PROJECTS OF HOPE

In China and Taiwan nowadays, it is common to name education for children and any related business as “projects of hope.” For instance, in building an elementary school in some remote village, we tell others we are contributing towards a “project of hope.” In publishing children’s books, we also say we are involved in a “project of hope.”
“Projects of hope” becomes a popular term these days and many think that it is a new invention. In reality, since ancient times, all matters that benefit humanity and society are “projects of hope.” When a country builds a new highway to improve transportation, is it not a project of hope? By increasing air and water passages for airlines and ships, are they not projects of hope? So are undertaking projects such as building a park to further enhance greenery in our environment, and establishing a library for the cultivation of wisdom. Such endeavors to improve the quality of life for the populace are also projects of hope. In building a new community, the emphasis place on humanities and culture is another project of hope. Reforestation and efforts to protect the environment are projects of hope as well. In a country, if everyone takes the initiative to work for the benefit of the society, then every person is a project of hope.
Projects of hope are not restricted to children’s education. Just as a country has its national projects, the community also has its own schedule of projects. And our physical body is a project by itself. By taking three square meals a day, exercising appropriately, and even in walking and breathing properly, we are keeping up with the healthy project of our body. Even in our daily morning and evening contemplation, or in our daily cultivation through meditation and worship, we are working on both the mental and physical project of our health. When our personal mental and physical projects are in good shape, we benefit ourselves and others, as well as the whole community. So every person’s individual project of hope is also the project of hope of the whole society.
Children are the projects of hope for a family. The trees and flowers outside the house are the projects of hope for the entire household. People live in hope. Without taking part in projects of hope, where are they going to look for hope? Our minds have come across too much right and wrong, good and bad over time. So being able to reflect on ourselves is a way to fortifying our minds. That is another project of hope that we should undertake. In life, we go here and there. In time, we have this year and the next. But when we live in hope, we are filled with numerous opportunities, and our days will be full of endless hope.

- Venerable Master Hsing Yun