Podcasts by Tzu Chi Dharma Study Group

Mar 2022 - William Keh from 2022-03-26T21:16:01

"The meaning of life is not about gaining, but it's about giving. If you know how to give, you will feel happy." A Tzu Chi volunteer of 25 years, Brother William Keh shared the transformational ...

Jan 2022 - Jason Sheu from 2022-01-29T17:52:14

Brother Jason had a surgery in 2015 to remove his right kidney. He asked his doctor how to take care of his left kidney. The doctor asked him to eat less animal protein, and when Brother Jason s...

Jan 2022 - Vera Wu from 2022-01-29T17:51:20

After working with a stroke patient who suffered from facial paralysis and unable to smile, Sister Vera came to the realization that despite the impermanence of life, we should all stay in the m...

Jan 2022 - Yang Lee from 2022-01-29T17:49:28

The book used for this study group series is the ‘Ten Grounds of Bodhisattvas’. Brother Yang started the series with an explanation of the first ground, which is the ground of joy. Whether it is...

Jan 2022 - Debra Boudreaux from 2022-01-29T17:38:13

Sister Debra joined Tzu Chi in 1993, and she learned a lot from many Tzu Chi volunteers in her 31 years in Tzu Chi, participating in one capacity or another in Tzu Chi’s four missions. In her sh...

Nov 2021 - Yee Siang Yong from 2021-12-13T08:11

Why do we as a society struggle with slowing down climate change? Sister Yee Siang shared her observations from the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26). Beyond common understanding ...

Nov 2021 - Linda Wang from 2021-12-13T08:09:09

"If we know how to be content with what we have, then we can understand gratitude." Sister Linda discussed how Tzu Chi's four-ingredient spiritual soup prepared her to continue spreading kindnes...

Nov 2021 - Yang Lee from 2021-12-13T08:07:35

What have we learned from the Path to Awakening throughout 2021? Brother Yang summarized how various Tzu Chi volunteers apply the dharma from the Path to Awakening into practice. Dharma discusse...

Nov 2021 - Johan Alwall from 2021-12-13T08:05:07

"I am strangely comforted by the concept that we cannot know our past karma, but we can still repent and purify ourselves of whatever we might have done." Brother Johan recounted his Tzu Chi jou...

Oct 2021 - Tung-Chia Li from 2021-10-12T16:22:20

Sister Tung-Chia is a certified Tzu Chi commissioner since 2000, and has participated in nursing home visits and individual case visits, and volunteered at correctional institutes. One lesson Si...

Oct 2021 - Jimmy Yang from 2021-10-12T16:19:22

What does it mean to see things the way they are? Brother Jimmy Yang delved into the science of seeing, and noted that the way we see others is a reflection of ourselves. He urged us to be mindf...

Oct 2021 - Andrew Liu from 2021-10-12T14:53:37

How do we practice Right View and Right Thinking? Brother Andrew suggested that we can watch Master Cheng Yen's teaching for guidance. He illustrated how to apply these principles to change his ...

Oct 2021 - Freeman Su from 2021-10-12T14:40:48

"We don’t know if impermanence or tomorrow comes first. Whatever you need to do, do it right now." This is the wisdom that Brother Freeman shared in light of his mother's passing due to an accid...

Sept 2021 - Sister Sabrina Ho from 2021-09-18T22:57

Sister Sabrina Ho shared with us how meditation has helped her be more mindful of feelings and pain that may trigger other emotions like irritation, impatience and anger. This mindfulness helped...

Sept 2021 - Sister Ai-Chu Wu from 2021-09-18T22:45:30

Sister Ai-Chu has learned how to focus since young. Guests visiting her house were amazed at her ability to focus on her work no matter how loud they were. In this podcast, Sister Ai-Chu shared ...

Sept 2021 - Sister Valerie Tseng from 2021-09-18T22:34:24

“Rather than externalizing our problems, the Buddha pointed out that our suffering comes from our own untrained mind.” Sister Valerie shared this thought provoking idea in this podcast, and prov...

Sept 2021 - Dharma Master De Yuan from 2021-09-18T22:29:55

Master De Yuan started her spiritual cultivation in the Jingsi abode in 2006. Through her experience as a Dharma Master, she shared her insights while working in the abode kitchen, preparing for...

Aug 2021 - Angeline Fransisca from 2021-08-22T18:06:27

Sister Angeline relates her decision to donate to Tzu Chi in Japan while working in the hotel industry in Japan. She follows Master Cheng Yen's advice to give back to the community that one is l...

Aug 2021 - Roger Yee Fong from 2021-08-22T18:05:04

Words and actions can be used for good or harm. Brother Roger contemplates on the power of words and actions, and concludes that both must be engaged simultaneously, guided by the teaching from ...

