To many it is a shield from the heat of the scorching sun, to others it is part of a uniform but to some it is more than that. To a handful of individuals that I have had the opportunity to meet, this white cap with its green logo emblazoned on the front has become a source of inspiration in their daily lives.

The Tzu Chi cap has graced many a volunteer’s head during their many events and activities shielding their eyes from the sun. You can see them being worn by volunteers at events such as the Great Love Charity Fair or at recycling activities. On Da Ai TV news reports, you can even see them being worn by volunteers at disaster stricken areas rendering aid to victims. I’m sure many will agree that it is also a welcome addition to the Tzu Chi uniform.

However to some volunteers here in Singapore, the Tzu Chi cap is the reason why they have become better all round individuals in their daily lives. I had the opportunity to speak with some of them and here are their testimonies.

Volunteer #1: Going My Way?
My Tzu Chi cap is displayed on the dashboard of my car at all times, I position it in such a way that it faces forward for all to see. This way, when I am going to Jing Si Hall, I can give other volunteers a lift along the way without having to first convince them that my intentions are sincere. 

In the past, I used to experience great difficulty when offering fellow volunteers a lift in my car. While attending some Tzu Chi meetings or events I would sometimes spot some volunteers along the way waiting for the bus to go to Jing Si hall. As there was room in my car, I would stop to offer them a lift but to my disappointment they would turn me down. This happened especially when I was coming directly from work and did not have the chance to change to my uniform and this caused uncertainty as there was no way that I could be identified as a fellow volunteer.  I later understood that there are so many Tzu Chi volunteers in Singapore and not all of us recognize each other so it helps when we have a means of identifying that we are Tzu Chi volunteers even when we are not in uniform. 

Now that my Tzu Chi cap is constantly displayed on the dashboard of my car I can be identified as a Tzu Chi volunteer immediately and when I stop to offer a lift to my fellow volunteers, I am greeted with trusting smiles when they see me waving to them to get in my car. Most of all I am glad just to be able to perform this good deed to others.

Volunteer #2: To Honk or Not To Honk?
Displaying my Tzu Chi cap on the dashboard of my car makes me a mobile example of a Tzu Chi volunteer. Everything I do in my car reflects upon the behavior of a Tzu Chi volunteer as a driver.

Driving in densely populated Singapore can be very challenging with regards to one’s patience. Especially when confronted by inconsiderate or irresponsible drivers. I used to be disgusted by motorists who unwittingly hold up traffic or do not signal their intentions properly on the road. These situations gave me a constant urge to sound my horn unsparingly, which I did without a second thought. When I think about it now, I realize that when I sounded my horn then, it was out of anger and frustration when it should have been out of concern for other road users.

With my Tzu Chi cap always displayed on the front of my car, when I drive, I have to think of myself as a Tzu Chi Volunteer on wheels rather than just another driver on the road. Now when I encounter motorists that try my patience on the road, I take the time to remember that my Tzu Chi cap can be seen by those around me and inspires me to be an example to others by being the forgiving and patient one.   

Volunteer #3: Any Traffic Police Around?
As my Tzu Chi cap is always displayed on the dashboard of my car, I must be on my best behavior as a driver because obeying traffic laws is one of the 10 commandments of the Tzu Chi volunteer.

Like many motorists in Singapore I have many times found myself in situations whereby I have been tempted to take the easy way out when it comes to beating the system. I have been guilty of performing illegal u-turns, exceeding speed limits, parking irresponsibly and even cutting back on parking coupons without getting caught. Then it later dawned on me that by continuing like this, I was actually cultivating a bad habit and doing more harm to myself. What I needed was a symbol of authority that could serve as a powerful reminder against committing all these offences. My personal traffic cop manifested itself in the form of my Tzu Chi cap.

Having my Tzu Chi cap in my car actually improves my driving discipline. My cap sits silently on my dashboard and like an angel watching over me, it suppresses my urge to take the easy way out and hence inspires my desire to be a law abiding motorist, at the same time preserving the image of Tzu Chi volunteers.   

Conclusion

I am myself a motorist and road user, I too have since followed in the footsteps of my predecessors and cultivated this habit of placing my Tzu Chi cap on the dashboard of my vehicle. I must say that I now share the same sentiments as my brother and sister volunteers who have shared their motoring experiences with me earlier. What can I say? Try it and you will see the difference yourself. 

It is just a cap, undoubtedly with the sole purpose of shielding our eyes from the sun, but with the Tzu Chi logo on the front it is miraculously transformed into an iconic symbol of inspiration, motivation and discipline, shielding us from temptation and transgression.