 | Tzu Chi, Philippines held a whole day seminar on March 23, 2003 at the auditorium of Filipino-Chinese Shi Shi Townmate Association in Quezon City with the active participation of Tzu Chi Commissioners, Tzu Chi Faith Corps and volunteers. Aside from a talk on Buddhist etiquette, Tzu Chi lifestyles and Buddhist rituals, there were also valuable spiritual sharings to touch the hearts while fostering our Tzu Chi ideals. Almost 200 people from Manila, Cebu and Zamboanga Tzu Chi offices joined this seminar. Eloquent speakers invited to facilitate this grand seminar were the "chosen ones", especially designated by Master Cheng Yen, who flew in all the way from Taiwan, Malaysia and Singapore.
The seminar started with a speech delivered by the President, Manuel Siao. With utmost sincerity, he expressed gratefulness to Master Cheng Yen for showering much love and care to Tzu Chi, Philippines. In response to Master Cheng Yen's concern over the "the limited time", he encouraged more people to seize the present moment by doing good in order to disperse imminent calamities with our collective good karma. The speech was followed by a humorous skit which clarified a valuable message: While walking along the Bodhisattva's path, one should not be afraid of others' obstructions, but what we should fear most is self-obstruction for doing good. Another point was that in soliciting donations, it is not the worth of money that counts but rather the essence is in the good thoughts that come with it.
Master Te Xun gave us a talk on cherishing everything as good affinities by being mindful in everything we do in order to attain fulfillment. Master Te Xun also taught us not to be seriously concerned over people's unintentional criticisms in order to leave room for growth. Master Te Xun explained further that in Tzu Chi, Master Cheng Yen uses love as a management principle and precepts as a discipline. To remind us always to safeguard our minds, Master Te Xun explained the Ten Precepts of Tzu Chi in detail. Master Te Nian gave us another talk on life's four happiness: happiness from contentment, happiness from helping others, happiness from one's sufferings and happiness from one's inner self. Master Te Nian explained that the Eightfold Path of Buddhism is being symbolized by the pure, undefiled lotus flower. Its purity represents sincerity, integrity, trust and honesty. Its finesse represents mindfulness. Its subtleness represents open-mindedness. Its pliancy represents well-roundedness. Its fragrance represents selfless giving. The Tzu Chi Dharma boat symbolizes compassion in transporting suffering people from one shore to another for safety. This should also remind us in being good with everyone. A clear demonstration was made to show us the proper way of prostrating oneself and bowing. She clarified on the five essentials of a Buddhist altar, namely: Buddha's pictures, lamp, incense vase, flower vase and candlestick; while the five offerings are: incense sticks, flowers, candles, fruits and water. The four etiquettes of Buddhism namely: to walk like a wind, to stand like a pine tree, to sit like a bell, and to lie down like a bow. Master Te Nian talk ended with Amitofo, a Buddhist greeting that conveys to all a wish of infinite light, infinite blessings and infinite life!
Sister Tzu Yeh from Malaysia expressed her gratitude to Tzu Chi for helping her grow from an innocent person with insatiability, excessive blaming and complaining to one who realizes the hidden blessings of life. By joining several visitations to the sick and needy, it changed her mindset to cherish her husband and to care for her mother-in-law. This change, in turn not only gave her wisdom but more so peace and harmony in the family. She learned the virtue of humility in helping others to attain their goals in life by doing things in a well-rounded manner, without offending people around her.
The president of Tzu Chi Malacca and Singapore, Mr. David Liu gave us an introduction on "The Art of Living." He explained to us that art means being mindful in realizing where beauty is, while living is knowing how to shoulder more responsibilities, lessening burdens, simplifying life and easing our mind and body from worries and pains . According to Mr. Liu, our life needs to be simple --- one heart, one mission (Buddha's heart and Tzu Chi mission). Focus and keep track on one goal. In doing Tzu Chi missions, we need to fully understand the teachings of Master Cheng Yen. Perform our tasks in such a way that only the body is busy but never our hearts. We must maintain these attitudes at all times: subtle words, smiling faces, humble gestures and promptness of work. "Cultivation" is cultivating the proper concept of life. "Discipline" is training of one's will power. Through cultivation with discipline, it strengthens our Tzu Chi ideals to accelerate improvement by means of various activities. In Tzu Chi, we can enjoy the art of living with happiness because Master Cheng Yen serves as our teacher and brothers, sisters in Tzu Chi circle serve as our good advisers. "Activities" and "Cultivation" are the two wings in Tzu Chi that should always be maintained in balance. Confidence comes from mindful preparation while opportunity belongs to a well-prepared person. If we want to change our lives, we must hold on to a principle, but always anticipate impermanence. We need to set our goals and start the road towards blessings and happiness, so as to reap both blessings and wisdom.
Sister Liu Mei Lan from Taiwan told us that it was only after the happening of several uncertainties in her life before she realized that compassion needs strength to move on. She was deeply touched by the highest essence of the "Three No's" advocated by Master Cheng Yen: There's no one in this world that I do not love, no one in this world that I do not trust and no one in this world that I do not forgive. She finally learned to extend her arms to embrace others without seeking anything in return. For her, this is the true spreading of love. Donating money is being a good man while exerting an effort is doing well in being a human. Commissioner Chen Jin Hai of Taiwan's northern district shared with us about the Environmental Protection Mission that started in 1991. As of now, there are around 800 trucks with estimated 30,000 Tzu Chi members actively participating in the Environmental Protection projects in Taiwan. A change of mindset changes things for the better. He further encouraged everyone to utilize the hands they use for clapping and applause to do Environmental Protection projects that ultimately can lead to numerous benefits. Finally, Sister Luo Mei Zi cited examples to explain that recently the eight missions have been fulfilled and are already widespread throughout the world. Every mission is being carried out by Tzu Chi members around the world with unity, harmony, mutual love and mutual help. She encouraged and welcomed more people to join Tzu Chi since great strength means great blessings.
A whole day seminar brought an overflowing of joy of dharma for every Tzu Chi member. Every one vowed to say good words, make good vow and do good deeds as a mutual encouragement. |