The world of Tzu Chi February 2021(Vol.131)

TZU CHI 131 23 Jing Si (quiet contemplation) — With a calm and pure heart and mind, contemplate the origin of life, direction of life, and the truth of the universe. Let our mind settle and our heart be purged of defilement. As we see everything in the world with a tranquil mind, we become one with heaven and earth. See everything in its essence and truth. See through unreal and fake illusion. This pure, firm and transcendent thought, is wisdom. ~ Master Cheng Yen The gentle power that purifies the heart and mind J ing Si Aphorisms , a book that encapsulates the essence of Master Cheng Yen’s teachings, was coined when paths from different worlds crossed more than 30 years ago. Kao Hsin-chiang, the main editor of the book, was a veteran in print media and a well- known editor in his day. In early 1989, he was enlisted by his good friend Gary Ho, a Tzu Chi volunteer, to help put together a book of the Master’s teachings. They visited the Master and while listening to the Master talking about her life, Kao’s eyes sparkled. The book was published a mere six months later and officially launched in November 1989. OnApril 15, 1990, the Master mentioned in a Tzu Chi Commissioners’ gathering that she received a letter from a young man the day before: “He said, Master, although we have not met, I am very grateful that your Jing Si Aphorisms had saved me in time. The day when I was to rob a bank, I saw the book on a motor scooter parked next to me. I picked it up and opened it. Then I saw this sentence: ‘When doing good, count me in. When doing bad, count me out.’ Like waking from a drunken stupor, I sobered up! Otherwise, this letter would not be written by a free man.” “He said that he grew up in a poor family and life was rough. He worked very hard and finally completed college. After finishing his compulsory military service, the hardworking man co-signed a loan for a friend, but the latter ran away leaving a debt of NT$ 4.5 million. The creditors came every day. He had no options and decided to rob a By the writing team for The Story of Tzu Chi, Tzu Chi Periodicals Department