On February 9th, Tzu Chi UK hosted its annual Blessing Ceremony alongside the Chinese New Year celebration for the Year of the Snake at Tzu Chi Academy London. The event featured heartfelt prayers for a harmonious society and a world free from disasters.

This year’s global Tzu Chi Year-End Blessing Ceremony was themed “正念勤修學與覺，蔬食共善護大地 (Diligently Cultivating Right Mindfulness and Awakening, Practicing Vegetarianism to Protect the Earth)” encouraging everyone to embrace kindness and move forward with love. During the
event, a video of Master Cheng Yen’s teachings reminded participants to seize the time to do good deeds. Another video from Tzu Chi USA captured the aftermath of recent wildfires in Los Angeles, showing the city blanketed in ashes—a stark reminder of nature’s retaliation and the impermanence of life. However, scenes of disaster relief efforts and prayers for the victims also inspired hope for
the future.

As part of the tradition, attendees received Blessings Red Packets from Master Cheng Yen and returned their bamboo bank savings from the past year, contributing their kindness to the collective ocean of merit.

Tzu Chi Academy London put in a tremendous effort this year by mobilizing all students and teachers to present a special stage play, The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac. This was the school’s first-ever theatrical adaptation of the Zodiac story. Guided by their teachers, students overcame language barriers and collaborated across different ages, grades, and classes. Despite limited rehearsal time, their teamwork and dedication led to a highly successful and meaningful performance.

Not to be outdone, adult students from the Taiwan Centre for Mandarin Learning (TCML) took the stage with renditions of classic Mandarin songs, including 甜蜜蜜 (Sweet Like Honey) and 月亮代表我的心 (The Moon Represents My Heart), along with the tongue twister 新年到 (New Year is Here).
They concluded with a heartfelt New Year blessing: 財如蛇行、好運相隨 (May your fortune flow like a snake, bringing you good luck). Through these performances, students not only improved their language skills but also strengthened camaraderie and community bonds.

In addition, the school showcased a beautiful harp solo by Yifan WANG, a student who studied Mandarin at Tzu Chi University in Taiwan. The program also featured a traditional Chen-style Tai Chi demonstration and culminated in a spectacular lion dance by the Islington Chinese Association,
which served as the grand finale. These outstanding performances captivated the audience, earning
enthusiastic applause and creating a vibrant, festive atmosphere.

In addition, Tzu Chi volunteers and parents set up a vegetarian food stall and charity sale. Guests
were pleasantly surprised by the delicious, thoughtfully prepared vegetarian dishes, which highlighted the creativity and care behind plant-based cuisine.

Mr. Shih-Chih Chen, Director of Overseas Community Affairs at the Taipei Representative Office in
the UK, and Councillor Lakmini Shah from East Ham South attended the event to offer their blessings and deliver speeches, adding to the celebration’s significance. The two-hour event concluded joyfully with approximately 200 attendees.

Since its reopening in 2018 in Woodford, Northeast London, Tzu Chi Academy London has remained dedicated to promoting traditional Chinese characters and Tzu Chi’s humanistic values. The school currently offers 10 classes for children, primary and secondary students, and adults. All classes are conducted in small groups to provide personalised instruction that meets each student’s individual needs and abilities.