| The
Abode of Still Thoughts |
 |
| (Translated by Stephen Tang) |
|
"Still Thoughts"
was the Buddhist religious name that Master Cheng Yen chose for
herself just before she became a nun. An "abode" is
a place where a Buddhist cultivates his spirituality. The Abode
of Still Thoughts is the birthplace of the Buddhist Compassion
Relief Tzu Chi Merit Association [the forerunner of the Tzu Chi
Foundation]. It is also the spiritual root of the world of Tzu
Chi. It is located in Kanglo Village, Hsincheng Township, Hualien
County, Taiwan. Tzu Chi members call it "the headquarters,"
"the Abode," and "the spiritual home of all Tzu
Chi people."
The original land for the Abode was purchased
and donated by Master Cheng Yen's mother in 1966. With her help
and a bank mortgage, the construction of the Abode formally began
in 1969. Later, with the increasing demand for space due to the
expanding work of the foundation, another mortgage was incurred
to purchase more land for additional buildings.
Currently the Abode of Still Thoughts includes
the main hall, Kuan Yin Hall, classrooms, nuns' dormitory, women's
dormitory, men's dormitory, dining hall, offices, vegetable garden,
fruit garden, etc.
Because of its simple, elegant design
in a quiet, peaceful environment, the Abode has its very special
style and significance in Buddhist architecture. In addition,
the Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation is now an internationally
known and well respected organization. Therefore, the Abode of
Still Thoughts has become an important destination for many domestic
and international visitors to Hualien.
