In the course of my interaction with many people, I would also make discoveries. What sort of discoveries? I discover the beauty within them. This so-called “the beauty within” may be superficially obscured by other pressing issues. For instance, during this period of time, he could either be facing dreadful situations in his life, suffering from severe poor health conditions, going through intense emotional issues, or having troubled interpersonal relationships, and is mentally quite exhausted.

In such a situation, as a teacher, if you could resolutely point out the other wonderful attributes in his life, and tell him, “This is only one aspect in life. Do you know that you still possess many other wonderful things?” It should be made known to him that he has yet to encounter the other dignified and splendid attributes in his life. In fact, he needs to be convinced constantly. Until such time when he begins to show slight improvements in a certain area, you should immediately give him some encouragement. Such encouragement is by no means superficial. It is a very sincere feeling of rejoice and being deeply moved from the depth of your heart.

For instance, upholding a certain precept is arduous. This requires persistent endurance, gradual and progressive efforts. One day, you will be able to transcend and accomplish what could not be accomplished before.  I always feel deeply moved on hearing this, as I am aware that this very minor improvement is a result of persistent and diligent efforts. Some may probably view this as effortless because every individual’s situation is different. Others may accomplish it effortlessly whereas some may find it extremely taxing. Thus, during this time, give him strength. You should not feel that he is lacking and therefore, have no confidence in him. Instead, discover his strengths.

Amongst those who have received such encouragement, majority will turn out to be what you have encouraged them to be and develop as you wish them to be. I have come across many people who have experienced such similar situations. 

在跟很多人接触的整个过程中，我也会去发现。发现什么呢？发现那些潜在的美。所谓“潜在的美”就是上面可能覆盖一些东西，比如说这一段时间他的生命状态非常地糟糕，或者身体变得非常糟糕，或者心情很糟，或者人际关系一塌糊涂，心力也差到了极点。
 
在这个时候，作为一个老师，如果能够非常坚定地指出他生命中那些美好的特质，告诉他说：“这只是一个侧面，你还有很多美好的东西，你知不知道？”一定要告诉他那个他自己没有看到的很庄严、很美妙的特质。而且这种劝导，必须常常对他讲，当他在某个地方稍稍有一点改进的时候，就马上予以鼓励。这种鼓励不是肤浅的，是发自内心非常真诚的一种随喜和感动。
 
比如说持守某一戒律，一直持得很辛苦，一直坚持、一直坚持，慢慢地、慢慢地有一天超越了以前，做到了以前做不到的部份，我听了之后常常很感动，因为我知道，这小小的一点进步，他白天、黑夜付出了多少的努力。也许别人看起来不费吹灰之力，因为大家的情况不一样，其他人很容易就做很好，可是某一部分同学，他就非常、非常辛苦，这个时候要给予他力量。不能总认为他很差，对他没信心，必须发现他的优点。
 
这样鼓励过的人，多半会成为你鼓励的那样子，会像你想的那样成长。我看到很多人在我面前的历程都是这样的。