By Mei-Hung Lin | Taiwan

The Shalu Office's sewing workshop was established, attracting many volunteers to help make dharani blankets and foster goodwill with Tzu Chi members worldwide. | Photo courtesy of Fang-Mei Wu | Taichung, Taiwan

The Dharani blanket, or rebirth Blanket, is believed to absolve past sins and karma when used to cover the deceased. It is said to illuminate the underworld, providing peace to the departed and solace to the living. Master Cheng Yen encourages reflection, and on June 24, 2024, the Dharani Blanket team in Shalu, Taichung City, Taiwan, shared their journey of offering "Love and Blessings" for the past 27 years.

Master De Nian from Jing Si Abode visits the Shalu team making dharani blankets to offer support. | Photo courtesy of Cheng-Chang Lin | Taichung, Taiwan

Volunteers in Shalu’s Garment Hub Share Their Skills

Shalu District in Taichung City, with its rich history in garment manufacturing, became home to this noble mission. In 1997, Tzu Chi volunteer Tsui-Hung Tsai began making dharani blankets, thanks to her expertise in sewing children's clothing.

Tzu Chi volunteers work together to iron, fold, package, and store the dharani blankets. Sister Tsui-Hung Tsai focuses intently on folding the sheets. | Photo courtesy of Chen-Fu Hsu

Chi-Chuan Chen, a member of the production team, shared the blessings inscribed on the blankets: "Let go of the sufferings of this world and seek pure joy. May your journey be free, and may you meet the Buddha with ease. With a compassionate heart, may you return again." The team sews an average of 2,800 blankets each year, with 20 volunteers contributing to tasks like cutting, sewing, and ironing.

Since the founding of the sewing workshop, many volunteers have joined in sewing the blankets. Women handle the sewing machines, while men assist with cutting threads. Among the volunteers are individuals as old as eighty and enthusiastic supporters in their seventies. United in purpose, they pour love and blessings into each blanket for the deceased.

Dedication and Transformation through Service

Yung-Lung Chou, the oldest and most experienced ironing master, is a key member of the team. At 82, he has transformed from a quick-tempered man into one who refines his character through service. He irons each blanket with care to ensure quality, viewing the task as a cultivation of merit.

Yung-lung Chou meticulously irons the blankets, taking less than three minutes per piece. | Photo courtesy of Chi-Chi Tsai | Taichung, Taiwan

When the blankets arrive, Chou meticulously irons them, taking less than three minutes per piece. He explains, "The edges of the fabric can be wrinkled, so they must be ironed smooth." In the past, Chou had a bad temper and was passionate about fishing, but twelve years ago, he became a Tzu Chi volunteer. Since then, he has quietly devoted his time and effort to this task.

As a former garment shop owner, Chou is well-versed in ironing and can finish 70 to 80 blankets daily, sometimes even over a hundred. With each pass of the iron, he maintains a respectful focus on ensuring quality. He emphasizes, "Each production batch of dharani blankets involves over 2,000 pieces and takes three to four months to complete. Ensuring smooth progress is essential."

With limited space at the Shalu Office, sewing takes place at volunteer Tsai-Chin Lin's home. Chou works diligently, ironing each blanket and reflecting on life's impermanence. "Work willingly and reap the effects joyfully," Chou said, highlighting the strength of life’s talents and the bonds formed with the deceased.

Finding Meaning and Purpose in Giving

Tsai-Chin Lin, a former pattern maker, joined the dharani blanket making team in 1997. After losing her husband suddenly, she found solace in Master Cheng Yen's teachings about generosity. Lin began to focus on doing good deeds and fostering positive relationships.

The space for sewing dharani blankets is small, and Tsai-Chin Lin, who leads a simple life, is fully dedicated to the present moment. | Photo courtesy of Fang-Mei Wu | Taichung, Taiwan

"I work hard and donate whenever I can," Lin said. Making dharani blankets is a way to form good bonds. She also teaches others to sew with diligence and care.

During the pandemic, Lin readily stepped in to help when volunteers were scarce. When the Shalu Office lacked space for production, she arranged to use her father’s house, creating an opportunity for him to connect with others. Lin exemplifies the spirit of giving and filial piety, demonstrating that one must seize the chance to do good, and not put it off.