The Singapore Tzu Chi Collegiate Youth Association restructured their organization flow in the second half of the year 2008. On 15th March 2009, they organized a one day retreat in Jing Si Hall, the first after the restructuring, for cadres from various tertiary institutions. By gathering in that very hall brought the cadres back to their original goodness, reminding them to be firmed of their beliefs and integrity. Picture: Tzu Ching senior Lew Loon Keong explaining Buddhist etiquettes and manners a Tzu Chi cadre should uphold.

Coupled with demonstration by fellow seniors, Khor Chooi Kim explained “The Four Bearings of Tzu Chi People” to the Tzu Ching cadres.

Ding CaiHong, a newly selected cadre of Tzu Ching, happily shared her view that “Buddhist Etiquettes is a means of showing respect to others while enhancing one’s image and personalities.”

After taking up the responsibility as a cadre, Tai Ming Hang from NTU was much determined to realize his aspirations.

Contact person for Polytechnic Tzu Chings Giam Yan Xin shared on how she rises from her setbacks.

After taking up the role as a cadre, Koh Jun Jie (center) from NUS realized that hardships encountered during his work is nothing compared to the impediments Master Cheng Yen faced in the early days of Tzu Chi.

CEO of Tzu Chi Singapore Branch, Brother David Liu giving his piece of advice.

In the second half of the year 2008, the Singapore Tzu Chi Collegiate Youth Association restructured their organization flow to allow its members (also known as Tzu Ching) to advance further in an orderly manner. On 15th March 2009, they organized a one day retreat themed “The Significance of One Single Mind” (「一念心」in mandarin) for Tzu Ching cadres from various tertiary institutions. Held at Pasir Ris Jing Si Hall, this was the first retreat organized after the restructuring.

Self-disciplined and dignified youngsters
It is written in Master Cheng Yen’s book “The Beauty of Etiquette” that “When there is good etiquette, human’s life can be improved, and a harmonious society can be achieved.” A Tzu Ching cadre is thus expected to set an example for their juniors by being decorous and disciplined.

At the start of the retreat, two Tzu Ching seniors, Lew Loon Keong and Khor Chooi Kim explained “Buddhist Etiquettes” and “The Four Bearings of Tzu Chi People” to the Tzu Ching cadres. They were taught from the basics such as half-bow and full-prostration to the how one should dress and eat. Various means such as videos, wrongful demonstrations and tips sharing were presented by the hosts in a hearty manner. While the Tzu Chings practiced the acts; the seniors guided them by their sides patiently.

Ding Cai Hong, a new cadre of NTU Tzu Ching delightfully shared that despite not being a Buddhist, she does not have anything against learning its etiquettes. “I feel that while practicing these etiquettes, we’re not only showing respect to others, it also enhances our personal image and cultivation,” said Ding.

Young people, the hope of the future
Compared to their betters, youths nowadays are very fortunate to have almost all the conveniences they could get. However, they are also the most easily perplexed group and those at a loss are increasing by the numbers.

”The experience of being young is invaluable, thus the youth should be self-disciplined and have self respect. We all know the ups and downs in life originate from the human mind, as such we should utilize our wisdom to make the best of life and to love ourselves and others.” That was Master Cheng Yen’s piece of advice for the young.   

In the video clip “Young People, the Hope of Our Future”, the teenage life of Tzu Chings Zeng Hui Qing and Guo Tai Yuan was featured. During their rebellious years, they cared about nothing and indulged only in video games. Family and friends were worried for them. Fortunately, they had wonderful parents and teachers who guided them back to the right path. Having searched their souls over life purpose, the two began studying hard and participating in voluntary works to help the less fortunate.

Two other stories featured were on the life of Qiu Ming Zhen, a physically handicapped yet independent girl and Li Hong Da, who experienced a very tough life in his growing years. Both of them were able to rise from adversity and even showed gratitude to everything they had. These real-life stories testified to Master Cheng Yen’s words that “with the right thoughts, our surroundings changes with our mind and there is nothing on this earth that is impossible. “ 

The stories of these young people inspired the cadres to reflect on their lives.

