A Heartwarming Reflection

As 2023 ended, Tzu Chi volunteers in Sri Lanka came together in a heartwarming ceremony full of gratitude, kindness, and a shared commitment to helping others. It was a moment to pause, reflect on the journey of the past year, and extend heartfelt thanks to the dedicated volunteers, generous donors, and the entire community who have made Tzu Chi's mission of alleviating suffering a beautiful reality.

Hearts were filled with warmth as people heard stories of the Foundation’s work. The ceremony was a celebration of the countless lives touched by Tzu Chi's love. But it was not just about looking back; it was about looking ahead, renewing the commitment to make the world a better place.

 
Preparations

Anticipation filled the air as Tzu Chi Sri Lanka geared up for its Year-end Blessing Ceremony, an annual event filled with gratitude and inspiration. With each sweep of the mop and broom, the volunteers breathed life into the space. Every corner gleamed, reflecting the care and dedication they poured into this cherished annual tradition. Laughter and camaraderie echoed as they arranged beautiful floral arrangements, each petal whispering a silent invitation to reflection and joy.

In another corner, a team assembled gift packs, each item carefully chosen to express appreciation and good wishes, every detail reflected the thoughtfulness that went into each package.

Meanwhile, another group focused on the red packets. These small envelopes, filled with Master Cheng Yen's words of wisdom and blessings, were meticulously arranged, ready to be distributed to attendees. The act of arranging them became a silent prayer, each packet carrying a wish for peace and prosperity.

At the office, a group of volunteers rehearsed a captivating sign language performance. Every task was undertaken with a spirit of service and camaraderie. It was a testament to the power of collective action, where individual efforts come together to create something truly special.

Behind the scenes, presenters worked hard to translate Tzu Chi’s Global Year in Review video, the ceremony's significance, and the blessing cards, as well as Master Cheng Yen's teaching video. Their dedication ensured that the message transcended language barriers, touching hearts across cultures.

Inspired by the theme "Let us spread the Dharma and benefit all beings through our faith, vow and actions. Let us protect the earth by promoting a plant-based diet and doing good together," the ceremony honored the compassion and unity driving Tzu Chi's mission. Participants reflected on the past year's achievements, their roles in making the world better, and the combined effect of their efforts.

Hambantota Year-End Blessing Ceremony

Driven by compassion and a spirit of unity, 26 volunteers from Colombo departed at 5:30 am on the journey to Hambantota to take part in the year-end blessing ceremony. Their dedication was put to the test early on when a tire punctured  on the expressway, potentially jeopardizing their arrival time. However, undeterred by this obstacle, the volunteers displayed remarkable resilience and resourcefulness.

On the stage in Hambantota, a unique partnership unfolded. The youthful energy of Sewwandi the young commissioner from Colombo, mixed with the seasoned wisdom of Sister Dilrukshi, the senior commissioner from Hambantota. As emcees of the Year-End Blessing Ceremony, they were more than just hosts; they were a bridge between generations and perspectives.

Sister Anoja's journey with Tzu Chi highlights the extraordinary impact of compassion. The 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami had devastated her and her family, leaving them shattered. Tzu Chi extended a helping hand, not only rebuilding their home but also restoring their hope. Deeply moved by Tzu Chi's unwavering kindness, Sister Anoja did not want to remain a mere recipient; she wanted to give back. Becoming a Tzu Chi volunteer deepened her understanding of the organization's philosophy, showing her firsthand the power of compassion to bring about profound change.

For Sister Anoja, it is not just about repaying kindness; it is about embodying the spirit of Tzu Chi and being a beacon of hope for others, as she once was rescued from darkness. Through her journey, we witness the true essence of Tzu Chi—compassion not only received but also shared, multiplied, and passed on, creating a world where every life can find its light.

People from all walks of life gathered, their voices joined in a song of hope as they sang the prayer. In a symphony of gentle voices, attendees raised their flickering light lamps in unison with their heartfelt song. Each note carried a plea for a world at peace, in harmony, and free from disasters.

The heartwarming melody of The Spirit of Great Love was echoed in the graceful movements of Hambantota volunteers' sign language performance, adding a unique and beautiful dimension to the event.

Mr. Susantha, a local businessman from Hambantota, said the Year-End Blessing program opened his eyes to the extraordinary work of Tzu Chi. "Sure, I knew Tzu Chi's name," he admitted, "but today's video truly showed me the vastness of their impact, both locally and globally. Their dedication to helping others is inspiring!"

Mr. Susantha's enthusiasm did not stop there. He brought back two empty Bamboo Banks for his shops, offering customers a convenient way to contribute and support those in need within their community. Inspired by Tzu Chi's mission, Mr. Susantha is making a difference, one contribution at a time.

Colombo Year-End Blessing Ceremony

From the moment attendees stepped through the doorway, they were greeted with a wave of warmth and respect. Each usher offered a courteous bow, a friendly greeting, and a helpful hand to those in need. Their attentiveness set the tone for a positive and inclusive experience, and their genuine hospitality resonated like a silent symphony, ensuring that every guest felt valued and included from the very start.

The ceremony served as an opportunity to reflect on the year's achievements, express gratitude for blessings received, and strengthen the collective commitment to Tzu Chi's mission of alleviating suffering and promoting love and compassion.

This mission transcends borders, as evidenced by the foundation's impactful work both locally and globally. In Sri Lanka, Tzu Chi has touched countless lives through various projects, including monthly charitable assistance, annual uniform and stationery distributions, educational assistance, medical assistance through free cataract surgeries and health screenings, and environmental protection.

Sewwandi's journey with Tzu Chi took an exciting turn when she received her commissioner certification from Master Cheng Yen in December 2023. This remarkable achievement marks the culmination of her dedication and growth, fueled by her experiences both locally and in Taiwan.

Participating in the 4-in-1 Certified Volunteer Training, Global Tzu Chi Commissioner and Tzu Cheng Certification, and Global Tzu Ching Youth Camp equipped her with valuable skills, empowering her to serve Tzu Chi Sri Lanka even more effectively.

As a commissioner, she understands the importance of spreading the Dharma and inspiring others to put their compassion into action. Her goal is to motivate her community to not only be vocal supporters but also active volunteers and donors, making a visible difference in the lives of those around them.

The year-end blessing ceremony is more than just an event; it is a culmination of countless unseen preparations, a testament to the dedication of countless people, united in their desire to make the world a better place, one blessing at a time.