Aug 2021 - Austin Chu from 2021-08-22T18:04:04

How do we carry ourselves with right speech, right action and right livelihood? Brother Austin gives us some insight on how they can be applied in our everyday conduct, and close with a guidance...

Aug 2021 - Michelle Neely from 2021-08-22T18:01

To Sister Michelle, volunteering has been a family tradition, and one she is constantly exposed to since young and in college. In her sharing, Sister Michelle brings us along on her journey volu...

Jun 2021 - Lina Lin from 2021-06-18T06:12:15

How do we turn bad affinities into good one? In her sharing, Sister Lina Lin talked about her relationship with her family member, who did not share the same belief as her when it comes to COVID...

Jun 2021 - Susan Wang from 2021-06-18T06:11:24

Impermanence can bring about hopelessness and a broken heart. How then do we deal with impermanence? Sister Susan Wang told the story of her encounter with a victim of the Paradise wildfire, whi...

Jun 2021 - Jack Fan from 2021-06-18T06:09:08

There are seven branches of enlightenment: discernment, diligence, joy, peace, renunciation, samadhi and mindfulness. They may feel hard to reach, but Brother Jack Fan suggests that we have been...

Jun 2021 - Steven Voon from 2021-06-18T06:06:53

A strong team is not based on the number of people. Small team can do big things when everyone is united and work without individual ego. These are some of the wisdom that Brother Steven Voon sh...

Apr 2021 - Eunice Butler from 2021-04-11T19:33:01

"Our energy goes to whatever we manifest in our lives. Our mind and body are intimately connected. Looking at the fruit of the present moment, we can reflect on what went wrong in the past, reso...

Apr 2021 - Hank Chi from 2021-04-11T19:29:15

When confronted with the question of why it appears that Tzu Chi is short of having self-cultivation practice, Brother Hank followed the middle path and explained that self-cultivation in Tzu Ch...

Apr 2021 - Marco Tjioe from 2021-04-11T19:21:33

What happened if we take away faith, diligence, mindfulness, samadhi and wisdom from our day to day life, from something as mundane as learning how to swim? Brother Marco suggests that these fiv...

Apr 2021 - Sean Tan from 2021-04-11T19:15:20

Giving up his opportunity to continue his PhD education or his family business, Brother Sean chose the path less traveled to be a pure practitioner. And he never looked back since. What inspired...

Mar 2021 - Jasmine Huang from 2021-03-14T14:59:47

"Even when you are speaking from reason, you should always remain harmonious and forgiving." This Jingsi aphorism helps Sister Jasmine navigate through challenges in her vegetarian journey, when...

Mar 2021 - Allen Chung from 2021-03-14T14:58:49

Moving is not easy. What makes it even harder is to let go of relationships, habits and things we have learned to live with for an extended period of time. In this podcast, Brother Allen shared ...

Mar 2021 - Emily Huang from 2021-03-14T14:57:35

On the topic of mindfulness, Sister Emily asked: "Are you aware of how you practice (mindfulness) through your hands?". In her sharing, Sister Emily recounted her experience receiving sleeve cov...

Mar 2021 - Victor Jieh from 2021-03-14T14:50:17

The true volunteer spirit is offering help to others, but not asking anything in return. When we apply this spirit sincerely, we can forge a long lasting bond with and inspire kindness from the ...

Feb 2021 - Xingtong Li from 2021-02-20T19:20:30

"I knew from that moment on, I want to change others' lives just like my grandpa did." Sister Xing Tong reflects on her initial aspiration, which began when her grandpa served as a role model fo...

Feb 2021 - Lily Kang from 2021-02-20T19:19:39

Sister Lily started her Tzu Chi path through Tzu Chi Collegiate Association. She thanked her mentors for encouraging her to stay on the Tzu Chi path, even though there were stressful times. In h...

Feb 2021 - Steve Chiu from 2021-02-20T19:11:35

How do we apply the four Right Efforts in our daily life and as we walked the Tzu Chi path? Brother Steve shared his take on the Right Effort, which gave a good guidance on how to eliminate any ...

Feb 2021 - Huey Shann Sue from 2021-02-20T19:10:27

"If we walk alone, we may walk very fast. But if we walk with a group of people, we may be able to walk longer." This is one of the teaching from Dharma Master Cheng Yen that Sister Huey Shann k...

Dec 2020 - Allen Freese from 2020-12-23T23:50:17

Sharing a heartwarming story of his grandmother, Brother Allen relays what it means to be equanimous. This short sharing reveals how the simple act of harboring gratitude and respect toward othe...

