A Heart of Joy and Ease — A Journey in Wisdom, Simplicity, and Compassion
By a JSBC Volunteer | Penang, Malaysia
Every Saturday afternoon, a quiet corner in Penang comes alive—not with noise, but with the sound of reflection, warm sharing, and gentle wisdom. At Jing Si Books & Café, our English Book Study Sessions have become more than just a reading circle. They are gatherings of the hearts, where people from all walks of life—and even different countries—meet together to explore what it truly means to live with a Heart of Joy and Ease.
And recently, something truly special happened. 🌍
Our little group went global! We welcomed guests from Turkey, the USA, Hong Kong, and across Malaysia. Despite different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences, we all shared something in common—a yearning for inner peace and spiritual clarity. The book that brought us together? A Heart of Joy and Ease by Dharma Master Cheng Yen.
🌀 The Source of Afflictions: Seeing Through the Chaos
Why do we suffer? Why do we get caught up in greed, anger, ignorance, arrogance, doubts and even worry over gains or losses ?
In one of our sessions, we dove deep into the chapter “The Source of Afflictions.” Master Cheng Yen reminds us that the root of suffering often lies in our ego—our clinging to “self” and expectations. When we are too concerned about gain and loss, about being right or getting ahead, our minds become restless.
But there’s a way out: by shifting from possessive love to great love, by helping others, and by learning to let go of attachments and expectations. This isn’t just philosophy—it’s something we need to reflect and practice in our lives, day by day.
🌀 Let the Radiance of Wisdom Shine Through
One beautiful analogy from the book stayed with all of us:
Afflictions are like dark clouds. Even if the clouds conceal the moon, the moon is still round, even behind layers of clouds.
Like the moon—the wisdom within us—is always full and round, even if hidden.
Sometimes our thoughts become scattered, and we lose clarity. But when we quiet our minds and stay present, our inner light begins to shine. Wisdom isn’t loud or flashy—it’s calm, clear, and deeply compassionate.
And yes, it takes practice. But in the company of kind hearts and shared stories, we remind each other that this light is within all of us.
🌀 Simplicity is a Superpower
Another chapter that struck a chord was “Simplicity Fosters Our Wisdom.” In today’s world, we are constantly influenced to want more—more things, more success, more validation. As mentioned in this chapter, “The rivers on this great land will have a time when they are filled, but the only thing that cannot be filled is our mouth.”
True wisdom doesn’t come from having more. It comes from wanting less. From living simply. From appreciating the moment. Simplicity is not about lack—it’s about clarity and freedom. The less we chase, the more we see. The less we grasp, the more we can hold joy in our hearts.
🌀 Forgiveness, Doubts, and the Greater Self
Some chapters that we explored opened deeper conversations. “Resolving Conflicts” helped us reflect on how to handle criticism with grace. Master Cheng Yen, when wrongly accused during the early days of Tzu Chi, responded not with anger but with determination and calm. Her strength teaches us to steady our hearts and when something is right "just do it".
We also discussed the “Web of Doubts.” One participant opened up about her struggles connecting with her family. Sister Bee Hong gently shared that by practicing gratitude, respect, and love, we can begin to untangle the emotional webs that trap us.
🌀 Real Stories, Real Feelings
One of the most touching moments recently came from a guest from Australia. After a heartfelt sharing about the book by our volunteer, she gave her a hug and whispered, “I’ve been going through a really tough time... this book is a gift, I shall treasure it.”
She left with a copy of A Heart of Joy and Ease in her hands—but more importantly, with a genuine smile on her face. This is the power of words, the underlining human warmth within them.
🌀 Managing Our Temper: Love is the Antidote
Another powerful topic we explored was about temper. Losing it is easy—controlling it, not that easy. But why does it happen? Often it’s because our expectations clash with reality. The book teaches us that compassion is the antidote to anger. When we learn to cultivate love within, the fire of anger naturally fades.
🌀 Letting Go of the "Self"
What does it mean to let go of the “self”? A profound question we wrestled with. Nothing truly belongs to us—not our possessions, not even our own body. When we can see through this illusion, we move from the “small self” to the "greater self"—a life of selflessness, service, and deep joy.
As a Jingsi Aphorism says, “Human miseries come from struggling with oneself and with others.” When we give without expecting anything in return, we discover peace. When we love without ego, we find our true selves.
🌀 A Living Practice of Jing Si Humanities
These weekly sessions are more than just intellectual learning. They are an experience of Jing Si Humanities—a way of life rooted in stillness, contemplation, kindness, and action. In the stories we read and share, we see reflections of ourselves. We learn, laugh, cry, and grow—together.
From guiding visitors who walk in, out of curiosity, to sharing a comforting phrase with a stranger, our study group is not just about reading a book—it's about living its teachings, quietly but deeply, in our daily lives.
💖 Come Join Us
If you're looking for a space to grow and connect, join us. Just bring your heart—we’ll be here, every Saturday, sipping tea and reading together, discovering what it means to live a heart of joy and ease.
