| Tzu
Chi Teachers Association |
 |
| (Translated by Douglas Shaw) |
|
The Tzu Chi Teachers Association was founded
on July 23, 1992. Members uphold the Buddha's spirit of kindness,
compassion, joy and unselfish giving, cultivate themselves through
Tzu Chi humanitarianism, enhance the dignity of the teaching
profession, and work to purify school campuses and all of society.
On the association logo, there are three
leaves. Master Cheng Yen considers the bodhi leaf to be a symbol
of enlightenment. She hopes that teachers may enlighten and
benefit themselves and others. The three leaves represent "uphold
morality, educate students, and resolve confusion." The
layers of leaves on top of each other symbolize the hope that
teachers will pass on the Tzu Chi spirit to generation after
generation.
The Master exhorts teachers to make education
a mission, not just a job. With this sense of mission, they
should use the spirit of Great Love to teach their students
as they would their own children, in the hope that they will
grow up to become pillars of society.
On campus, association members mindfully and
enthusiastically promote Still Thoughts education. With the
Tzu Chi spirit, they make up for the current inadequate school
education on life and personal character. They do not only influence
their students, but also their families. Quite often, the teachers
themselves benefit the most!
