(Photo by Lee Foo Mun)
Which Jing Si Aphorism changed your life? A joyful life is a goal that many people attempt to pursue, but in its pursuit, many people lose their sense of self. During this year’s Jing Si Humanistic Culture Appreciation Ceremony, a true story was performed, reflecting the relationship between human nature and kindness.
The protagonist of the story, Ah Qiang, is a professional with a successful career and a happy family. He has an established educational background as well as the recognition of his superiors, hence lived an enviable life.
(Photo by Lee Foo Mun)
However, behind these successes, Ah Qiang’s greed was ignited by a job promotion and salary increment. When a close friend who had ill intentions learned of Ah Qiang’s promotion, he invited Ah Qiang to celebrate with him.
After a few drinks, the friend took advantage of their drunk state to persuade Ah Qiang to participate in an illegal investment plan. He claimed that Ah Qiang only needed to embezzle 3 million dollars of public funds and could then make a profit of 10 million dollars within a month. The friend continued that after pocketing the huge sum of money, Ah Qiang could then return the public funds without anyone noticing.
(Photo by Lee Foo Mun)
Greed clouded Ah Qiang’s reasoning, and he decided to take the risk. However, upon handing over the 3 million dollars to his friend, Ah Qiang could no longer contact him. It then dawned on him that he had been cheated. He immediately fell into despair and helplessly fell onto his knees. The children seated in the front row before the stage started to say, “I saw through human nature”. Upon hearing the childish narration, the audience broke into peals of laughter.
(Photo by Lee Foo Mun)
Ah Qiang was at his wit’s end, and even started to entertain the thought of robbing a bank, with hopes of rapidly filling up the gaps in the company’s funding. As he was hesitating in front of the bank, his nerves caused him to accidentally knock over a bicycle. Coincidentally, the bicycle’s basket held a book of Jing Si Aphorisms.
Ah Qiang flipped it open, and a sentence caught his eye. “Include me when doing good deeds. Count me out when doing bad deeds.” This Jing Si Aphorism greatly enlightened and deeply touched him, awakening his conscience. Ultimately, he gave up on the notion of carrying out the robbery and chose to take responsibility for his wrongdoings, stemming the course of evil deeds in time.
(Photo by Lai Tong Heng)
Year 2024 marks the Jing Si Aphorisms 35th Anniversary, and also the 20th anniversary of the establishment of Jing Si Books and Cafe in Singapore. In celebration of these two important milestones, the Jing Si Humanistic team held a “Jing Si Humanistic Culture Appreciation Ceremony and Jing Si Aphorisms 35th Anniversary Celebration” on the evening of October 26 at the Tzu Chi Humanistic Youth Centre to give back to every volunteer as well as express gratitude to everyone for their continued efforts in promoting Jing Si Humanistic Culture.
People in this day and age are often caught up in the bustle of work, hence often hope to find a quiet place to unwind during the weekends. In recent years, various cafes have popped up all over Singapore, with Jing Si Books and Cafe being one such “secret” place where people can relax and calm their minds.
Here, you can savour the aroma of coffee and tea while immersing yourself into the world of books, allowing yourself a moment of tranquillity. Even so, how many people actually understand this spiritual oasis hidden amidst the cityscape? During the appreciation event, Deputy CEO of Tzu-Chi Foundation (Singapore) Keng Lim delved into the developmental history behind Singapore’s Jing Si Books and Cafe.
Despite being located along the bustling Geylang East Avenue, Jing Si Books and Cafe, with its floor-to-ceiling glass windows, creates a peaceful and cozy atmosphere. (Photo by Lai Tong Heng)
In 2004, the first Jing Si Books and Cafe in Singapore was established at Chinatown Food Street, becoming the third Jing Si Books and Cafe to be established in the world. Although this place of meditation was highly sought after, it was closed down at the end of 2007 when the property was returned to its owner. After several efforts by volunteers to find another suitable location, Jing Si Books and Cafe finally reopened on 1 April 2016 in the bustling Geylang East Avenue.
Soon after, in 2019, the Jing Si Books and Cafe in Yishun Tzu Chi Humanistic Youth Centre was opened. The environment there is quiet, surrounded by parks, ponds and sports courts. Many visitors who have just finished exercising often stop by out of curiosity and take the chance to immerse in the fragrance of books, tea and the tranquil atmosphere.
The Head of Department of Jing Si Books and Café, Teh Soo Peng, sharing her experience in promoting Jing Si Humanistic Culture. (Photo by Lai Tong Heng)
Additionally, in 2019, Teh Soo Peng, the Head of Department of Jing Si Books and Cafe, made a great vow to shoulder the responsibility of promoting and operating Jing Si Publications with all her heart.
Initially, Teh Soo Peng was often worried about the bookstore’s profit and lack of manpower, but she said that she diligently attended the Dharma Incense Permeation at dawn daily, which allowed her to transform the Dharma into life wisdom. With sincerity and love, she then gathered a group of like-minded individuals to form the Jing Si Humanistic team. Today, not only has Jing Si Books and Cafe achieved an equilibrium between its income and expenditure, but it has even attained a surplus, reflecting the Jing Si Aphorism “Don’t underestimate yourself, because human beings have infinite potential”.
(Photo by Lee Foo Mun)
The Jing Si Humanistic team carefully curated a series of activities for the appreciation ceremony, which included a group of adorable young volunteers performing a sign language performance titled “Reading Jing Si Aphorisms”.
Volunteer Chew Sio Peng introducing the book “Love is the Best Blessing”. (Photo by Lim Ming Tat)
Upon entering the venue, the Jing Si Humanistic team distributed the book “Love is the Best Blessing” as a special gift to 150 volunteers.
Volunteer Chew Sio Peng introduced the book to everyone, sharing that he was deeply inspired by two aphorisms in the book, which can be used as a wisdom to encourage oneself in our daily lives. The first aphorism reads “Always having nothing to do, you are a consumer of life. Only when you are constructive and useful can you be a creator of life.” The second aphorism reads “Never lose courage. Never lose faith. Nothing in this world is impossible.”
Twice a week, Ho Bee Hong insists on volunteering at the Jing Si Books and Cafe on Sims Ave. (Photo by Lai Tong Heng)
Senior volunteer Ho Bee Hong usually does not go out at night, but she made an exception for the appreciation ceremony. With her jet-black hair, it is hard to believe that she is already 81 years old.
As bone spurs were compressing her nerves and causing her foot pain, Ho Bee Hong’s family were concerned about her health and urged her to rest more at home, but she believed that “focusing on recuperation would only make her ailment worse”, and she would rather continue to leverage her good abilities.
Twice every week, Ho Bee Hong would insist on serving at Jing Si books and Cafe along Geylang East Avenue, in a bid to break the stereotype that “one becomes useless after one ages” and demonstrating that “one can still be useful as one ages” through practical action. Her personal example has also encouraged healthy individuals to cherish every moment, as everything is hard-earned and to be able to contribute is a blessing.
(Photo by Lai Tong Heng)
As the appreciation ceremony came to a close, Teh Soo Peng came on stage and bowed deeply to every volunteer to express her utmost gratitude.
Deputy CEO Keng Lim who had also graced the event also encouraged everyone to share Jing Si Aphorisms widely, such that these words of wisdom can enrich the hearts and nourish the souls of more individuals. He believes that Jing Si Aphorisms can ignite a joyful life as well as bring more warmth and love to society.
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