Dec 2020 - Annie Chow from 2020-12-23T23:49:12

How do you remain calm when tension escalates? Sister Annie shared a story when she lost her temper when she was a member of the Tzu Chi Collegiate Association at UC Irvine, and the lessons she ...

Dec 2020 - Yang Lee from 2020-12-23T23:47:33

"When things get bad, sometimes it has a silver lining." Brother Yang shares a heartfelt account of his personal experience amidst the pandemic, relating it to the Fourfold Mindfulness and the t...

Dec 2020 - Karmen Long from 2020-12-23T23:42:16

Would you be willing to donate 10% of what you own? Upon reflecting on the responses to this question, Sister Karmen realized that the wealthier we are, the harder it becomes to give. She then e...

Nov 2020 - Roger Chou from 2020-11-20T05:08:21

How does one find joy amidst anxiousness? Brother Roger Chou shares what brings him joy, and the peace and tranquility that he experiences while being at the Jingsi abode, serving and volunteeri...

Nov 2020 - Steph Shao from 2020-11-20T05:05:02

There is a ripple effect of joy. When we experience one, we will affect those we encounter. But how do we find joy? Sister Steph Shao shares how being present and spending time with her family a...

Nov 2020 - Mark Ostrander from 2020-11-20T05:03:36

Reflecting on decades of experience as a firefighter and volunteer in disaster relief, Brother Mark Ostrander discusses this month's book sharing: what it means to contemplate the mind as imperm...

Nov 2020 - Michael Siao from 2020-11-20T05:00:31

Brother Michael Siao, a true Bodhisattva and volunteer serving the Phillipines, discusses the history of Tzu Chi in the Phillipines, the meaning of infinite joy, and how to transform suffering w...

Oct 2020 - Highlights from 2020-10-19T01:20:32

Highlights of Oct 2020 online Dharma study group

Oct 2020 - Weili Kang from 2020-10-19T01:17:26

What is the difference between compassion, empathy and altruism? Sister Weili gives us a clear insight into the nuances between them, and offer her understanding on what it means to be compassio...

Oct 2020 - Fang-Wen Huang from 2020-10-19T01:08:46

What does the teaching "contemplate all feelings as suffering" signify? Sister Fang-Wen reveals an understanding of suffering, yet also compassion and forgiveness, through her own family's story...

Oct 2020 - James Chen from 2020-10-19T01:00

Among numerous international relief missions since the 1990s, Brother James Chen has traveled to volunteer in Haiti 78 times. Despite the tremendous hardships encountered during visits, he feels...

Sep 2020 - Highlights from 2020-10-19T00:58:08

Highlight of Sep 2020 online Dharma study group

Sep 2020 - Full study group from 2020-09-22T03:46:40

Full September 2020 online Dharma study group session.

Sep 2020 - Isabelle Tseng from 2020-09-22T03:38:13

What is Great Loving Kindness and how does it play a part in our lives? Isabelle, a graduate from John Hopkins University and also a Tzu Ching, shares the power of Loving Kindness and reflects o...

Sep 2020 - Hui Ying Chin from 2020-09-22T03:36:30

What does it mean to contemplate the body as impure? Hui Ying, a certified commissioner and acupuncturist, reveals the meaning of this contemplation through a short story of Ānanda, the main att...

Sep 2020 - Alice Lu from 2020-09-22T03:33:29

When the unfortunate cannot find help, those who are blessed must go to them. This Jingsi Aphorism aptly describes the spirit that Alice and a group of young volunteers carried when they started...

Jul 2020 - Highlights from 2020-08-14T00:35:06

Highlights for Jul 2020 online Dharma study group.

Jul 2020 - Jonathan Ho from 2020-08-14T00:32:06

How does steadfastness become a part of one's life?  One college student, Jonathan shares his formula on how to keep going and how he maintains his aspiration and steadfast in his belief. &...

Jul 2020 - Bessie Nhan from 2020-08-14T00:31:19

How do you achieve your goals despite tremendous hardship? Bessie shares her own story of transformation, which begins in a war-torn Vietnam at the age of 17. Bessie's story is one of steadfastn...

Jul 2020 - Angelina Ho from 2020-08-14T00:30:19

Why do we practice steadfastness, and how do we remain unwavering in the face of challenges? Through the lens of steadfastness, Angelina provides fresh perspective on a classic fable, discusses ...

Jul 2020 - Mingjhing Hsieh and Huanxun Chan from 2020-08-14T00:27:34

What does it mean to be steadfast during a disaster relief effort? How are lives affected following a disaster? Mingjhing Hsieh and Huanxun Chan shared touching survivor stories and the long ter...

Jun 2020 - Connie Chow from 2020-06-24T06:19:26

"If we know something is right, we just have to get out there and do it." Connie reflects on faith in the context of vegetarianism and the Black Lives Matter movement. She shares her journey in ...

