Shih Cheng Yen Quotes

Life is just like climbing a mountain.
Once we reach the top,
it is time to come back down.
Knowing that life is like this,
that we are born and then we die,
we must ask ourselves
if we are truly using our potential fully.

Cultivating True Beauty

Physical beauty
that comes from keeping up appearances
can only be maintained temporarily,
but beauty that takes
authenticity and sincerity as its foundation
is timeless and eternal.

Whether we are young or old,
if people give rise to joy upon seeing us,
then this is true beauty.

So, if we want to embody true beauty,
we must first cultivate purity and wisdom
in our hearts.
Only the beauty that emanates
from the truth and goodness of our hearts
can be called true beauty.

◎The Ultimate Truth of Blessings
If, while doing good deeds and creating blessings, we can keep a pure mindset and not ask for anything in return, we will be free of attachments and will feel free and at ease. By always having a mindset of willingness to help, we will always feel peaceful, and our spiritual aspirations will not regress.
When people are in pain or sorrow, they need comfort and care. Our care recipients are often unable to help even themselves; those that have the opportunity to help others are the most blessed! Those who are fortunate need to give themselves blessings and avoid thinking that they lack the extra energy to help others. We should always maintain thoughts of goodness and keep a heart of gratitude. If we can know our blessings, cherish our blessings, and create more blessings, we are truly giving ourselves blessings.
We should always bless both ourselves and others, and also accept others' blessings. Blessings come from love. Those who love will receive great blessings and will surely overcome all difficulties on the road of life.

Happiness does not come from owning lots of material wealth. True wealth is in our heart. If our heart is not content, we cannot be considered rich.

Therefore, rather than pursuing the comforts of a large house, we should broaden our hearts and feel more at ease. Once we change our mindset, we will be able to use our money to benefit others. The most satisfying life is one in which we cultivate good affinities with others and accumulate blessings.