As long as gratitude fills our hearts, and we are diligent, then we can be like a tube for blood transfusion—we receive nourishment from our predecessors and we also transport the nourishment we have to future generations. To do this is to fulfill our duty. - Master Sheng Yen

Even though our individual lives are miniscule, as long as we can fully utilize our strengths and develop our capabilities with utmost effort, then we will fulfill our roles of inheriting the past and inspiring the future of civilization. - Master Sheng Yen

There is usefulness in the talents we were born with. When each of us is born, we bring to this world our life purpose and capacities. Our "usefulness" is measured by our ability to contribute to humanity in the history of our times and to the whole of society. - Master Sheng Yen

The real value of life comes from offering ourselves to others; this is where we grow and form connections with others. - Master Sheng Yen

We hope to have health, happiness, and harmony for ourselves, and we wish that others may have the same. Self-referentiality exists here, but it is very different from selfishness. Such an attitude of benefitting others is known as Bodhi-mind or bodhichitta. - Master Sheng Yen

Transcending individual concerns for gain and loss, you will be able to regard society's and humanity's gain and loss as your own concern. - Master - Master Sheng Yen

If you can transcend selfish and self-serving attitudes, along with thoughts of your own gain and loss, then your heart will truly be open and receptive. Concerns for your own gain and loss will also decrease. - Master Sheng Yen