"We should take joy in people's good deeds and accomplishment, and we can do so much more as a collective whole". These are the takeways that Amy got from her reading of the chapter: "Attaining blessing through joyful giving". Amy shares her take on how ignorance, attachment and anger holds us from joyful giving.

How we do heal ourselves and others around us in times of suffering? Joe guides us into a deeper understanding of how we can embark on a journey to care for and connect with others through Tzu Chi's four missions (charity, medicine, education, and humanistic culture).

Trailer for the Dharma study group in December 2019.

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How do we continue to participate in Tzu Chi when family dynamics and life roles change as a new parent?  Beth Chen shares her Tzu Chi Journey and how Master Cheng Yen inspires her to keep giving…Balancing own family obligations and keeping Tzu Chi a part of her inner spiritual path...because Tzu Chi will always be a part of her and her daily practice

We are used to respect when given to a figure of authority. But how is respect shown to those younger than us, or those with less power? Jonathan believes that respect flows like a river, and describes how he learns respect from an exemplary figure, and in turn be able to show respect to those who are younger.

"My aspiration is being part of something bigger," shared Jack. This aspiration brings him full circle, from contributing as a leader of the Tzu Chi Collegiate Association (TCCA) in San Diego, to being a coordinator in a medical outreach, to the advisor of the TCCA in Austin. Jack's story shows us the power of remembering our initial aspiration.

When we felt personally attacked, how do we turn around and try to see from the other person's point of view? Steph related a book passage titled "The shadow below the great tree" with her own experience, and became aware of the arising, abiding, changing and ceasing of her thought process, which allowed her to turn what felt like an attack to empathy

What made a Unitarian Universalist decide to dedicate himself to Tzu Chi? When he met Master Cheng Yen, Bruce Knotts, United Universalist's UN Office Director, felt that he has the answer for the ailments of the world as well as for our individual afflictions.

What is a good life? Steve Chiu delightfully reflects on this question and what he learned from observing Master Cheng Chen's interactions with volunteers during his recent stay at the Abode.

Trailer with all the sharing highlights from Oct 2019 study group.