|
Tzu Chi Still Thoughts
|
 |
| (Translated by Mike Lee, Northern
CA) |
|
The contents of Master Cheng Yen's daily talks
were recorded and sorted into succinct quotations by two groups
of disciples who constantly accompanied her. These quotations
became known as "Still Thoughts." Before becoming a nun and while
engaging in spiritual cultivation at a temple in Taitung, Master
Cheng Yen called herself Ching Szu ("Still Thoughts"). The place
where she now resides is also named the Abode of Still Thoughts.
In 1989, great virtuous personalities in the
cultural world categorized the quotations based on their contents
and compiled them into a book that was again entitled Still Thoughts.
It became a best seller, with over one hundred thousand copies
sold. In 1992, the Tzu Chi Cultural Publishing Company compiled
the second volume of Still Thoughts and translated these quotations
into a simplified Chinese edition and an English edition for worldwide
distribution.
Because "Still Thoughts" are quotations taken
from live events, each and every phrase feels natural. The words
contain deep meaning and pure sincerity. It is like The Analects
of Confucius: "The longer it is studied, the more lasting and
profound is its essence" (from the writings of Cheng Yi). This
book has become the precious "bible" by which Tzu Chi people abide
in their speech and conduct.
