The world of Tzu Chi July-August 2022 (Vol.142)

2022 • 08 06 pecial Feature W ithin each of us, there is the infinite capacity for compassion. The Buddha- nature of unconditional love is attainable by all, as expounded in the Lotus Sutra by Buddha more than 2,500 years ago. This is the essence of the Bodhisattva Way, as practised by Tzu Chi volunteers, spreading Great Love to the world by helping the poor and relieving suffering without expecting anything in return. In response to the multi-faceted needs of contemporary society, Master Cheng Yen has been preaching the Dharma, blending the essence of the Lotus Sutra and the Jing Si Dharma lineage. Likewise, the musical adaptation of the Lotus Sutra will not only accentuate the spirit of the Sutra, but also connect it with Tzu Chi’s work around the world. This is done through songs, sign language and choreographed movements, paired with vivid images of Tzu Chi’s footprints in the past 56 years, under the Master’s leadership. Through the musical adaptation, the audience will witness howBuddha’s teachings are practised in daily life, and that everyone can be a living bodhisattva, reaching out to the needy with compassion. Sailing the sea of wisdom In preparation for the musical adaptation, book study sessions were held to cultivate the spirit of the Sutra. Against the fluctuating Covid-19 landscape in the past two years, Taiwanese Tzu Chi volunteer Lv Ci Yue saw the importance of calming anxious hearts with the Dharma. Therefore, she introduced localized book study sessions, where small groups of volunteers and public members would gather at respective localities to study Master Cheng Yen’s teachings and commentaries on the Lotus Sutra . The small group size also allowed every participant to share their experiences and insights, making the sessions more fruitful. Ci Yue emphasized, “While sharing, you must relate your life experiences with the Dharma.” Each group, comprising 10 to 15 participants, was named a “Dharma boat” and was led by three leaders, who were tasked to organize an indoor and an outdoor book study session each month, and to promote vegetarianism through the food served. On May 11 this year, over 4,700 people from Tzu Chi KL & Selangor and its sub- chapters, embarked on the journey of Dharma learning on 440 Dharma boats. The first book study session was themed “The Benefactors in My Life”. Some groups had the session online, while others met up physically at Tzu Chi community centres, recycling centres and other venues to cultivate the spirit of the Sutra together. Woo Swee Lee, assistant school lead of Da Ai kindergarten in Kepong, had only wanted to be a participant initially. However, remembering how she was inspired while participating in the “Dharma as Water” musical adaptation back in 2015, she soon agreed to be a group leader. Unexpectedly, her father fell ill at this time, and she was overwhelmed with the stress of having to juggle commitments for her family and career, and as a leader. Thankfully, her father managed to receive timely treatment, and the relieved Swee Lee attributed this affinity to her commitment. She also felt grateful for the opportunity to participate in the musical adaptation, and she can pray for her father