Jing Si Abode is the epic center of the World of Tzu Chi; it is also “the hometown for heart and soul” for all Tzu Chi volunteers and followers around the world. Seeing the tidy simplicity and tranquil grandeur of the halls here, those of us who come here to seek the root and witness the source will have better comprehension of the mettle of Tzu Chi to endure difficulties at the initial establishing stage.
In 1966, Dharma Master Cheng Yen and her monasitc disciples initiated Tzu Chi and started to build the Abode in 1968. The Court of Bodhisattvas, located at the foot of grandiose Central Mountain Range, facing the immense Pacific Ocean and surrounded by flat rice paddies and green fields, radiates quiescent comfort amidst the country scenery.
Since the beginning, disciples have abided with the pure principle of “self-dependency” and cultivated the land and self-study. They strictly followed the spiritual teaching of Dharma Master Yin Shun: “committed to Buddhism and all living beings” and have been devoted to constructing peaceful and happy communities. They worked diligently towards the goal of establishing a fresh, clean, and pure land among humankind.
Presently, contributions to the Tzu Chi Foundation are recognized worldwide; the great-love spirit of Master Cheng Yen resonates globally with multitudes of followers. While the long-time disciples who have been following the Master are the backbone of the Tzu Chi Foundation, Jing Si Abode has become a symbol of a tall ship helping needy people.
“Quietly observe affairs of the day; deeply think good deeds over the generations!” If we industriously practice the hands-on spirit of Tzu Chi, our quiescent thoughts will always return to and reside in the Abode. We adamantly believe that everyone has a heart of Buddha; all we need to do is to keep our thoughts and our consciences clear, washing away filth and triviality, and recognize the good nature in ourselves every day. When we willingly do good deeds, we do not desire return on our contributions; instead, what we wish for is the opportunities to do the same happy and beneficial things for the populace in generations to come.