Jun 2020 - Mingyuan Mai from 2020-06-24T06:16:14

How can we practice Faith in our everyday life? Mingyuan shares his reflections on how in his practice of tennis, he sees how having faith can open doors for possibilities.

Jun 2020 - Han Huang from 2020-06-24T06:12:23

How does faith guide us to make a decision that allows us to be truer to ourselves? What if that decision comes at a cost of long established convenience? In his sharing, Han explored how he dec...

Apr 2020 - Jushua Tan from 2020-05-15T03:35:33

Jushua shares how Integrity played a part through his life transitions and interactions with volunteers.

Apr 2020 - PJ Tan from 2020-05-15T03:31:21

Ever wonder why are we so afraid of death, and why is it so difficult to control sensual desires? In his sharing of the book chapter, "Overcoming difficulties through diligence", PJ showed us ho...

Apr 2020 - Truman from 2020-05-15T03:28:51

A grandson's story of his grandfather's decision...how integrity changed the course of life for one family...and how this lesson resonates in his day to day

Mar 2020 - Trailer from 2020-03-28T22:10:32

March 2020 Dharma study group trailer

Background music detail:

Motivating And Inspiring Uplifting Corporate by MyOpus | https://soundcloud.com/user-186793923

Music promoted ...

Mar 2020 - Allen Huang from 2020-03-28T21:52:46

What does it mean to be sincere? What is the difference between being honest and sincere? Allen gives a story of his observations...Sometimes we think language is the barrier and information is ...

Mar 2020 - Holden Lin from 2020-03-28T21:48

Sincerity through the acronym of RACE...Reaching out, Authenticity, Consistency, and Enthusiasm.  Holden shows us how he puts sincerity into practice using this formula.

Mar 2020 - Yee Siang Yong from 2020-03-28T21:42:53

How do we change our mindset and learn to embrace difficult circumstances or relationships? In her sharing, Yee Siang sheds light on the perspective she takes when facing bad situation or relati...

Mar 2020 - Amy Chiu from 2020-03-28T21:42:06

"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 ...

Mar 2020 - Joe Huang from 2020-03-28T21:40:15

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 C...

Dec 2019 - Trailer from 2020-03-28T21:38:51

Trailer for the Dharma study group in December 2019.

Background music:

Home by Vlad Gluschenko | https://soundcloud.com/vgl9

Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.c...

Dec 2019 - Beth Chen from 2020-03-27T21:48:51

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 ...

Dec 2019 - Jonathan Liu from 2020-03-27T21:43:16

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 de...

Dec 2019 - Jack Fan from 2020-03-27T21:42:31

"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, t...

Dec 2019 - Steph Shao from 2020-03-27T21:41:30

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 e...

Dec 2019 - Bruce Knotts from 2020-03-27T21:40:36

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 th...

Dec 2019 - Steve Chiu from 2020-03-27T21:38:20

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.

Oct 2019 - Trailer from 2020-02-19T06:40:02

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

Oct 2019 - Alex King from 2020-02-18T20:06:38

Is it possible to have fun while doing service work? In his sharing of the video: "To serve or to be served", Alex shares the story of a friend who finds joy in volunteering, and shows us how it...

Oct 2019 - Tiffany Liu from 2020-02-18T20:05:46

What will you do once you have ticked off everything in your life plan checklist, but still feel unfulfilled? In her sharing, Tiffany explored her journey to true contentment, navigating through...

Oct 2019 - Johan Alwall from 2020-02-18T20:03:48

What is our mind like being keenly aware of people and matter around us? How does it feel to have a heart filled with gratitude? In his sharing, Johan walks us through his experience in the 2010...

Oct 2019 - Holden Lin from 2020-02-18T20:02:14

How do we cope with the loss of our loved ones? What can we do when injustice fell upon us? In this sharing of the book "A Second and A Lifetime", Holden relates Master's teaching with his own e...

Oct 2019 - David Wang from 2020-02-18T20:01:07

Do you join Tzu Chi because you are told to do so, or because you yourself want to be in Tzu Chi? David has them both, and shares what makes it click for him to join Tzu Chi wholeheartedly.

Oct 2019 - Connie Chow from 2020-02-18T19:59:35

What is your initial inspiration of joining Tzu Chi? How do you sustain the motivation, and work with your perceived weakness? In her sharing, Connie recalls her inspiration from fundraising for...

Oct 2019 - Katherine Lau from 2020-02-18T19:52:06

Feeling stuck? Why not give volunteering a try? In her sharing, Katherine describes her journey volunteering with Tzu Chi, and how she feels the sense of togetherness and being fully present whe...