执迷不悟的修行者

执迷不悟的修行者

Master Wonder · Oct 23, 2024

有一天,一位来自中国山东的年轻人前来咨询,向我讲述了他遭遇不公的经历。经过一番观察,我了解了事情的来龙去脉,以及其中的因果关系。为了警示佛法修行者,我将此事记录下来。 有些佛法修行者,在去世后,由于对生前师者的深厚情感和执着,选择不去转生,而是发愿守护师者,振兴佛法。这本应是一件好事,但他们未曾意识到,自己无法往生极乐世界,正是因为生前功德有欠缺。然而,由于生前修行尚存善德与佛德,天地神灵敬重佛德,因此特别关照,为他们提供便利。 这些修行者在人间,按照师者的指引,寻找未来的佛菩萨,类似于藏地寻找转世活佛。然而,他们未能认识到,自己修行佛法的主要缺陷在于未能悟证得“众生即佛”的真谛。 皈依三宝(佛、法、僧)中,佛为首。佛旨在让众生认清无知无明,脱离苦海,达至彼岸,成就一切善果与功德。佛德遍及天下,慈悲为怀,救拔众生,天地敬仰,人神供养。 然而,这些护持佛法的修行者误解了师者的指示,早早在人们年幼时便认定他们是自己要寻找的对象,进而不断提示,数年后甚至上身附体。他们忘记了佛陀的教诲:“众生皆可成佛。”而把师者的话当作佛旨,未能明白: 一切佛法源自众生, 一切佛经由众生传承, 一切佛皆由众生而至。 佛陀曾说:“我什么也没有说。”这句话已经足够说明问题。 这些修行者的缺陷,正是因为在生前仅皈依师者或僧侣,而未能真正认识到众生即佛。如果仅皈依一人,又何必强调三宝的共同勉励?佛是智慧者、开悟者、解慧者,旨在避免修行者走入误区。然而,问题还是发生了。 情感上的依赖并非真正的皈依三宝。那些自称“我师父是佛菩萨”的修行者,尤其需要警醒。 修行有缺,路途受阻,恐难圆满! 特此提醒:皈依三宝,以道德善,行修菩提之道。

Shaping Children’s Mindset: The Power of Love and Experiences

Shaping Children’s Mindset: The Power of Love and Experiences

Daohe · Oct 23, 2024

A child’s growth is not merely about physical development. It’s more about the extension and growth of their thinking and perception. When it comes to education, we often focus on accumulating knowledge and help children develop concrete and abstract thinking skills to better study knowledge. However, gaining knowledge is not the whole picture of cognitive […]

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