Transforming Yourself and Others – the Sutra Adaptation by  Zheng Jin

Sharer: Zheng Jin (鄭儘)

Range: The Footprint of Dharma Master Cheng Yen, Autumn Volume, 08/05-08/11,2022

Translator: Xu Zhilong (徐智龍)

Reviewer: Li Shumin (李淑敏)

Proofreader: Hannah Frazer

Editor: Su Jihou (蘇紀豪)

On August 5th and 6th, Master Cheng Yen met with the management team, volunteer Ciyue, Tang Meiyun's team, and Liu Ruoyu’s team from U Theare to discuss her expectations for the sutra adaptation of "The Lotus Sutra" which is scheduled to be launched at Kaohsiung Arena in December. Master mentioned that she is looking forward to this artistic sutra adaptation with great respect because, for her, it goes beyond mere acting, artistic performance, or skill display; rather, it is a stage where professional performers use body language to expound the Dharma and convey the spirit of Buddhism, making it understandable and relatable to everyone. That’s why it is referred to as "sutra adaptation". Master admired the dedication of these two major troupes for their years of training on the theater stage and their artistic and literary abilities. She encouraged them to further enhance the value of art through the sutra adaptation.

        In addition to the adaptation by the professional troupes, many Jing Si disciples joined the event to perform the history of Tzu Chi. For the sutra adaption of “The Lotus Sutra” in December 2022, volunteers from Yunlin, Chiayi, Tainan, Kaohsiung, Pingtung, and Taitung practiced “The Sutra of Infinite Meanings” at their respective branches. After repeated exercises and rehearsals, they devoted themselves including devoting their body, speech, and mind to resonate with the sutra and delivered an impressive body performance.

All the participating volunteers concentrated on remembering and being familiar with the numerous start-like marks on the ground. They not only absorbed the Dharma as water into their hearts, but also shared their experiences with each other. Master Cheng Yen said that this process is essential for cultivating one’s wisdom life. It not only enhances the quality of the stage adaptation but also deeply touched the hearts of the audience, leaving a lasting impression of the scriptures’ meaning within them. This embodies the essence of “spreading the Dharma to transform sentient beings."

On December 10th, Master Cheng Yen achieved a lifetime record by traveling back and forth between Kaohsiung and Taipei in a single day to attend the adaptation of “The Lotus Sutra” held in Kaohsiung. As “The Sutra of Infinite Meanings” is the essence of “The Lotus Sutra" and the entire spirit of Tzu Chi, Master emphasized that the principles are written within the scriptures. The sutra is a road as a path for Tzu Chi to follow.

After returning to Taipei, Master’s teachings were shared on the program of “Life Wisdom” on 2022/12/13 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmSucdNshXk&t=117s 3:18~ 5:10):

“It really touched me deeply. The event aimed to purify people's hearts. With over 10,000 people participated in the performance. Not only did they recite “The Sutra of Infinite Meanings" in unison but they also moved with outstanding synchronization. Both on and off the stage, they shared the same movements, expressing the unity through words and bodies. Among these participants, there were many volunteers in their 90s, 80s, and 70s who joined our two famous troupes in Taiwan, creating a harmonious picture that truly touched me. This exemplifies the essence of education. They from different communities came together to present a beautiful performance through their bodies.”

I was grateful to all the participants who joined in this sutra adaptation. Their unity and dedication made the adaptations in Kaohsiung possible.

There were many moving parts in the sutra adaptations. For example, the reappearance of the Buddha preached "The Lotus Sutra" at Vulture Peak. The scene of this performance was just like the description in the sutra that when Buddha preached and the disciples listened to the Dharma, the piety and prudence of all the adaptation participants are like the Bodhisattvas from all directions at the Lotus Assembly, coming together to protect the Dharma.

How could the principles of Buddhism from more than 2,000 years ago be adapted to the current society? Master said that the sutra is a path as a road to walk on. The true history of Tzu Chi started with the humble act of saving 50 cents a day in bamboo banks. Master Cheng Yen led her disciples step by step to practice the Four Immeasurable Hearts: "loving-kindness, compassion, joy and giving", as well as the Four Great Vows: "transforming all sentient beings, ending all afflictions, learning immeasurable Dharma, and attaining Buddhahood." She gradually guided her disciples to become Bodhisattvas. With love paving the way, Tzu Chi has undergone a 57-year journey, developing its four missions and eight footprints while expanding globally, starting from Hualien.

The sutra adaptation of "The Lotus Sutra" helped all participants grasp the Dharma teachings, “The Sutra of Infinite Meanings” and essence of Tzu Chi footprints and inspire their own wisdom through chanting and body movements. The pious performance not only allowed the audiences to experience it through their ears and eyes but also resonated with their minds. It could also guide everyone joined this event to be transformed from ignorance to wisdom.  Master Cheng Yen said that this was the best "transformation".

Now let’s board this Dharma boat that transforms ourselves and others to experience and review the "The Tenth Merit of Chapter Merit of The Sutra of Infinite Meanings" ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWRqhC-nTIs 1:40 ~ 2:50)

Practice the Dharma to obtain the fruit. The tenth merit is truly inconceivable.

Through it, even being mundane, we can make great vows to accumulate roots of goodness and benefit everyone.

Immerse and nourish those who are spiritually parched. Treat those who are sick with Dharma medicine.

Our compassion and grace can nurture all living beings.

The path gradually ascends to the Dharma Cloud Land.

In 2011, I become a Tzu Chi volunteer because of the sutra adaptation of "Dharma as Water". It was a great honor to be among the participants in the sutra adaptation of “The Lotus Sutra” which commenced in Kaohsiung in 2022. In the community, a lady around 70 who had undergone knee surgery couldn’t stand for a long time. Despite her husband’s suggestion that she should give up, she remained determined to join the performance. She expressed that if she missed this opportunity, she wondered if she would ever have the chance again 11 years later. 

On July 28, 29 and 30, there will be eight large-scaled sutra adaptations held at the Changhua Stadium, followed by the next adaptation at Taipei Arena on October 20, 21 and 22. Dear families, have you, your family and friends joined the sutra adaptation? Don't miss the opportunity to form affinity with all volunteers around the world. May we be blessed to join the sutra adaption of “The Lotus Sutra” to transform ourselves and others.