Ability and Altruism

(Translated by Douglas Shaw)

Chinese version

Master Cheng Yen explains "ability" and "altruism" as follows:

Human "ability" is gained through study and understanding. Since we live in this human world, we must have the abilities necessary for life. Our abilities have both good and bad aspects. In order to make a living, some people go astray and do harm to other people and to society. This kind of ability does a lot of damage.

Human "altruism" is a higher level of ability. It is pure, without any contamination. It is constructive and sublime. People must cherish and protect life. If we build a good life and good character, we become sublime. If we cherish all living beings as the Buddha did, we become holy.