September 13, 2024
Tzu Chi scholars learn etiquette, Tzu Chi style
By Joy Rojas
If the Tzu Chi Foundation puts a premium on its unique etiquette and culture, it’s because Dharma Master Cheng Yen sees the value of refined, disciplined behavior. “Etiquette inspires goodness,” she said, “and goodness leads to blessing.”
“Tzu Chi etiquette is different from other organization,” says Tzu Chi Education Committee Head Rosa So. “We teach children about compassion and Great Love, not just for our families but for our neighbors and the community.”
And because practice makes permanent, as the old saying goes, Tzu Chi scholars worked on their bowing, hand gestures, table manners, and other Tzu Chi etiquette in a Humanity class held on September 8 at the Jing Si Hall of Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus in Sta. Mesa, Manila.
Tzu Chi volunteers guided the scholars through live demonstrations and games. Volunteer Lino Sy called two scholars up on stage to practice their dining manners, Tzu Chi style—from standing and sitting before a table, to holding their bowl and chopsticks, and carrying their lunch kit bag.
Volunteers Clarence Suerte and Mark Dayang used lively games to inculcate Tzu Chi etiquette and general knowledge. Divided into groups, scholars squealed in delight for earning high points for their correct answers, and groaned in frustration at their negative scores.
But it was all in good fun. At the end of the Humanity class, the scholars were given a chance to put what they learned into practice, through a vegetarian lunch hosted by Tzu Chi volunteers.
Flanked by Humanity class hosts Margo Janelle Ma-Ang (first from left) and Jefferson Aguilar (first from right), Tzu Chi volunteer Emy Tan demonstrates the sign language for the song “One Family.”
Tzu Chi scholars practice the sign language for the song “One Family.”
Jing Si Hall was a full house for the September 8 Humanity class on Tzu Chi etiquette.
Tzu Chi volunteer Lino Sy (standing) guides scholars on proper dining etiquette.
In a fun game on Tzu Chi etiquette and general knowledge, scholars demonstrate the hand gesture for the greeting “Amituofo.”
In another game called Human Bingo, scholars try to accomplish as many challenges listed on the card.
Humanity classes were also held in other Tzu Chi chapters in the Philippines. In Tzu Chi Pampanga, 34 scholars and 2 parents attended the class led by Melanie, a volunteer from Manila. “She provided our scholars with comprehensive explanations and demonstrations from walking postures to sitting postures, and many more, so that we get to help our scholars understand that personal etiquette can reflect personal cultivation, thereby showing the overall beauty of Tzu Chi.”
Tzu Chi Pampanga scholars listen during a Humanity class on etiquette.