The world of Tzu Chi December 2024 (Vol.152)

2024 • 12 30 ocal News Groundbreaking of Klang and Miri Jing Si Halls KL & Selangor, Miri I 09 & 10.11.2024 By the Tzu Chi Documenting Team Photo by Lee Kwee Yap W ith anticipation and blessings from many, the groundbreaking ceremonies for the Tzu-Chi Jing Si Halls in Klang, Selangor, and Miri, Sarawak, were held on November 9 and 10, 2024, respectively. These events marked the beginning of a new chapter in Tzu Chi’s history in these regions. Since the 1990s, Tzu Chi volunteers have been actively promoting Tzu Chi’s missions in Klang and Miri. As the volunteer teams grew and the scope of Tzu Chi’s work expanded, the aspiration to establish Jing Si Halls in these areas became stronger. After years of persistent efforts, ideal plots of approximately two acres each were finally secured in Bandar Botanic, Klang, and Hilltop Garden, Miri. During the ceremonies, Lin Pi-yu, Vice President of Tzu Chi Foundation, read a blessing letter fromMaster Cheng Yen: “Today, as we break ground for the Jing Si Hall, I express my heartfelt gratitude to all the kind- hearted people for your long-standing support of Tzu Chi…” The Master envisions the Jing Si Hall not only as a spiritual fortress for volunteers but also as a building that manifests the Dharma and Tzu Chi’s humanistic culture, and exudes a home-like atmosphere. These historic moments were witnessed by Dharma Masters from various Buddhist centres, representatives from Tzu Chi Taiwan, government officials, Tzu Chi volunteers from across Malaysia, and long-time supporters of Tzu Chi. David Liu, Deputy CEO of Tzu Chi Charity Foundation, expressed his gratitude for the volunteers’ dedicated efforts and the enthusiastic support from the community. He noted that the groundbreaking ceremonies are the culmination of two to three decades of hard work and the resonance of goodness. He encouraged volunteers to continue their efforts, planting seeds of Great Love that will take root and flourish in the communities. Tan Sri Lim Wee Chai and his wife, Puan Sri Tong Siew Bee, generously donated the land for the Klang Tzu-Chi Jing Si Hall. He remarked on the lack of harmony in today’s society and families, emphasising the significance of the Jing Si Hall. He expressed hope that the Jing Si Hall will provide more people with the opportunity to engage with Tzu Chi and do good deeds, saying, “If everyone spends their time doing good, there will be no time for bad deeds.” Selangor State Executive Councillor Ng Sze Han, who attended the event, commended Tzu Chi as a highly efficient organisation. He admired Tzu Chi’s commitment to making the world a better place, noting that the organisation is always the first to arrive and provide assistance whenever and wherever needed. Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin was delighted to see Tzu Chi Miri finally constructing its own ‘home’. He acknowledged Tzu Chi’s contributions to the Miri community over the past two