The first Jing Si Hall in Africa is Inaugurated

Sharer: Dai Qing-Sen (戴清森)
Series: The Daily Journal Dharma Master Cheng Yen (衲履足跡), 

Summer Volume, June 23 ~ June 330, 2022

Translated by: Hung, Celia  (洪芯宜)

Edited by:Chu, ChungLung (朱從龍)

On June 22, 2022, the inauguration ceremony of the Jing Si Hall in South Africa took place.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0_Zv24JU8E  (2:50~3:10  4:22~4:32  5:45~6:05 )

The Hakka Association in South Africa kicked off the event with a vibrant Lion and Dragon Dance, symbolizing strength and auspiciousness. The fierce and majestic lion, along with the ever-changing movements of the dragon, conveyed wishes for peace, health, and prosperity. Instantly, everyone in attendance felt a strong sense of joy and familiarity, as though they were back in their hometown, despite being in a foreign land. Seventy-five shining "Black Pearls" from various regions of South Africa and Zimbabwe came together in perfect harmony, beating the drums and striking the gongs, leading everyone to contemplate the Buddha's awakening. Through the global cloud platform, this remarkable scene was witnessed by people worldwide: a group of courageous and dedicated volunteers tirelessly spreading Tzu Chi's Bodhisattva path of goodness and love on the other side of the Earth. Over the past thirty years in South Africa, Tzu Chi's spirit of great love, transcending race and religion, has become the solid foundation of the Jing Si Hall. On that day, dignitaries and friends from different religions came to offer their congratulations, creating an atmosphere of joy and celebration.

On November 17, 2020, reported by the "DA AI News - Historic Moment: Groundbreaking for the First Jing Si Hall in Africa."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Li4QLD_ijes (0’10”~ 0’35”)

The sound of gongs and drums filled the air as everyone celebrated with a festive spirit. Representatives from the Consulate General of Taiwan in South Africa and the Chinese Chamber of Commerce attended the event to offer their blessings.  Representative of the Consulate General of Taiwan in South Africa, He Zhongyi, stated, "Over the past 28 years, the Tzu Chi South Africa Chapter has actively engaged in charitable and humanitarian work in Africa. With the completion of the Jing Si Hall, I believe they will carry out even greater compassionate endeavors to benefit the world." During the construction period, volunteers diligently recited the sutra "The Infinite Meanings Sutra" over a thousand times, dedicating their pure merits to the spiritual sanctuary.

Representative He Zhongyi congratulates and makes special thanks to Venerable Master Cheng Yen and the countless Tzu Chi brothers and sisters. Throughout the world, they uphold the spirit of "Great Compassion and Great Love without Boundaries" and have helped many friends in need. Through everyone's dedication and contribution, "Taiwan's Love" shines brightly and spreads warmth worldwide. Tzu Chi has been deeply rooted in South Africa for 28 years and recently welcomed its first Jing Si Hall in Africa, occupying an area of over 3,000 square meters. The groundbreaking ceremony took place in November 2020. During the ceremony, a ray of dawn suddenly broke through the sky, sweeping away the gloom and miraculously piercing through the clouds, casting a beam of sunlight, and leaving behind a historic and breathtaking sight. It is truly remarkable and moving.

On May 20, 2022, reported in the "DA AI News - Purifying One's True Nature through Outdoor Buddha Bathing at the South African Jing Si Hall,"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0BTTBG2i_U(0:00~1:20)

Under the sunlight and within the large tents, Buddha bathing took place, and the aid packages were distributed to celebrate Buddha's birthday. This was the joyful May for the Tzu Chi volunteers in South Africa.

Sister Chen Meijuan exclaimed, "Master, we are moving today! We are starting the construction today!" Fellow volunteers joined in, saying, "Master, we are moving today! We are starting the construction today! We are grateful, Master!"

Planting virtuous seeds throughout one's life, reciting sutras a thousand times, and dedicating merits to all directions. On October 3, 2020, the three Buddha statues were temporarily relocated, and the groundbreaking ceremony took place in November. The first Jing Si Hall in Africa, located in Johannesburg, South Africa, is a multi-purpose facility. During the construction period, volunteers wholeheartedly recited the "Infinite Meanings Sutra" over a thousand times, dedicating their peaceful merits to the spiritual sanctuary. Finally, after the gradual lifting of COVID-19 prevention measures, the Buddha bathing ceremony was held in front of the Jing Si Hall's entrance during the Buddha's birthday celebration in 2022.

In 1992, Tzu Chi planted its first seed of charity in South Africa, inspiring residents to visit and care for the impoverished, sick, and suffering, as well as aiding in the construction of schools and providing hot meals. Regardless of their location, they hold a compassionate heart. Tzu Chi's acts of kindness in Africa have spread to ten countries: South Africa, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Mozambique, Botswana, Namibia, Malawi, Zambia, and Madagascar. During the final dedication ceremony of the Buddha Bathing Festival, everyone's hearts and voices unite in prayer for the eradication of the pandemic, firmly believing in the power of compassion and wisdom to cleanse impurities, liberate beings from the five defilements, and deeply accumulate meritorious deeds.

On June 20, 2022, reported in the "DA AI News - South African Volunteers Share Their Joy as the First Jing Si Hall in Africa is Completed"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9eiT9mBAqg(0:00~0:55   1:0 8 ~1:36)

Tzu Chi volunteers had pre-recorded videos to invite everyone to have an early glimpse of the first Jing Si Hall in Africa.

Tzu Chi volunteer Huang Zhenlai shared, "The floor of this Buddha Hall is made from the recycled floor of the old Tzu Chi contact office. The local volunteers are now practicing the synchronized beating of the drums and gongs." The volunteers provided a detailed guided tour, making viewers feel as if they were present at the site. The Dharma Hall, kitchen, and the rooms for tea ceremony and flower arrangements were all filled with a strong sense of humanistic atmosphere.

African Volunteer Huang Dinglin expressed, "It has been 30 years and 6 months since we started. We have never forgotten our original intention. No matter where Tzu Chi volunteers go, we continue to strive together in our roles within Tzu Chi. We have motivated local volunteers in Africa to get involved, care for the underprivileged, and face any difficulties with optimism."

Master Cheng Yen remarked, "I often marvel at the neatness, solemnity, and agility of the volunteers in Africa, especially in the practice of the Bodhisattva path. The presence of Buddhism and the Bodhisattvas' aspirations are filled with many expectations and hopes for the future in Africa."

Thank you!!