Tan Jiau Hok joined Tzu Chi after being deeply moved by the spirit of the organisation while watching the Da Ai TV's drama series. During the cadre camp, a Dharma master from Jing Si Abode in Taiwan personally conferred the Tzu Chi certification on him. (Photo by Chong Mong Zhuang)
"You can face it bravely. Master gives you her blessing," said Master De Rang from Jing Si Abode, representing Master Cheng Yen, as she presented Tan Jiao Hok with a tie, Buddhist prayer beads, and a “Buddha’s Heart, Master’s Aspiration” corsage – symbolic gifts of encouragement and a mark of his commitment upon becoming certified as a Faith Corp.
A swimming coach by profession, Tan Jiau Hok was inspired by Tzu Chi’s spirit and dedicated the later part of his life to serving others. In late 2024, he was diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer. Though he had planned to travel to Taiwan for his certification, his deteriorating condition prevented him from making the trip. During the 2025 4-in-1 Cadre Camp, surrounded by the blessings and witness of over 300 Tzu Chi volunteers, Tan Jiau Hok received his certification at the Jing Si Hall in Singapore, fulfilling his greatest wish.
I’m ready to be a little brother and join Tzu Chi again!" Tan Jiau Hok said cheerfully. His openness and optimism made this moment the most heartwarming highlight of the entire camp.
Tzu Chi’s changes and constancies after six decades
From September 19 to 21, 2025, Singapore’s Jing Si Hall hosted the annual 4-in-1 Cadre Camp. Masters Shih De Rang, Master Shih De Ge, Master Shih De Di, and Master Shih De Tai from Jing Si Abode in Taiwan, together with ten senior volunteers, travelled to Singapore to pass on the Jing Si Dharma Lineage.
The four resident Dharma masters led more than 300 volunteers in the recitation of The Preface Chapter of the Lotus Sutra. With each word, participants calmed their minds and prepared themselves for a full day of courses. (Photo by Lin Chun Huey)
During a session titled “Tzu Chi’s Sixty Years of Change and Constancy: The Journey from Learning to Awakening,” Master De Ge and Master De Di shared their personal journeys of entering monastic life, including funny stories from their early days as nuns when they were still adapting to temple life.
Master De Ge, the first overseas nun to join Jing Si Abode, was drawn to the Abode’s tranquil atmosphere during a visit and decided to follow Master Cheng Yen as a disciple. With steadfast determination, Master De Ge has learned to let go of persistent stubbornness and embrace the beauty of kindness. She also encouraged the participants with the saying, “Even a small screw can play a vital role.”
Whereas Master De Di shared that when she first read Exploring the Thought System of Master Cheng Yen Series, she realised that Master Cheng Yen's daily teachings were sharing of her final guidance. She was so startled that she vowed to follow Master Cheng Yen's Dharma lineage in her lifetime as a nun.
Master De Ge (left) and Master De Di (right) shared their own spiritual journeys to guide participants in walking the Bodhisattva Path with wisdom and compassion, which is to adopt a transcendental mind to accomplish worldly tasks. (Photo by Fong Kwai Kin)
As Tzu Chi Taiwan approaches its 60th anniversary, the Dharma masters from Jing Si Abode encouraged volunteers to continue contributing within the organisation, adapt as times evolve, and nurture the next generation of volunteers, to ensure the continuation of the Dharma lineage and school of Buddhism.
Master De Di shared, “As times change, Tzu Chi’s ‘change’ lies in how it innovates to reach out to new volunteers. What remains ‘unchanged’ is Tzu Chi’s Dharma lineage, philosophy, and roots.”
Phua Yi Yin, a Tzu Ching, deeply resonated with this spirit of "unwavering commitment”. She remarked that when she first chose to join Tzu Chi, she also went through a process of identification and adjustment. She recalled, "I had to first identify with the spirit of Tzu Chi before I could truly get involved." Before joining Tzu Chi, she was faced with some dilemmas. However, through constant self-reflection and adjustment, she was able to truly accept and find belonging within the organisation.
"You must believe in your own strength, and believe that you are a person of untainted heart”. She stressed that young people’s passion and energy should be guided in the right direction to exert a positive influence.
On the third day of the camp, Master De Di shared about Master Cheng Yen’s aspirations for her monastic disciples, semi-monastic disciples, and Tzu Chi volunteers. Even after six decades, Master Cheng Yen's commitment and dedication to Tzu Chi’s missions remain unwavering. While Tzu Chi volunteers are lay disciples, as long as they are committed to walking the Bodhisattva Path, they should uphold the Buddha's heart and Master's aspiration and invite others to do good deeds together.
Drawn together by karmic ties, advancing hand in hand in spiritual practice
Tzu Chi places great emphasis on inheritance. Senior volunteers paved the way by sharing their experience and wisdom with the younger generation. This year’s cadre camp was specially designed for local volunteers, with Taiwanese speakers teaching practical skills in community management, caring for Dharma companions, and progressing from companionship to guidance, as well as from taking on responsibilities to passing on experiences and skills to the next generation.
