The world of Tzu Chi (Vol.107)

2019 • 02 20 eature Tapping into the inner wellspring An additional game section, “FUN Spinning toWelcome Blessings” was installed at the 2018Year- end Blessing Ceremony held at the KL Tzu-Chi Jing Si Hall, allowing participants to unearth their own “treasure” to dispel bad habits and welcome blessings in the NewYear. By Tzu Chi Documenting Team Translated by Lee Hui Yieng Photograph by Lai Jih Chuan T he game section was buzzing with activities. Participants had to locate the game stations along a designated route based on the “treasure map” provided. At each station, a stamp would be rewarded for successfully completing the challenge. Upon collecting four stamps, the participants were entitled to redeem a “treasure of wisdom” at the “Welcoming Blessings” area. The person-in-charge of the game section, Teh Wee Siew, said that all challenges were closely related to the “Five Poisons” (greed, anger, ignorance, arrogance, doubt), except for one that used ball-pitching to signify getting rid of bad habits. A poster elaborating on the “Five Poisons” was set up at the entrance of the game section, complemented by the volunteers’ explanation that all bad words and deeds are manifestations of the “Five Poisons”: greed includes the desire for fame and status, indulging in materialistic desires, and gambling; anger stems from a quick temper; ignorance means giving in to flattery and being unable to discern right from wrong; belittling others shows arrogance; doubt arises from being superstitious and distrustful. The easy- to-understand explanations facilitated a more immersive experience for the participants.