![The groundbreaking ceremony for the Miri Tzu Chi Jing Si Hall on November 10, 2024, symbolised a new milestone for Tzu Chi's mission in Miri. [Photo by Tan Pui Lee]](/images/Articles/RW/2024/RW_MI20241110_cpl01_285.jpg "The groundbreaking ceremony for the Miri Tzu Chi Jing Si Hall on November 10, 2024, symbolised a new milestone for Tzu Chi's mission in Miri. [Photo by Tan Pui Lee]")
With anticipation and blessings from many, the groundbreaking ceremonies for the Tzu-Chi Jing Si Halls in Klang, Selangor, and Miri, Sarawak, were held on November 9 and 10, 2024, respectively. These events marked the beginning of a new chapter in Tzu Chi’s history in these regions.
Since the 1990s, Tzu Chi volunteers have been actively promoting Tzu Chi’s missions in Klang and Miri. As the volunteer teams grew and the scope of Tzu Chi’s work expanded, the aspiration to establish Jing Si Halls in these areas became stronger. After years of persistent efforts, ideal plots of approximately two acres each were finally secured in Bandar Botanic, Klang, and Hilltop Garden, Miri.
During the ceremonies, Lin Pi-yu, Vice President of Tzu Chi Foundation, read a blessing letter from Master Cheng Yen: “Today, as we break ground for the Jing Si Hall, I express my heartfelt gratitude to all the kind-hearted people for your long-standing support of Tzu Chi…” The Master envisions the Jing Si Hall not only as a spiritual fortress for volunteers but also as a building that manifests the Dharma and Tzu Chi’s humanistic culture, and exudes a home-like atmosphere.
These historic moments were witnessed by Dharma Masters from various Buddhist centres, representatives from Tzu Chi Taiwan, government officials, Tzu Chi volunteers from across Malaysia, and long-time supporters of Tzu Chi.
David Liu, Deputy CEO of Tzu Chi Charity Foundation, expressed his gratitude for the volunteers’ dedicated efforts and the enthusiastic support from the community. He noted that the groundbreaking ceremonies are the culmination of two to three decades of hard work and the resonance of goodness. He encouraged volunteers to continue their efforts, planting seeds of Great Love that will take root and flourish in the communities.
Tan Sri Lim Wee Chai and his wife, Puan Sri Tong Siew Bee, generously donated the land for the Klang Tzu-Chi Jing Si Hall. He remarked on the lack of harmony in today’s society and families, emphasising the significance of the Jing Si Hall. He expressed hope that the Jing Si Hall will provide more people with the opportunity to engage with Tzu Chi and do good deeds, saying, “If everyone spends their time doing good, there will be no time for bad deeds.”
Selangor State Executive Councillor Ng Sze Han, who attended the event, commended Tzu Chi as a highly efficient organisation. He admired Tzu Chi’s commitment to making the world a better place, noting that the organisation is always the first to arrive and provide assistance whenever and wherever needed.
Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin was delighted to see Tzu Chi Miri finally constructing its own ‘home’. He acknowledged Tzu Chi’s contributions to the Miri community over the past two decades, especially its close collaboration with government agencies during the COVID-19 pandemic. On behalf of the Miri government and citizens, he thanked the volunteers for their selfless dedication and expressed hope that more people would join in doing good deeds to bring more blessings to society.
The ceremonies featured a moving performance by volunteers, symbolising the spirit of perseverance, reminiscent of Venerable Jianzhen’s journey to bring Buddhism to Japan. The powerful display left a lasting impression on the audience.
Venerable Chuan Zhi, abbot of Leong Hua See Temple in Klang, praised the volunteers’ dedication and unity, expressing hope that this collective strength would bring harmony to society. He emphasised the importance of purifying hearts in an era dominated by technology but lacking spiritual fulfilment. “When someone in distress enters the Jing Si Hall, the love and care they feel will bring a sense of peace to their hearts,” she said, wishing for the Jing Si Hall’s early completion to bring spiritual purification to the Klang community.
From the inception of Tzu Chi, the Master has upheld the spirit of integrating Buddhist practices into daily life and living out the Bodhisattva ideal. Over the decades, Tzu Chi volunteers have been reaching out to those in need, emulating the compassion of Guanyin Bodhisattva. The ceremonies concluded with a sign language rendition of the song, “Thousands Helping Hands”, symbolising the hope that everyone can become a living bodhisattva who responds to the cries of the world.
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We eagerly anticipate the successful completion of the two Jing Si Halls in three years, bringing a positive change to the community and blessings to the world.
