20 years of Tzu Chi in the USA - Master's teachings in translation

20 years of Tzu Chi in the USA - Master's teachings in translation ---




Now, lets focus on Tzu Chi volunteers' hard work in the United States that began 20 years ago. We start by introducing some devoted translation volunteers. Beginning in the year 2000, a small group of people undertook the responsibility of translating the Master's teachings into English. Nowadays, if you stop by Tzu Chi's US Headquarters, visitors have the option of choosing from three languages.

A single devotee becomes one for many
In the year 2000, Tzu Chi volunteer in Hawaii, Fan Ciguang , formed a translation group to take on a heavy duty mission.

English translation team leader, Fan Ciguang:"I hope Master Cheng Yen's teachings can seep into and enrich the communities in America. Better yet, I really would like our own children to join Tzu Chi."

And little did Fan Ciguang know her dream would come true, because now there are over 100 translation volunteers throughout the U.S.

Tzu Chi seeps into American communities
Burning the midnight oil, the faithful followers have translated the subtitles for the Master's television programs such as "Life Wisdoms", "Wisdom at Dawn", "Essence of the Bodhi Mind" and as well as "Da Ai Drama series" into English. The California team has even made an English version of Tzu Chi's publication "Good Deeds".

US Tzu Chi translation coordinator, Lin Cishen:"The more we translated, the more we cultivated blessings. Gradually it led to the creation of second generation of writers, who created the "Tzu Chi USA Journal". "

The hard labor behind the publications
Going from the east coast to the west coast requires six hours by plane. But thank goodness for modern technology, volunteers have been able to save time and finish the task with ease.

In the blink of an eye nine years went by, but surprisingly of the translators never met in person.

Da Ai Drama Translation Team coordinator, Jin Jikai:"I think what compels us to do this is because first; it is one of our goals in life to help Master Cheng Yen spread the seeds of love."

A 'family' of Tzu Chi translators
Then in 2008, the translation volunteers from both coasts finally convened in northern California with a feeling of deja vu.

Da Ai Drama Translation Team coordinator, Jin Jikai:"The first time we met, I had a very special feeling. It had been many years and finally I would place a voice with a face."

It goes to show that distance and time are no barriers to volunteering.

In the end it all pays off
Like Tzu Chi's English website, which quickly spread news of the 8/8 disaster in Taiwan. The site had a high rate of 4,000 hits per day.

Smooth sailing into American hearts
And for the people who visit the Tzu Chi USA Headquarters in San Dimas, California, they can go without worrying about the language barrier because now they can choose between Chinese, English and Spanish.

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