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Washington. In addition, there are Junior Dharma Master Cheng Yen’s Jing Si
Academies in Phoenix, Arizona; Columbus, Aphorisms are taught in Tzu Chi Academies to
Ohio; Portland, Oregon; and Austin, Texas. From provide life philosophy and inspirational life
a single location in 1994, Tzu Chi Academy has stories to motivate children to grow as people
now expanded to more than five thousand and incorporate all the values they learn into
students and five hundred teachers nationwide. their daily lives. In addition, students have a
In addition to Chinese classes, various chance to carry out the principles and values
extracurricular courses have been added so they learn by participating alongside their
that students can learn art, calligraphy, Chinese parents in caring for the elderly, visiting nursing
knotting, painting, dance, sign language, homes, street fundraising, serving food to the
vegetarian cooking, flower arrangement, and homeless, park and beach litter cleanups, and
other talents, and thus carry many traditions other charity events.
of Chinese culture into the next generation. By combining language learning, character
Schools periodically organize various talent development, community service, and cultural
competitions, such as drawing cartoons based activities, Tzu Chi Academy has become a one-
on Jing Si Aphorisms, delivering speeches, and of-a-kind educational system that helps children
so on, to stimulate the students' interest in grow into people who are compassionate,
learning Chinese. Developing these skills will responsible, well-rounded, and respectful of
help the children in their future endeavors and both other people and the planet.
help them stand out in their communities.

Students and teachers celebrate Tzu Chi Academy's
twentieth anniversary in 2014. Photo: Kevin Kao

Volunteers walked through the community each day to provide
residents with food and care. Photo: Peter Lin

Parents provide the mold and teachers provide the model; through each of their actions
they teach children the right view of life.
www.us.tzuchi.org | 43
Jing Si Aphorism by Dharma Master Cheng Yen