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

19 TZU CHI 124 Longwang, the leaves of the trees in the Abode’s courtyard have been blown off their branches. Master Cheng Yen sighed at the sight of the fallen leaves and voiced her wish: “If only these leaves are collected to be processed into essential oils!” The Master’s love of nature spurred the formulation of the Jing-Si eco- friendly hydrosols. The Dharma masters at the Abode began gathering and extracting the essence of fallen leaves and withered flowers to be processed into essential oils and hydrosols. The residue is not wasted either; the remaining pulp from the plants is repurposed into organic compost to fertilize the soil. Throughout the production process, the Dharma masters pay close attention to every step and keenly observe the growth of the plants in various conditions and climates to feel the life in them. “Handmade products undergo an arduous production process, but we insist on presenting the best nature has to offer, in line with Master Cheng Yen’s philosophy of co-existing harmoniously with nature,” explained Master De Jian, who attested to experiencing Dharma joy in the process of crafting natural products by hand. Plants, instead of merely leading a lifeless existence, silently absorb nutrients from their surroundings and breathe new life into the environment, before returning to the earth past their prime in the cycle of nature. Master De Jian is moved by Master Cheng Yen’s determination in disseminating the teachings of the Dharma and longs to express deep gratitude to the latter by serving until the last breath. “As part of the Tzu Chi community, we should recognize our role in following Master Cheng Yen’s mission,” Master De Jian asserted. [Photograph by Pek Poh Liang]