Gown of Gentle Forbearance

The Gown of Gentle Forbearance is the name for the dark blue chipao (traditional Chinese dress) worn by Tzu Chi commissioners.

The name comes from the "Dharma Master" chapter of the Lotus Sutra: "If anyone recites this sutra, he will enter the house of the Buddha, wear his robe, and sit at his seat." The sutra goes on to explain: "Great compassion is the house, gentle forbearance is the robe, the emptiness of all things is the seat where the dharma is taught." This means that a Buddhist disciple walking on the Path of the Bodhisattvas must go where it is hard to walk, bear what is hard to bear, and do what is hard to do.

Master Cheng Yen says that the deeper meaning of this text is an encouragement to Tzu Chi commissioners to deal with everyone around them with an attitude of gentleness and goodness. They must cultivate themselves, and at all times they must remind themselves to be gentle and pleasant and develop good karmic relationships with others. Only then can they take up the responsibility of promoting the missions of Tzu Chi.

Master Cheng Yen also exhorts the commissioners: "The most beautiful, elegant clothing is the Gown of Gentle Forbearance. When you wear this gown, you must be dignified, compassionate and gentle. With every action you make, you must remember, 'I am a Buddhist," and "I am a Tzu Chi commissioner.' You must always keep in mind that the image of the Buddha is on your right shoulder, the responsibility of Tzu Chi is on your left shoulder, and your own character and temperament are on your breast."