The World Of Tzu Chi(Vol.113)

2019 • 08 40 pecial Feature The makings of a loyal disciple By Tan Kim Hion Photograph by Lim Chin Shein I n the process of condensing the entire 25-episode television series of The Great Dharma Master Zhizhe into a 2-hour drama presentation for the stage, Tang Mei-yun and scriptwriter Zhuang Shi-hong insisted on capturing the profound relationship forged between a master and his disciple, as evident in the like-minded affinity between Master Zhizhe and his refuge master, Master Huisi, as well as the time-tested bond between Master Zhizhe and his own disciples. Mei-yun herself takes pride in being a disciple of Master Cheng Yen, whom she regards as an eminent Dharma master. Mei-yun, who plays the titular role in The Great Dharma Master Zhizhe , holds Master Cheng Yen close to heart. She aspires to stay true to the Master’s expectations for the television series to convey the teachings of the Dharma through performance, as opposed to merely performing for television. The Master’s advice has spurred her on to pour her heart and soul into bringing her character to life with layered performances informed by her wealth of experience in portraying various eminent Dharma masters. “Playing the role of a Master enables me to empathize with the challenges of being a true Dharma master,” she shared. The demands of her role have nurtured in her a greater sensitivity for Master Cheng Yen’s benevolence towards her disciples, motivating her to pledge due diligence in striving to attain the qualities of a loyal disciple to Master Cheng Yen. Mei-yun’s involvement in the Memoirs of Eminent Monks series has granted her the opportunity to meet the Master in person. She committed to Tzu Chi as a volunteer before being certified as a Tzu Chi Commissioner in 2018 with the Dharma name “Ci Hong （慈弘） ”, denoting the Master’s trust in her to carry on the mission of perpetuating Tzu Chi’s Dharma lineage. Mei-yun cherishes the adage Master Cheng Yen conferred upon her during the Chinese New Year season earlier this year: to treasure every second in life. She has never hesitated in carrying out the Master’s commands no matter the odds, as she believes that where there’s a will, there’s a way, as she moves forward in life with a firm conviction in the affirming power of positive thoughts.