The World Of Tzu Chi(Vol.113)

TZU CHI 113 41 Reliving the Dharma masters’ words of wisdom By Lim Li Tian Photograph by Chan Tuck Meng A s the curtains close on a successful performance to effusive applause from the audience, the dedicated production crew continues to work tirelessly behind the scene. Among them is scriptwriter Zhuang Shi-hong, who has been producing scripts for DaAi TV programmes for the past five years, starting with the Bodhi Heart series in 2014 to the latest Memoirs of Eminent Monks . Shi-hong, 39, is a law graduate. Born in Kaohsiung and bred in Taipei, Taiwan, he comprehends the Taiwanese dialect but lacks conversational fluency. Furthermore, Taiwanese opera is not his forte, yet he managed to compose graceful, evocative lyrics set to the melody of the traditional art form. “When composing the lyrics, I would imagine myself living in the era inhabited by the characters I give voice to, and express the characters’sentiments accordingly through words,” he explained. To ensure the authenticity of the characters portrayed in The Great Dharma Master Zhizhe , Shi-hong went to great lengths in conducting research, combing through the vast repository of historical artefacts on the milestones in Master Zhizhe’s life, as well as details of the monasteries he sought refuge in and the noble individuals he encountered. “My primary intention was to craft a script that would do justice to Master Zhizhe’s exceptional contributions to Buddhism, a script that is thoughtfully structured with intellectual and emotional depth, complemented by elegant lyrics,” shared Shi-hong. For Shi-hong, composing scripts based on the chronicles of esteemed Dharma masters is not only a formidable challenge, but also a mission he carries with a sense of purpose. He strives to present the memoirs of these respectable personalities in a more relatable way. “Master Zhizhe was essentially a human being who is no different from us. He had experienced his fair share of dilemmas and setbacks, and was equally vulnerable to feelings of sorrow and disappointment. He eventually attained Enlightenment through sheer perseverance and fortitude,” mused Shi-hong, who aims to incorporate Dharma teachings seamlessly in the scripts he produces to inspire audiences to apply the teachings in their daily lives. He would often reflect on the significance of documenting the memoirs of the esteemed Dharma masters in ensuring Buddhism thrives on and remains relevant for generations to come. “There are surely lessons to be learnt from the illustrious lives of the great Dharma masters. These lessons guide us through life and serve as constant reminders to conduct ourselves with due propriety,” Shi-hong surmised. Shining the Spotlight on Master Zhizhe