Sutra Transcription Class, Not Just A Brushing of Ink

Tzu Chi Indonesia, for the first time holds a Sutra Transcription Class on Sunday, March 25th, 2018. This class is attended by 304 participants.

What comes to mind when you hear the term Sutra Transcription Class? Rewriting the contents of Sutra which is generally in Mandarin? Or what if you do not understand Mandarin? These kind of questions and curiosity that encourage hundreds of Tzu Chi volunteers from various communities in Jakarta to join the Sutra Transcription Class held by Tzu Chi Indonesia on Sunday afternoon, March 25th, 2018.

The Sutra Transcription Class which was held for the first time had received considerable response. From the target of 100+ participants, there were 304 people that came. Not all are volunteers, there are also general public. Then what is this Sutra-transcribing activity like?

There is a particular book used for transcription, which is the Sutra of Innumerable Meanings book that is printed by Tzu Chi Indonesia to facilitate volunteers who do not understand Mandarin. Inside the book already has a text in thin print. Volunteers just have to follow the lines and thicken them with a pencil, pen, or brush. The principle of brushing or transcribing is quite easy, from left to right, top to bottom.

Before transcribing, the volunteers listens to Hendry Chayadi's explanation about the meaning of the sentence to be transcribed.

This book used to transcribing Sutra is Sutra of Innumerable Meanings book. No need to use a brush commonly used to write calligraphy, volunteers can also use a pencil.

The Sutra Transcription Class was guided by Livia Tjhin and Hendry Chayadi, Volunteers of Tzu Chi Committee. Before transcribing, Hendry firstly explained the meaning of the sentence to be transcribed so that the participants can permeate its meaning. Not just scraping on paper, transcribing is a way to understand the meaning of the Sutra. This transcription class is also an opportunity for volunteers to compose oneself.

"The most important thing is we do it slowly. So we can give time for ourselves, our minds, what the next step is. I think it is also like us in everyday life. When we are planning something, it should be with a calm heart. Even not knowing Mandarin, just follow the principle," said Hendry.

The sheer number of participants has brought happiness to Hendry. This means Tzu Chi Indonesia volunteers are enthusiastic in exploring Dharma or Master Cheng Yen teachings. Then why should it be done by transcribing Sutras? Transcription of Sutra is a way or method only. To expound a truth, needs a lot of ways. Same with sign language, it is not just a performance. Through sign language, one can grasp the meaning of a song which contains good teachings. So is with the transcription of Sutra.

For Suherman, Tzu Chi volunteer from He Qi Barat 1 Community, transcribing Sutra trains his peace of mind so that it remains clear.

Liu Su Mei wishes for all the volunteers to truly explore the Sutra of Innumerable Meanings.

For Suherman, a Tzu Chi volunteer from He Qi Barat 1 Community, transcription of Sutra trains his peace of mind so that it remains clear. "It's a wonderful opportunity for me. Transcribing Sutra full with precision, slowly. Even with slight eyes interference, it can be done slowly. Not just a matter of writing, it's such a great joy to get together. The main thing is to understand Master Cheng Yen's Dharma," said Suherman.

To the volunteers present in this Sutra Transcription Class, Head of Tzu Chi Indonesia, Liu Su Mei told of her recent meeting with Master Cheng Yen.

"Master reveals a very serious situation, she said her disciples in Indonesia have yet to be connected strongly with the teachings of Jing Si. When I heard that I was surprised. Master sees that, in four Tzu Chi missions Indonesian volunteers have been well and independent, have fostering a blessing, but have yet to developed wisdom. Master also said that when she is still here, the disciples from Indonesia are very dutiful, but if she is not here anymore, will we still be dutiful? So then I told Master, yes we will still be dutiful, we will continue listening to Master's advice," said Liu Su Mei.

Therefore, Liu Su Mei hopes that all volunteers can truly explore the Sutra of Innumerable Meanings, because otherwise the mind will remain empty, and will not connect with Master Cheng Yen's teachings.

Translator : Ilena Sevalona