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Gown
of Gentle Forbearance
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| (Translated by Linda Leu) |
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The Gown of Gentle Forbearance is the name
for the dark blue chipao (traditional Chinese dress) worn by Tzu
Chi commissioners.
The name comes from the "Dharma Master"
chapter of the Lotus Sutra: "If anyone recites this sutra,
he will enter the house of the Buddha, wear his robe, and sit
at his seat." The sutra goes on to explain: "Great compassion
is the house, gentle forbearance is the robe, the emptiness of
all things is the seat where the dharma is taught." This
means that a Buddhist disciple walking on the Path of the Bodhisattvas
must go where it is hard to walk, bear what is hard to bear, and
do what is hard to do.
Master Cheng Yen says that the deeper meaning
of this text is an encouragement to Tzu Chi commissioners to deal
with everyone around them with an attitude of gentleness and goodness.
They must cultivate themselves, and at all times they must remind
themselves to be gentle and pleasant and develop good karmic relationships
with others. Only then can they take up the responsibility of
promoting the missions of Tzu Chi.
Master Cheng Yen also exhorts the commissioners:
"The most beautiful, elegant clothing is the Gown of Gentle
Forbearance. When you wear this gown, you must be dignified, compassionate
and gentle. With every action you make, you must remember, 'I
am a Buddhist," and "I am a Tzu Chi commissioner.' You
must always keep in mind that the image of the Buddha is on your
right shoulder, the responsibility of Tzu Chi is on your left
shoulder, and your own character and temperament are on your breast."
