By Shih De Zao 

In the heart of the Jing Si Abode, the wisdom of Master Cheng Yen gently weaves through the lives of its residents. Their daily routine is a quiet reflection of the values they hold close: simplicity, gratitude, and respect for all things, even those we might otherwise overlook. In this sanctuary, every object, no matter how small, is seen as alive, deserving of care and consideration. “This sheet of paper, I am grateful for it. This drop of water, I cherish it,” says Master Cheng Yen. And so, the Abode's inhabitants live by these words, crafting a way of life centered on mindful conservation. 

Every Piece of Paper, Every Drop of Water, Has Life 

For over fifty years, the sangha and volunteers at the Jing Si Abode have embodied these teachings in their every action. From the early morning hours, their day is a study in quiet reflection, not only of the teachings of the Dharma but also of their commitment to honor the resources they use. In a world where wastefulness is common, the Jing Si Abode stands as a counterpoint, a place where nothing is discarded without first being used to its fullest potential. 

Master Cheng Yen’s teachings on frugality go beyond mere economics; they touch on the deeper spiritual significance of every material thing. She recalled how, in her early years, a piece of paper was never wasted. It was used at least four times—written first with a pencil, then with blue ink, then red, and finally with a calligraphy brush. Even the smallest scraps of paper were cherished, torn from receipt margins, and repurposed into notebooks for writing down reflections. “I can’t bear to waste even the smallest piece,” she said. “Even the edges of a page, if I have to throw them away, it’s painful.” 

This practice of mindfulness extends to water as well. Every drop is precious, and none is ever wasted. The water used in the morning to wash faces and hands will later be used to flush the toilet. Rainwater is collected and used for cleaning and gardening, ensuring that every drop finds purpose. “Water is life,” Master Cheng Yen reminds everyone. “It must be cherished.” The Abode’s residents take this to heart, ensuring that from the kitchen to the laundry room, water is used sparingly and thoughtfully. 

Electricity is another resource carefully managed. Master Cheng Yen often reads by the light of a single energy-efficient lamp, her room otherwise left in darkness. The community follows her example, turning off lights and unplugging appliances when not in use, always mindful of the delicate balance between use and excess. As she often says, leaving the lights on or letting water run carelessly is a form of "killing" the life force of these resources. To waste them is to kill their potential and value. 

If It Can Still Be Used, Never Buy New 

For many in the modern world, constantly replacing gadgets and appliances with newer models has become the norm. Yet at the Jing Si Abode, the residents adhere to a different principle: “If it can still be used, we don’t buy new ones.” Old items are repaired and repurposed wherever possible. For example, when a fan breaks, its protective metal cover might be transformed into a clothes hanger or a rack for cleaning cloths. A seemingly insignificant item, like the pump from a used soap bottle, is re-engineered into a useful tool for dispensing detergent from large containers. It is a way of life that values ingenuity and resourcefulness, born from a deep sense of gratitude for the materials they have. 

One particularly touching example of this ethos came when the men’s dormitory received new pillows. Rather than discard the old ones, Master De Quan (德佺師父) spent seven days stitching together the small pillows into a large mattress for those in need. In this way, even the simplest items are given new life, their usefulness extended through creativity and care. 

The Abode’s central kitchen offers another glimpse into this way of life. Preparing food for hundreds of residents and visitors each day requires an immense amount of resources, but nothing goes to waste. Water used to rinse vegetables is saved and repurposed for washing kitchen tools or watering plants. The leftover vegetable scraps are composted to enrich the soil, ensuring that even waste becomes a life-giving resource. 

 Purity at the Source, Leading by Example 

In times of abundance, the Abode does not squander. When farmers faced difficulty selling their produce during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Abode bought truckloads of vegetables that would have otherwise gone to waste. These were dried and stored as provisions, adhering to Master Cheng Yen’s teachings to prepare for difficult times even during times of plenty. This sense of forethought and responsibility extends beyond the walls of the Abode, providing for those in need while also ensuring that nothing is wasted. 

The spirit of conservation even touches upon the way materials are reused creatively. Empty rice sacks are repurposed into reusable bags, their surfaces displaying Jing Si aphorisms. These "Dharma bags" have become a symbol of the Abode’s values, cherished not only for their practical use but also for the wisdom they carry. In South Africa, volunteers took inspiration from this practice, turning donated rice bags into hats and tote bags, further extending the life and value of these simple materials. 

The Abode's commitment to environmental mindfulness is a living testament to their belief that frugality is not just a virtue—it is a way of cultivating the mind and spirit. Every action, no matter how small, is seen as part of a larger effort to honor the interconnectedness of all life. Through their actions, the residents embody the Dharma in the most practical way possible, showing that care for the earth and its resources is a deeply spiritual practice. 

For the residents of the Jing Si Abode, these daily practices are not burdens but blessings, opportunities to express gratitude and reverence for the world around them. In their simple, quiet way of living, they show that sustainability and spirituality can be one and the same, each drop of water, each scrap of paper, each ray of light a reflection of the deep interdependence that connects all things. Through this mindful, compassionate approach to living, they keep alive the life force of even the simplest objects, extending the cycle of life, and in doing so, enriching their own journey towards enlightenment.