The world of Tzu Chi Sep-Oct 2022 (Vol.143)

TZU CHI 143 09 teaching of the Buddha.” She explained, “The contents and meanings of the scriptures are profound, but we need to understand and let them sink in the heart. Whenever we face difficulties, those sutra verses would help us resolve our doubts and free us from our attachments.” She felt that the way to practise the Bodhisattva Way is to give, because the aspiration to benefit others is an important process in spiritual practice. If one has a great aspiration and a genuine vow to do good deeds, the outcome will be completely different. To many participants, the event has cast the seventh lunar month in a different light. Wong Lai Kuen, an elderly, who was accompanied by her daughter, said she had not visited Jing Si Hall since the Covid-19 outbreak, and the event was refreshing. When asked if she was worried about the endemic, she replied optimistically, “I am not afraid. I have done good deeds and I believe God will keep me safe.” She had attended the event with the hope of praying for the world as she felt it was very important for people all over the world to be safe and well. She added, “What is the use if only I myself am safe and well? Only when the world is well, can we be at peace and can there be no wars.” The event also brought calm to Lau King Yew and his wife, who were involved in the sign language performance. It was their first participation in a large-scale Tzu Chi event, and despite his limitations in the Chinese language, King Yew felt calm and was moved by the sign language rendition. He recalled that his parents used to burn joss sticks and joss paper in observance of the seventh lunar month. However, he believes that instead of spending on joss paper as offerings to the ancestors, it would be better to make donations for charitable causes and transfer the merits to the ancestors. He remarked, “In Buddhism, it is a more realistic approach if we help people to be good and to sow blessings.” Through the musical adaptation and sharing of the Buddha’s wisdom, the event has sparked renewed aspirations, besides offering prayers for world peace and happiness. The call was also to practise vegetarianism and do good deeds to live out the true meaning of deliverance in Buddhism. Following the iconic presentation, the performers look forward to another dignified presentation at the end of the year. Volunteers and public members from Temeloh, Raub and Kuantan, Pahang, arrived at the event venue in eight buses, to share the Dharma joy. [Photo by Lee Kok Keong] Shining the Light of the Dharma