|
Permanent Residents
|
 |
| (Translated by Mike Lee, Northern
CA) |
|
Tzu Chi's place of
origin is the Abode of Still Thoughts in Hualien. Here are the
roots of Tzu Chi. The two groups of disciples who willingly take
up residence here, including those have become nuns and those
who have not, all yearn to cultivate their spirituality along
with Master Cheng Yen. They carry on a simple life of work and
self-cultivation and are considered to be the most hard-working
members within the great family of Tzu Chi. Since they are nearest
to the Master, the great head of the Tzu Chi family, they hold
to the Master's strict expectations and are extremely demanding
of themselves as well.
As for female disciples who wish to follow
Master Cheng Yen and become nuns, they are required to dwell at
the Abode continuously for at least two years to learn the Buddha's
teachings and to undergo the observations of the whole congregation
in deciding their suitability for religious life. Furthermore,
approval from the candidate's parents is also requested. Only
after a woman has received her parents' blessings will Master
Cheng Yen accept her request and perform the hair-shaving ceremony
to accept her as a nun.
