I happened to come across this article and wanted to share it with everyone. Source: http://www.drbataipei.org/wisdom/213/wisdom213_4.htm
What is a person’s responsibility? It is to contribute and be of service to the entire world — to benefit all people everywhere. This is our true responsibility as human beings.
Today we come together to discuss: “What does a person truly need?” and “Why do we come into this world? Is it merely to eat, dress, sleep, and enjoy ourselves?”
These questions seem simple on the surface, but if you really examine them, they become far from simple. What is our work in this world? What is our responsibility? Every person should seek a clear answer. If we live without this clarity, life as a human being loses its meaning and value.
We must first learn what it means to fulfill our human duties. Children, when born, only know how to cry and how to eat — they have no concept of what their future responsibilities will be. As time passes, parents send them to school to learn what it means to be a good person, to prepare to fulfill their roles in life.
In learning, people develop all kinds of aspirations: some pursue wisdom — to understand the deeper principles of life; some pursue fame and gain; some pursue wealth by any means necessary, disregarding ethics and legality. Some pursue power and leadership. But before you can lead others, you must first know how to be a good person yourself.
What is a person’s responsibility? It is to contribute and be of service to the entire world — to benefit all of humanity. Not merely to eat well, dress finely, and live in a luxurious home.
If there is a single person in the world without food or clothing, I have not done my full duty — I have not used all my ability and heart to help them. To truly fulfill our responsibility as human beings, we must genuinely benefit others, contribute to the world, serve the people. If everyone holds this intention, the world will surely find peace.
We must first set a good example as human beings — not competing with others. Why does the world fall into disorder? Because of competition for power, profit, and fame. If you can give the good things to others, then accept for yourself what others do not want, and quarrel with no one — then world peace becomes possible.
Start with self-cultivation. Within your own heart, do not fight with yourself — and all delusion and distraction will settle. Peace and stillness — this is true happiness. When you are genuinely peaceful and happy, your presence influences those around you. When everyone lives in harmony, the world need not have war.
Young people and old alike — once we understand this principle — will no longer be drawn to gambling, addiction, arson, or violence. To want the world to be good, we must start with ourselves.
I greatly hope that young people will awaken to this, cultivate a heart of great compassion, and carry the spirit of those who truly served humanity — like Jesus and Buddha and all the great saints — so that even if peace seems distant, it will draw near.
What I have said today, you may think over for yourselves. Whether it is right or wrong, I do not know. I am someone who deeply yearns for world peace — who hopes that all of humanity may be free from suffering. But to realize this ideal, wisdom is what it will take.
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