Camp 4 in 1 2017: Train One Self, Calming Self

Tzu Chi Buddhist Foundation of Indonesia held a 4 in 1 training for two days at Jing Si Hall, Tzu Chi followed by Tzu Chi volunteers from all over Indonesia. In this 4 in 1 training the Tzu Chi volunteers received sharing from the biksuni of Griya Jingsi Taiwan.

The 4 in 1 training becomes a routine agenda for Tzu Chi Indonesia volunteers. In this activity, volunteers were asked to calm themselves. If Tzu Chi volunteers regularly contribute to help others in need, there are also times when they need a moment to recharge their mind by listening to Master Cheng Yen's Dharma.

"Basically, in the 4 in 1 training we synchonize our steps, updating ourselves to the latest information as well as calming ourselves," said Merry Liang, the Activity Coordinator.

The two-day training (September 16-17, 2017) features the theme "Sutra of Innumerable meanings." The sutra contains training in the society, and Tzu Chi volunteers plunge directly, serving the society. Just like the people of Tzu Chi, Master Cheng Yen always felt this Sutra of Unlimited Meaning is the closest to Tzu Chi. In this 4 in 1 training, four nuns/biksuni from Griya Jingsi and speakers from Tzu Chi Taiwan were invited to share.

A total of 786 volunteers had attended the training on the first day--Saturday, September 16, 2017. They were invited to write out sutra fragments from song lyrics during the break session.

In this 4 in 1 training, volunteers practiced the humanistic culture of Tzu Chi from walking, sitting, eating, sleeping, and so forth.

A total of 786 volunteers followed the hand gesture movement after break time whilst awaiting for the arrival of all participants at the Jiang Jing Tang Hall on Saturday, September 16, 2017.

At the end of the break session, a hand sign language was performed by the volunteer team which is a piece of the song from the Sutra of Unlimited Meaning. The participants who had returned to the room were also invited to join the hand gestures whilst awaiting for the arrival of all participants to proceed to the next session.

The Training Ground of Tzu Chi People

Hundreds of Tzu Chi volunteers from Jakarta, Medan, Padang, Lampung, Bandung, Batam, Tanjung Balai Karimun, Pekanbaru, Pelembang, Surabaya, Singkawang, Bali, Makassar, Biak, Tangerang and Sinar Mas were invited to dive into the teachings of Jingsi Tzu Chi which started the training session. The sharing was performed by De Ning Shifu.

"In this time's Tzu Chi forum,  we can enhance our own belief which brings great contribution," said De Ning Shifu to encourage volunteers of Tzu Chi Indonesia.

De Jian Shifu provided her inspirational sharing of Jingsi tradition which is carried by nuns/ biksuni  living at Griya Jingsi Taiwan.

Tzu Chi volunteers paid attention wholeheartedly to each session delivered by the speakers at the 4 in 1 training camp of 2017.

De Ning Shifu further explained that Jingsi is a self-training ground for every human being. Thus, Master Cheng Yen's disciples must grasp the opportunity as best as possible, plunging into society to help all beings.

There was also a sharing of Jingsi Tradition given by De Jian Shifu. In it, De Jian Shifu invited volunteers to watch biksuni's activities at Griya Jingsi Taiwan and how to display Jingsi tradition.

"Being humble, plunging into society, manifesting self-training into everyday behavior," De Jian Shifu said.

Shifu also said that everything, if based on a strong intention, will find a way. "There is an intention to find a way, no intention to find excuses," he continued, "Doing Tzu Chi activities is not for others, but to increase self wisdom."

Injection of New Spirit

This activity carries the theme "Sutra of Unlimited Meaning", thus volunteers are invited to write out fragments of sutra from song lyrics during break session.

Erlina is grateful to be able to attend this 4 in 1 training which is her first experience. This experience has also given her a boost of enthusiasm, and she is determined to develop the Tzu Chi Character Education Mission in Medan.

The Jingsi Tradition Session delivered by De Jian Shifu gave a special impression to Erlina, one of Tzu Chi volunteers in Medan. She is very inspired.

"I see that Shifu in Taiwan really upholds the principle of Master (Cheng Yen): a day of no work means a day of no food. They really set an example to us, " she continued in the midst of activities.

The first experience in participating in this 4 in 1 training provided a new injection for volunteers who joined Tzu Chi since 2011. "Listening directly to the sharing of Shifu is very different and inspiring to us, so (we) feel more confident to be on the path of Tzu Chi," said the 39-year-old woman. "By coming here, the spirit amplifies," she added.

Being the Coordinator of Tzu Chi Medan's Character Education, Erlina also wanted to apply what she got during the 4 in 1 training in Jakarta, certainly to develop the mission of education, especially Tzu Chi's Character Education in Medan.

"I will share it to be more jiāyóu (spiritful)," she said firmly.

Translator : Ilena Sevalona

Editor : Caroline Widjanarko (Tzu Chi School)