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Over 300 volunteers from various communities across the island attended the three-day, two-night workshop, making full use of the weekend to deepen their Dharma practice. (Photo by Pua Poo Toong) -
A team of speakers from New Taipei City, Taiwan, travelled from afar to exchange experiences with local volunteers and share their thoughts on Tzu Chi's work. (Photo by Lin Chun Huey) -
The Curriculum Team led the sessions that combined Buddhist chanting with light exercises, helping participants synchronise their body and mind and stay energised to better absorb the Dharma teachings. (Photo by Goa Yee Boon) -
Master De Tai, speaking in English, connected the Jing Si family spirit through relatable stories from “bringing Buddhism into daily life” to embodying the “no work, no food” ethos of Jing Si Abode. (Photo by Goa Yee Boon)
Speaker Kao Hsiu-Min shared that every Tzu Chi activity is an opportunity to reach out to kind-hearted individuals seeking to do good. When recruiting, they first learn about the individual's interests, family, and occupation, before referring them to the community leaders for follow-up. "When contacting them, we must not rush or pressure them.” If the person’s affinity with Tzu Chi is strong, he or she will naturally be willing to join. With ongoing companionship, warmth and encouragement, they will grow in commitment over time.
Hsu Jia-Ming, one of the persons-in-charge of the Assistive Equipment Team in Xintai District, Taiwan, recovered from a cerebral hemorrhage a few months ago and has continued to serve tirelessly since. His resilience and dedication to the community deeply moved everyone. Having retired at 38, he spent eight years caring for his elderly mother, gaining a profound understanding of long-term care needs. This experience enables him to empathize with families who donate or recycle assistive devices.
If Hsu Jia Ming sees young people in a household during home visits, he often invites them to join his team to do more charity work. He said, "The affinity for achieving Bodhisattva-hood lies within each of us. As long as we are willing, we can bring in more people."
On the topic of retaining young volunteers, Chai Zhi, also from the Assistive Equipment Team, shared that it’s important to make them feel needed and accomplished. This naturally nurtures the feelings of joy and emotional warmth, which in turn fuels their desire to stay on. Hsu Jia-Ming added that beyond providing companionship, it’s equally important to offer space and opportunities for growth—allowing young people to develop and achieve breakthroughs through real-life experiences.
Speaker Hong Xin Wei (centre) from Taiwan shared her Tzu Chi experience over the years during group sharing sessions, filling the room with laughter and joy. (Photo by Goa Yee Boon)
This year's speaker team included two middle-aged volunteers. Qiu Bo Yi, who joined Tzu Chi since his youth days, often overwhelmed senior volunteers with his many creative ideas for activities. He therefore adjusted himself, and through long-term collaboration and sharing his views, he gradually gained the team’s acceptance, leading to the successful completion of the activities.
Another lecturer, Lin Ying Duo, believes that that combining the vitality of young volunteers with the wisdom of senior ones creates a “dream team.” While generational differences are inevitable, learning to collaborate is vital for everyone. He said, “We will never be in the same position, but if we can bring about even a small change in the process of taking on responsibilities, making the journey smoother for those who take over, then the effort will be worth it." He stressed that while senior volunteers must be inclusive, younger ones should remain humble and uphold the spirit of “gratitude, respect, and love.”
Group learning that transcends national boundaries
Despite his busy schedule with Tzu Chi’s work, David Liu, Deputy CEO of the Taiwan Tzu Chi Charity Foundation, encouraged everyone to seize every opportunity to listen and learn the Dharma, and apply it in their daily lives. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, he has been hosting online reading sessions on YouTube, consistently sharing his insights from Dharma practice. His reflections have now been compiled into a new book, All in the Heart, which he presented as a gift to participants.
Lin Tien-Lai, Chief Brand Officer of the Tzu Chi Culture and Communication Foundation (Tzu Chi Taiwan), also shared the power of written wisdom. He opined that amidst today’s busy lives, one should still diligently read, just as the ancient sages did, and draw wisdom from it. Chen Chu-Chi, spokesperson for the Tzu Chi Culture and Communication Foundation, also urged everyone to watch Da Ai TV during their free time, so that they can be inspired by real-life stories and find greater happiness in their lives.
The camp's collective practice was intensive and the volunteers benefited greatly from it. Wang Jin Xuan, who grew up under Tzu Chi's care, said that she was especially inspired by Master De Tai's message on having the courage to take on new responsibilities and passing on the duties together with one’s experiences and knowledge to others. She said, “If you continue to take on different responsibilities and try different tasks, you’ll be able to meet more partners and invite more people to join.” She recalled that during the 2023 Overseas Tzu Chi Youth Camp, all the Tzu Chi youths knelt on stage facing an empty chair. Knowing that Master Cheng Yen was feeling unwell, she vowed to return to Taiwan as soon as possible to receive her certification, carrying the Buddha’s heart and the Master’s aspirations in her own.
Nget Reasmey from Cambodia giving a speech on behalf of his team. (Photo by Pua Poo Toong)
Nget Reasmey from the Cambodian team voiced his concern: “Tzu Chi Cambodia has been operating for 13 years, yet we feel that our mission has remained stagnant. It is not due to the leader’s lack of dedication, but because of cultural and language barriers. Master De Ti gently asked, ‘Have you infused the Dharma?’ That question moved him deeply. He realised that the Dharma is all around us, yet we have been seeking it externally, failing to cultivate it within ourselves. This has resulted in a misalignment of ideas and philosophies. We cannot simply care for and focus on the beneficiaries while ignoring the feelings of our volunteers and colleagues. Upon returning to their home countries, they will ensure that the Dharma is in infused their hearts and reflected in their actions.
The three-day, two-night camp concluded successfully, with volunteers having learned and connected with one another. They left with their “bags” filled with a variety of treasures: Dharma joy; the encouragement of senior volunteers; a shared will of “I am willing”; and, most importantly, the serenity that comes from being entrusted with Tzu Chi’s mission. The legacy and mission of Tzu Chi are not a burden but a blessing. May everyone walk the Tzu Chi path with even greater strength.
Group photo of the Four-in-One Cadre Camp (Photo by Wong Twee Hee)
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