![The annual Year-End Blessing and Appreciation Event is a grand reunion for the Tzu Chi family, as well as an occasion to receive the red envelopes of blessings and wisdom from Master Cheng Yen. [Photo by Boon Wui Kong]](/images/Articles/RW/2024/KL20240114_wwg01_078.jpg "The annual Year-End Blessing and Appreciation Event is a grand reunion for the Tzu Chi family, as well as an occasion to receive the red envelopes of blessings and wisdom from Master Cheng Yen. [Photo by Boon Wui Kong]")
“Throughout this year, countless people have joined hearts and shared love for the world, and my heart overflows with gratitude every day. I hope that everyone can hear my voices of gratitude, both for those who give love to the world and on behalf of those who receive it.” – Master Cheng Yen
As the Lunar New Year dawned, the KL Tzu-Chi Jing Si Hall was adorned with vibrant red lanterns, suspended elegantly among the Podocarpus pines, casting a festive aura throughout the air.
On January 13, 14, and 20, 2024, Tzu Chi KL & Selangor hosted six sessions of the Year-End Blessing and Appreciation Event at Jing Si Hall, drawing over 7,000 attendees. The event was a moment to reflect on the compassionate endeavours in the past year and to receive blessings from Master Cheng Yen, in the form of “red envelopes of blessings and wisdom”.
Wielding sticks in synchronised movements, volunteers welcomed the attendees warmly with dragon and lion dances. Notably, the eco-friendly dragon crafted from recycled materials captivated attention and served as a reminder of the importance of recycling and repurposing used items.
Inside the main lobby, the swishing sound of coins cascading from bamboo coin banks into a huge, copper donation container echoed, signifying the collective spirit of generosity. Amongst many, there were a prayer area, a wishing tree, a Jing Si ‘wisdom stick’ corner, stalls for charity sale and Chinese calligraphy, as well as Chinese knotting, Chinese brush painting, relief art, children’s cooking, and other trial lessons offered by the Tzu Chi Continuing Education Centre. Additionally, attendees could also enjoy storytelling sessions, explore the “Disease Prevention Combat Camp” science exhibition, and visit a special exhibition featuring Buddha’s life.
◎ Small gestures, great power
The theme of the 2023 Year-End Blessing, “Let us spread the Dharma and benefit all beings through our faith, vows, and actions. Let us protect the Earth by promoting a plant-based diet and doing good together,” was a clarion call from Master Cheng Yen. The Master emphasised the imperative of safeguarding the planet through collective love and care for all beings, highlighting that the aggregation of kindness, regardless of scale, manifests as a formidable force. “Those capable of offering help are indeed blessed,” the Master noted, urging an active engagement in alleviating suffering with mindfulness and compassion.
The ceremony kicked off with 30 young volunteers, aged between 25 and 40, presenting a performance titled, “Drawing a Colourful Life”, marked by a symphony of bells and drums. Their bright, youthful smiles sparked a sense of hope for the new generation.
The skit, “50 Cents Can Save Lives”, brought to life by the Great Love Mothers team, enlightened the audience about the genesis and significance of the Tzu Chi Bamboo Bank Era, initiated 58 years ago. The simple act of saving 50 NT cents daily might seem insignificant, but over time, it has blossomed into the expansive Tzu Chi of today, with charitable footprints in 133 countries/regions worldwide.
Tzu Chi’s relief efforts in 2023 were vividly documented in a video showcasing the volunteers, clad in their blue and white uniforms, navigating around disaster zones and underserved communities globally, delivering aid and comfort, evoking tears and heartfelt gratitude. Personal testimonies from seven Tzu Chi care recipients, shared live at designated sessions, offered a profound glimpse into the transformative power of compassion, leaving an indelible mark on all who attended.
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With hearts united, the audience lifted the heart lamps, singing the “Prayer” song, an anthem of hope for a peaceful and disaster-free year ahead.
