Jingsi Aphorism and My Life Stories
Life is a tapestry woven with threads of joy, sorrow, and the unspoken
promises we make to one another. Among those promises, there was one that
remained etched in my heart, a vow that my grandfather made to witness my
graduation as medical laboratorist in Taiwan this year. However, fate had its
own plans, snatching him passed away last month before he could fulfill that
promise. As I reflect on his life and the legacy he left behind, I realize that
his absence at my graduation symbolizes more than just a missed event, it
represents the enduring impact he had on my life.
When the opportunity
arose for me to pursue my studies abroad in Taiwan, my grandpa was the first to
cheer me on. He saw it as a chance for me to spread my wings and embark on a
new chapter of my life. And though it meant being separated by thousands of
miles, he promised to be there for me, no matter what. Exactly last year, my
father passed away. Thus, my grandpa made a promise with me that he will stand
in as a substitute father and watch me graduate from my bachelor degree.
But all hopes had
lost, just months before my graduation, my grandfather fell ill, his health
deteriorating rapidly. As the days passed, hope waned, and the realization
dawned upon me that he might not be able to fulfill his promise. The news of
his passing hit me like a tidal wave, leaving me adrift in a sea of grief and
disbelief. In those dark moments, I found myself grappling with an unstable
emotion—grief, anger, and an overwhelming sense of loss. I kept thinking on how
could life be so cruel, robbing me of yet another father figure when I needed
him the most? It felt as though the universe was conspiring against me, tearing
away those I held closest to my heart.
However, by reading to
Master Cheng Yen Aphorism (Chapter. 407) about “Life and death without attachment”
that stated:
“人生有生必有死, 因緣生則聚,因緣滅則散, 生命的開始與結束, 不過是因緣的生滅現象。唯有透徹無常虛幻的生命, 把握當下, 造福社會人群, 才能顯現生命的價值與意義。如此, 生命將盡之時, 就能心安理得 瀟灑自在。”
“In life, birth is inevitably followed by death. Causes and
conditions gather to give rise, and disperse to cease. The beginning and end of
life are merely phenomena of arising and passing away due to causes and
conditions. Only by fully understanding the impermanent and illusory nature of
life, seizing the present moment, and benefiting society and humanity, can the
value and meaning of life be revealed. In this way, when the end of life
approaches, one can be at peace and gracefully let go”.
The powerful quotes
from Master Cheng Yen in Jingsi Aphorism reminds me that life is impermanent.
Accepting the loss of our beloved ones is perhaps one of the most challenging
aspects of the human experience. Eventhough the pain of loss may be inevitable,
suffering is still a choice. We have the power to choose how we respond to the
pains and suffers. Most importantly, accepting the loss of our beloved ones
invites us to embrace the preciousness of life itself—to cherish each moment,
each connection, and each experience as a gift to be treasured. It is a
reminder that while our time with those we love may be limited, the love we
share transcends the boundaries of time and space, leaving an indelible mark on
our hearts.
I finally found the
strength to let go of my pain and embrace the future with renewed purpose and
determination. My grandfather may no longer be with me in the physical sense,
but his presence lives on in the memories we shared and the lessons he taught.
And as I continue on my journey through life, I carry his spirit with me—a
guiding light that illuminates my path and fills my heart with love.
I am grateful for the
wisdom found within the pages of Jingsi Aphorisms—for its teachings have helped
me find peace in the midst of sorrow and rediscover the beauty of life's
journey. And though the road ahead may be long and filled with challenges, I
walk it with a renewed sense of purpose, knowing that my grandfather's love
will be with me every step of the way. I will definitely make him proud of
me with my dedication to be a better person in life, knowing that his love and
encouragement are always with me.
