Master Cheng Yen's Jing Si Aphorisms
Jing Si Aphorisms Publications. Photographer: Chen Lee Shao-Ming
"Following and applying the
teachings of Buddha in our daily lives and transforming ourselves into living
Bodhisattvas” is the goal that Master Cheng Yen has
ardently, and without reservation, pursued for more than four decades. How can
one combine the Buddha’s teachings and life lessons? How can one make the
Bodhisattva path the spiritual goal of present day people? Master Cheng Yen
accomplishes these goals by translating the essence of the Buddha’s teachings
into simple and easy to understand language and uses everyday events to
exemplify life lessons. Her exquisite words and caring thoughts inspire wisdom
and provide direction amidst delusional thinking.
Master Cheng Yen’s Jing Si Aphorisms books transcend racial and religious
barriers. They promote heart-to-heart dialogues. Through the efforts of Tzu Chi
volunteers, they have reached schools, businesses, government agencies, armed
barracks, stores and every corner of communities. They have become learning
material for students’ moral education, running brooks that cleanse the minds
of the business world, and the inspiration for self-examination and reflection
for all human beings.
Dharma Master Cheng Yen’s Jing Si Aphorisms, Volume 1 was first published in
1989. Over 3.5 million copies have since been printed in 11 languages,
including traditional Chinese, simplified Chinese, Japanese, Korean,
Indonesian, Thai, Vietnamese, English, Spanish, French and German. In addition,
Jing Si Aphorisms have been published via different media such as in Jing Si
books for children, Jing Si cartoons, bookmarks, small decorative items, and
cards.
The Tzu Chi volunteers in Taipei first introduced Jing Si Aphorisms to the
community in 2007 by promoting the “Good Words of Jing Si Aphorisms for the
Entire Street” event. They created Jing Si Aphorisms posters for display at
local businesses and stores and regularly replaced them with new ones. By so
doing, the volunteers delivered the message of love and goodness to the public.
Master Cheng Yen stressed that spreading good words to the entire street is
excellent behavior. Every step taken by the Tzu Chi volunteers to encourage
benevolent thoughts leaves imprints in people’s hearts. Master Chen Yen
recognized that it was the devotion, dedication and determination of these
Bodhisattvas that enables the spread of the spirit of goodness in the
community.
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