The world of Tzu Chi February 2020 (Vol.119)

34 2020 • 02 A s 2019 came to a close, volunteers and members of the public gathered at the KL Tzu-Chi Jing Si Hall to reflect on the past year and celebrate the dawn of a new year in a series of Year-end Blessing Ceremonies, held across 12 sessions from December 14, 2019 to January 12, 2020 with a special session dedicated to volunteers on January 5, 2020. One of two sessions on December 29, 2019 was conducted fully in English – the first of its kind by Tzu Chi KL & Selangor – to accommodate those who are more comfortable with the language. The collective theme for the occasion was “Sincerity, uprightness, faith and steadfastness are our nourishing ground; loving-kindness, compassion, joy and equanimity are our soothing breeze”, a gentle reminder to return to Tzu Chi’s core spirit by cultivating a sincere heart, conducting ourselves with integrity and serving selflessly with compassion and joy. Master De Rang, Master De Ge and Master De Yuan, resident Dharma Masters from the Jing Si Abode in Hualien, Taiwan, graced the session dedicated to volunteers with their presence and delivered blessings on Master Cheng Yen’s behalf. The session was also attended by the CEOs and persons-in-charge of local and overseas Tzu Chi chapters, representatives from the Tzu Chi Taiwan Headquarters, staff from the Taiwan-based Department of Religious Culture and Humanitarian Aid, representatives from Tzu Chi’s core missions, distinguished guests and a team of volunteers from South Africa. The sharing sessions by the South African team and the Tzu Chi International School Kuala Lumpur (TCISKL) committee were featured as the hallmark segments for this year, providing a comprehensive glimpse into Tzu Chi’s missions both at home and abroad. Echo Chien, the CEO of Tzu Chi KL & Selangor, was moved by the presence of the Dharma Masters from the Abode and volunteers fromSouthAfrica. She also advised the volunteers to take heed of theMaster’s teachings and express reverence for the Master by reinforcing one’s understanding of the Dharma and improving oneself through spiritual cultivation. In anticipation of the TCISKL inauguration ceremony on January 6, the TCISKL committee and outreach team were invited to share their experiencesworkingbehind thescenes inensuring the smooth running of the school. Sio Kee Hong, the deputy CEO of Tzu Chi KL & Selangor who also leads the TCISKL committee, recounted the many sleepless nights and the immense pressure he faced in keeping various aspects of TCISKL on track. He once sought Master Cheng Yen’s counsel in stress management, to which the Master replied by advising him to work towards taking a proactive approach to overcoming stress instead of dwelling on it. Whenever he needed a boost of confidence, he would turn to the Jing Si Aphorism , “Nothing is impossible with confidence, perseverance and courage.” pecial Feature