Kau Jie Hung, a Tzu Ching from NTU, said that the programme that impacted her the most was the video shown. It reminds her of her younger cousin who is pampered and spoiled. “(My cousin) does not know how to appreciate what he has. His behavior is similar to the ‘lost’ youngsters in the video before they changed for good.” For Kau herself, university studies and the ups and downs in life has created lots of anxiety for her. However, she has slowly come to understand that having right thoughts is the answer to them. She related the mindset to the Tzu Ching affairs: “We all know there will be tough times when we have a task at hand, (be it with time management or human dealings). But if we can maintain a cheerful and positive mind, who knows, the task may turn out better than expected.”   

A change in perception changes all adversities
During the sharing time, three Tzu Ching cadres from different tertiary institutions shared their experience.

After participating in the 2007 Tzu Ching Camp, NTU Tzu Ching Tai Ming Hang has vowed to be a vegan and to promote environmental awareness among his peers. But the young man was soon met with setbacks when he went for industrial attachment. He found himself in a dilemma when the people around weren’t supportive of the cause.  Now that he has become a Tzu Ching cadre, he vowed to “do the right thing resolutely and slowly learns to disregard people’s perception”.

Koh Jun Jie, the assistant contact person of NUS, repented that he used to hesitate on whether to become a cadre. Last December, he was greatly motivated after attending the Overseas Tzu Ching Cadre Camp in Taiwan and started organizing numerous Tzu Ching activities upon returning. As time passes, reality kicks in. The gradual decrease in cadres’ involvement made him worried. At one point where he felt rather discouraged, he chanced upon a book by Master Cheng Yen which touches on the topic of “Diligence”. Noticing the word being defined as “being uncluttered” and “to not retreat” made him realized that as long as he steer himself through the obstacles, everything will turn out fine.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to be a cadre and glad that I did not ‘retreat’ from the team. Staying on has brought me closer to Master and her teachings and made me a wiser person.” Towards the end of his sharing, Koh enthused, “I tell myself that the hardships encountered are nothing compared to the difficulties that Master underwent in founding Tzu Chi. I hope all of us will be more motivated and determined down the path.”

Giam Yan Xin, the contact person of Polytechnic Tzu Chings, too confessed that she used to be dismoraled by her peers’ poor response to Tzu Ching activities. Soon, she became drained and lost the passion she had when she first joined the Association. She forced herself to continue her role and but was quite dismayed. Last week, when two Polytechnic Tzu Chings who have never attended any of the activities heeded her invitation to help out at the Tzu Chi Teenagers Class, Giam was overwhelmed. She realized that her weariness did not come from overworking; instead, it was because she didn’t drive herself hard enough. She mused: “If we carry ourselves according to Master’s teaching, we would certainly find joy.” She concluded her sharing with Master Cheng Yen’s aphorism: “Blessed would we be because of the joy we attain from giving and with wisdom, we can shift our perspective and attain peace and contentment.”

The rest of the cadres would have echoed with the experience of the three Tzu Chings. CEO of Tzu Chi Singapore Branch, Brother David Liu, who rushed back from a training in Indonesia to be with these young forces, advised them that “The mind should take control of circumstances, instead of the other way round”.  As long as one’s mentality is correct, one’s action will follow suit, and the outcome will be good.

When organizing Tzu Chi activities, it is not the outcome, presentation or the turn up rate that matters most; it is whether one has learned and matured from the process. “When you’re met with difficulties, examine your approach.” Brother Liu urged the cadres to participate in regular meetings and spiritual sharing sessions to keep up with the organization’s progress and Master’s teachings.

Just as in the lyrics of the theme song: “A single mind is the seed of a plant, a single mind is the mind of the Bodhisattva. Only when the heart is calm and uncluttered will there be purity and true self.” Similarly, each and every Tzu Ching is a seed for the Tzu Chi family tree. May they “practice mind-training in all situations and maintain a composed positive state of mind at all places”, and together with determined love and compassion, serve the community as their Tzu Chi aunts and uncles.