Tzu Chi Singapore’s Year End Blessing Ceremony includes two volunteer sessions, where more than 1,200 volunteers clad in their respective uniforms enter the Finale of the Sutra Adaptation of the 12 Great Vows of Medicine Buddha together.

Dep. CEO of Tzu Chi S’pore Tan Chai Hoon
Master Cheng Yen taught us to follow our inner vows and external karmic conditions, then we will feel at ease and fulfil our wishes. I hope that from the Finale, everyone can realise that we must make spiritual aspirations.

Tzu Chi volunteer Leong Kar Tsing
It gives the volunteers confidence to work towards the right direction. They can correctly understand that they are making efforts, and be able to affirm themselves more.

From the beginning of this year, the volunteers started studying the commentaries on Medicine Buddha Sutra, and also practised for the sutra adaptation, which includes a drum and bell performance. They’re thus able to take the teachings to heart.

Tzu Chi volunteer Wong Sow Chee
I used to think of only praying to Medicine Buddha for good health. Through participating in the sutra adaptation, I discovered that the Buddha has 12 Great Vows, each of which can soothe the pain and suffering of living beings.

Tzu Chi volunteer Yin Qing Hua
I realise that I’m very insignificant. If I didn’t enter the sea of Dharma, I wouldn’t knew how vast and extensive it is. I used to think that I was doing well in certain areas, but now, I won’t dare to have such a thought.

Members of Tzu Chi’s medical association are able to apply the sutra’s teachings to the medical setting. They’ve learned to settle their minds and relieve the sick.

Tzu Chi’s volunteer nurse Xie Jie
When I learn to find hope from suffering and despair, I will have the strength to help others. I can think from the perspective of a patient and help them by giving them emotional support.

Tzu Chi’s volunteer doctor Dr Tan
I’ve worked in a palliative care ward before, so I’ll try to lend a listening ear to patients and do my best to fulfil their wishes.

Let us travel back in time and remember (how our volunteers joined Tzu Chi and the aspirations they made.)

Through the sutra’s teachings, the volunteers renew their vows and aspirations. As they view the video on fellow volunteers’ paths and experiences, they’re moved to return to their initial aspirations, and be more determined in walking the Bodhisattva Path to create blessings for living beings.