Written by Jennifer Chien
Translated by Diana Chang
Edited by Adriana DiBenedetto
On August 22nd, 2021, volunteers from Tzu Chi USA will be presenting a live broadcast honoring the auspicious seventh month on the lunar calendar. The special online event is therefore titled, “Entering the Path of Love and Compassion: The 2021 Tzu Chi USA Musical Sutra Adaptation.” It will feature musical adaptations of the Sutra of Infinite Meanings and the beginning of the Lotus Sutra, as performed by Tzu Chi volunteers streaming in from all across the United States. More than 100 volunteers have been involved in the performances, and have been rehearsing since June.
A Tzu Chi volunteer named Jingyi Lee has been central to the coordination of events at Tzu Chi USA’s National Headquarters during the pandemic: “Tzu Chi USA has been following in the footsteps of Master Cheng Yen and Tzu Chi’s Global Headquarters in Taiwan through six large-scale online events,” said Jingyi Lee. “And in the adaptation of Sutra performances, we have been inspired by great wisdom, great benevolence, and great courage to practice the path of the bodhisattva in the midst of the pandemic.”
As part of the opening and closing performances, Tzu Chi volunteers, teachers and youngsters from Tzu Chi Academy, individuals from Tzu Chi USA’s Education Foundation, and Tzu Chi Medical Foundation (TCMF), all prepared a team flash mob, singing and chanting as one harmonious voice. It also incorporates moving moments of volunteers in action — like donating essential supplies, holding distribution events, and administering vaccines to the community during the pandemic.
Volunteers from different regions across the nation prepared nine sign language pieces, dance and drumming performances, and more.
The Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation was founded in 1966 by Dharma Master Cheng Yen, who has since inspired countless individuals across the globe to walk the Dharma path of love and compassion for all. Through this free program, we hope to inspire people’s hearts amid challenging times, as well as encourage more people on this path of great love together.
