The world of Tzu Chi July 2020 (Vol.124)

13 TZU CHI 124 The organic approach to tea planting aligns with Master Cheng Yen’s teachings of maintaining a symbiotic relationship with nature to protect the environment. At the same time, Tzu Chi also advocates the use of reusable utensils and tableware – products on display at the merchandise section of the Café. Our susceptibility to contracting bacteria through cutlery has led to the widespread use of disposable cutlery. Yet, the single-use nature of plastic utensils has been contributing to the growing mountain of waste worldwide. Earlier in February, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) conducted an analysis of Asia’s worst ocean polluters and revealed that Malaysians are the biggest individual consumers of plastic packaging. This revelation alerts us to harness the collective power of individual efforts in conserving the environment, starting with making small changes to our lifestyle such as adopting the habit of bringing along our reusable cutlery when dining outside – a practice that preserves hygiene and eases the burden of disposable products on the environment. The signature navy and white colours that form the hallmark of various merchandise in the Café, from cutlery and lunchboxes to backpacks and shoes, are imbued with meaning. The volunteer uniform, a navy polo tee paired with white trousers in the colours of white clouds in a blue sky, reflects Master Cheng Yen’s hope for the volunteers to offer relief to all beings with a benevolent, accommodating capacity as vast as the blue sky, while practising virtuous conduct with a heart as pure and untainted as white clouds. Winding down in quietude Visitors to the Café are free to browse through the books and audio-visual materials on display that cover topics ranging from spiritual knowledge and education to health and wellness and self-help, in addition to children’s reads, providing advice, inspiration and respite from the everyday hustle and bustle. Shick Swee Ling is a regular at the Café. Swee Ling, a Kepong resident, chanced upon the Jing-Si Books & Café outlet in KL Tzu-Chi Jing Si Hall andwas taken in by the Café’s décor. She was filled with hope as soon as she opened the door. “I used to struggle with depression. I was reluctant to leave my home and declined invitations from my friends. I was acutely conscious of the gaze of others, which made me feel uneasy and anxious,” she confided. The soothing music wafting through the [Photograph courtesy of Jing-Si Books & Café, KL Tzu- Chi Jing Si Hall, Kepong]