 | April 19, 2009. For the great love and wisdom she had selflessly bestowed to millions of people around the world, Tzu Chi Philippines took a sacred pilgrimage of respect and gratitude to commemorate the 72nd birthday of the Founder of Tzu Chi Foundation, Dharma Master Cheng Yen.
The pilgrimage, which started at the forefront of the Tzu Chi Still Thoughts Hall in Quezon City, symbolizes the participants’ sense of humility and sincerity in keeping up with Master Cheng Yen’s vows to purify more minds, harmonize the society and free the world from disasters.
A total of 208 participants from the Tzu Chi International Medical Association, Tzu Chi Chinese and Filipino volunteers, Tzu Chi Youth, Tzu Chi staff and students under the Tzu Chi’s Educational Assistance Program have started lining up to take a series of “three steps and one bow” even before the sunlight hits the horizon. Profusely sweating and with their hands and arms getting dirty as they lowered their selves on the ground, the participants shared that it was too little a sacrifice for the person who had taught and influenced them to put into action compassion, humility and wisdom.
“The Master said that time cannot wait. We cannot wait to perform our duties in life. I will take her words seriously and follow her steps. I hope that she can stay with us for a long, long time so that we can learn more, and the world will benefit more,” TIMA volunteer and Head of Tzu Chi Denture Services, Dr. Cheung Lei Cheun, said.
“It is my first time to join the pilgrimage. I am happy that as a Filipino, I was able to participate in this sacred activity. It means a lot to me. I think that the pilgrimage could help strayed people become enlightened. It brings out the goodness in one’s heart. It is the Master’s way of uniting people,” Romeo Romo, a Tzu Chi staff shared his views. He further described his experience as not tiring at all. “Although we were sweating a lot, I did not feel exhausted. It actually made me feel better.”
“We woke up at around 5:00 am to prepare for the pilgrimage at 5:45. I thought that we will get tired from the activity but it did not turn out like that at all. For a moment, the pilgrimage emptied our minds from worries, and put us in synchrony with the rest of the participants. It was such a humbling and peaceful experience,” Dr. Anna Oliva, a TIMA volunteer dentist said.
Another TIMA volunteer dentist Dr. Carol Lam said: “I wish her long life. Being from a country like the Philippines, we all the more need her teachings and guidance.”
A group of residents from a depressed community in Tatalon, Quezon City also offered their early morning to join the pilgrimage. Lead by Josephine Artiaga, a beneficiary-turned donor and volunteer, the residents also expressed their gratefulness to Master Cheng Yen. “I told my neighbors that we have to come and greet the Master on her birthday. She had done so much for us. And we all benefited from her. We hope that she will live longer so that she can help more people in need.”
Meanwhile, fresh from a fall only a couple of months ago, Quim Brito also attended the event with a brace supporting her back. “All though it was painful every time I bow, I still tried to stoop down as my way of thanking the Master for her blessings and teachings that greatly changed my life for the better.”
Leah and Rachel Awel, the conjoined twins who were successfully operated in Taiwan were also present in the event. Despite their young age, the twins followed the elder participants, and like them, lowered themselves on the ground and prayed sincerely.
After the procession, the participants had a misua soup, courtesy of the Tzu Chi volunteer cooks, for breakfast. They then assembled back at the lobby to greet the Master Happy Birthday. Signifying the essence of enlightenment, the participants then wrote down their personal messages to Master Cheng Yen on a piece of paper cut and designed as Bodhi leaves. History notes that it is under the Bodhi tree where the Buddha meditated and sought enlightenment.
“I wish her good health and long life for there are still many people who need her love and guidance. She had helped many people including me. I thank her and the Tzu Chi volunteers here in the Philippines for saving my life. When I was still sick, I missed my daughter’s activities in school. But when I received the Master’s love through the medical assistance of Tzu Chi, I was able to witness my daughter graduate as the salutatorian of their batch,” Alfredo Leyble, another beneficiary-turned donor and volunteer emotionally expressed.
The activity ended with the well wishers expressing their sincere message of good health and longevity because “another day with the Master means another day that the world full of sufferings would have a guiding light that shines with hope and love. Master Cheng Yen, Happy Birthday! We love you!” |