 | From August 11-15, the Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation, Philippines joined the 25th International Book Fair at the Philippine World Trade Center. During the five-day Book Fair, customers came from different groups of the educational sector came. This included teachers, students, religious groups, different people from the society, as well as well-known figures of organizations. There were all kinds of books. These comprised of basic and simple children’s books to technology and computer books. Others included new books, medical books and other highly informational sources. This provided an opportunity for bookstores and publishing companies to showcase their books. It also served as a venue for people to get together and build a powerful source of knowledge.
Tzu Chi volunteers viewed this book fair as an opportunity and responsibility to spread the seeds of truth, goodness and beauty of the Tzu Chi world. Each one voluntarily arranged a schedule to monitor the booth at Philippine World Trade Center. Volunteers happily faced each tiring day. They did not pay attention to the profits of book sale, but focused on introducing Jing Si literature to each participating visitor. With Da Ai TV Station, there were lots of Filipinos who have growing familiarity and awareness regarding Master Cheng Yen’s compassion and accomplishments. There were inquiries regarding the location of Philippine Tzu Chi Foundation office. Volunteers introduced Tzu Chi activities with great enthusiasm. The harvest of five-day Book Fair was full of touching insights.
Drawn by the beautiful Tzu Chi musical melody, an educator gladly bought two CDs. Even though he did not understand the Chinese lyrics, he told Tzu Chi volunteers: "Music is a soft and soothing circular movement. Music, that brings forth a sense of inner peace, is good music. I only know Buddhist principles is applicable to the word’s principles. Two CDs and Master Cheng Yen’s Jing Si Aphorisms (English version) comprised of my life’s greatest enjoyment. It can likewise be used to teach students practical Jing Si Aphorisms."
Not having enough money, a law student from Adamson University asked permission from Tzu Chi volunteers if he could read a few more pages of the books. He only had enough money to buy one book. Tzu Chi volunteers did not disturb him. Feeling boundless inner peace and comfort, Tzu Chi volunteers provided him enough space to read the books.
An engineer, who is currently writing his thesis, bought Jing Si books to serve as his guide -coursing him to serve his countrymen with a sincere and kind heart. For example, the installation of electrical generator. When Tzu Chi volunteers introduced Tzu Chi Foundation as a compassion and relief organization to a broadcaster, he recognized the foundation’s significance and agreed to introduce Tzu Chi Foundation to his audience for their benefit as well.
Recognizing the significance of Tzu Chi Foundation, a teacher, from Assumption College, bought Master Cheng Yen’s book. She requested from Tzu Chi volunteers some complimentary Jing Si Aphorisms (English version) pamphlets. She will bring these resources to school and use them as teaching materials. Affirming Tzu Chi Foundation for its education, knowledge, daily living practices and culture, pre-school teachers collected voluminous education books to use as teaching materials in the school. In the long and slow educational journey, may the teachers practice love and gratitude in molding the hearts and minds of the youth. May they be bright lanterns, bringing forth light to the young ones.
Filled with much eagerness, a youth, who planned to buy several books and Buddhist VCDs, discovered that he did not have enough cash. At first, there was no way to facilitate the use of credit card. Luckily, the son of our Tzu Chi volunteer had a booth with a credit card facility. The Tzu Chi customer was able to benefit from this facility and bought the books and VCDs.
A Filipino insurance agent walked into the booth and browsed through some English books. He asked: "Why are Buddhists vegetarians?" With the explanation of Tzu Chi volunteers, he understood that sentient beings are equal. He also recognized the importance of respect for life. Co-incidentally, a Tzu Chi volunteer was watching a free VCD entitled, "Crying Life". The volunteer shared this VCD with the Filipino insurance agent, asking him to lend the VCD to his friends and help spread the rationale of being vegetarians. The Filipino insurance agent sincerely expressed: "I will certainly follow it."
Priests and nuns were all praises to Master Cheng Yen’s compassion. Affirming that both Roman Catholicism and Buddhism work along the principle of compassion, a priest bought a ‘Thank You’ card (in Chinese). He laughed and said, "The card has boundless space. I can write down the most beautiful gratitude within my heart. As I turn the Chinese card right or turn the English card left, I feel the directions do not matter. As long as the person’s heart moves in a forward direction... in a right direction..."
Tzu Chi volunteers, who were stationed in the Book Fair for five days, felt physical fatigue. However, the volunteers and visitors could not help but feel very happy deep inside their hearts. Having the affinity to buy and learn more about Jing Si products, visitors experienced boundless joy. Tzu Chi volunteers experienced peace, having explained the truth, goodness and beauty of the Tzu Chi world.
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