The Origin

In the world of Tzu Chi (“merciful aid” or ”mercy relief”), hidden compassion in the human heart is unfolded through charity and medical missions while humaneness is deeply rooted through missions of Humanity and Education. Every little act of compassion and loving kindness purifies the human heart. As Tzu Chi’s headquarters in Taiwan were rapidly extending their outreach worldwide, Tzu Chi Singapore established its Cultural Centre in July, 1996.

Functions of the Cultural Centre included organising exhibitions of Tzu Chi cultural articles and its accomplishments, circulation of cultural articles, translation work, and running a series of cultural activities. Besides participating in the annual Singapore World Book Fair, and holding various talks and sharing sessions, the Cultural Centre also translated Still Thoughts (and recorded them on cassettes), the sutra on filial piety, and other written works by Master Cheng Yen into English in order to promote Tzu Chi’s publications to the English-speaking community.

In 1998, the Cultural Centre merged with the branch office and began to follow the footsteps of its Taiwan headquarters more closely through tireless efforts in humanistic work. Jing Si Books & Café, which is situated along Trengganu Street in Chinatown, opened officially on 14th February, 2004. It is an oasis of calm for some quiet, meditative moments in the midst of a bustling city such as Singapore. In addition, the “Jing Si Hut” on the first floor of the Jing Si Hall has also been propagating the wisdom and spirit of Still Thoughts (or Jing Si Aphorisms) since the official opening of the Hall on 30th October, 2005.

Every year, Tzu Chi has a booth at the annual World Book Fair, which is an important cultural event in Singapore. Visitors are appealed to the booth’s simple yet tasteful decor and helpful, cordial volunteers. Tzu Chi culture is spread to the public through publications that inspire kindness in people, leading numerous kind souls to the path of compassionate love.

Over the past few years, Tzu Chi has received positive feedback and comments from the public on its various cultural shows, talks and exhibitions. Images and records of great deeds of humanity in history were displayed in photograph exhibitions such as “The South Asia Tsunami: Destruction and Revival” and “Dust in the Wind”, which explained the journey to India taken by Master Xuan Zang of the Tang Dynasty. The sign language musical performance, “Filial Piety Sutra”, also received overwhelming responses and was staged the second time in the middle of 2006.

As it envisages the future, Tzu Chi Singapore hopes to recruit more volunteers who are able to commit themselves to mind-purifying work that brings harmony to the society under the spiritual guidance of Master Cheng Yen. Tzu Chi’s “Four Missions” and “Eight Footsteps” help create a better tomorrow on earth.

Introduction to Mission of Humanity

Purifying the human mind
Bringing harmony to the society
Bringing relief to the poor and suffering
Establishing morals in the face of violence and chaos

Tzu Chi’s Four Missions have never ceased operating. As it approaches its 40th year, Tzu Chi is now focusing its efforts on deepening its humanistic work. Master Cheng Yen once said, “humanity” is quite different from “culture”. The latter is made up of image expressions whereas the former is the true essence of life derived painstakingly through real life experiences.

Therefore, truth and beauty are the principles that underlie Tzu Chi’s Humanity Mission. While processing information regarding people, events, time, venues and objects, Tzu Chi aims to be exact and objective without showing any bias. In the face of chaos and upheavals that plague many modern societies today, the volunteers and staff involved in this mission must possess a high level of integrity, and report news that reflects truth, goodness and beauty as such news will inspire hope in the society.

There is a “sutra” within each person. If we treat one another sincerely with care, we will grow wiser as we gain invaluable insights into the many “human sutras” around us. Tzu Chi is formed through the kind deeds of many compassionate souls. Every Tzu Chi member should undertake the mission of creating a brighter future for humanity. Master Cheng Yen hopes that Tzu Chi people can adopt the spirit of Master Xuan Zang, who journeyed all the way to India to obtain and translate Buddhist scriptures, and put their best effort into creating new chapters for “Tzu Chi Scriptures”. Hopefully, this set of scriptures-“Bodhisattvas of the World”-would be passed down from generation to generation.