Riding on the publication of his new book All in the Heart, David Liu, Deputy CEO of the Tzu Chi Charity Foundation in Taiwan, embarked on a book tour to Singapore and Malaysia, arriving at the Tzu Chi Humanistic Youth Centre in Singapore on 22 September. (Photo by Bong Kian Hin)
David Liu, Deputy CEO of the Tzu Chi Charity Foundation in Taiwan, published a new book, All in the Heart, after a gap of 10 years. The book launch was held at 7.30 pm on 22 September at Tzu Chi Humanistic Youth Centre in Singapore, drew a crowd of about 350 attendees.
All in the Heart is David Liu's 9th publication following his previous book Inner Cultivation and Outward Action. The new book comprises ten chapters and compiles stories from the online book clubs he has hosted, blending Buddhism philosophical insights, personal practices, and life experiences.
The cover introduction on David Liu’s new book All in the Heart reads: "There are many challenges in life that often originate from misunderstandings about the value of life: measuring wealth by material possessions, differentiating pleasure and pain through enjoyment, and evaluating success and failure by gains and losses, all while overlooking the true core driving force that shapes our destiny which often arises from a single thought in the mind". (Photo by Tan Shay Ching)
The humorous and witty David Liu shared a series of amusing stories at the book launch that connected everyday life with profound philosophical insights, allowing the audience to absorb positive ideas in a relaxing atmosphere. Drawing from the perspective of busy urban life, he explained how mistakes happen in our haste, how our mind mirrors the outside world, and how we may maintain peace and ease of mind amidst our complex interactions in life.
For example, he recounted a story of a child who called out to his grandma three times when his grandma was chanting Buddha’s name, causing Grandma to say angrily that “I am chanting Buddha’s name, do not disturb me”. The puzzled child replied, “Grandma, you just called Amitabha Buddha thousands of times and Amitabha Buddha did not get angry. I only called you three times and you are already angry”. The whole room erupted into laughter immediately.
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On Monday evening, many people made the effort to attend the All in the Heart book launch after work. Enjoying David Liu’s humorous and witty speech, the audience forgot their fatigue from the day and bursts of laughter filled the room. (Photo by Tan Shay Ching) -
In his opening speech, Lin Tien-Lai, Chief Brand Officer of the Tzu Chi Culture and Communication Foundation in Taiwan, shared that 1,000 copies were released in the first print of the book. Since its release in early June this year, ”All in the Heart" has already gone through 27 printing. (Photo by Bong Kian Hin) -
During the second half of the new book launch event, Chen Chu-Chi, spokesperson for the Tzu Chi Culture and Communication Foundation, took on the role of a panel host. Through a series of questions and answers, she led the audience through David Liu's decades-long journey with Tzu Chi and the life wisdom he accumulated along the way. (Photo by Bong Kian Hin) -
David Liu gifted a copy of the book to each audience at the book launch to foster a good affinity with them. Attendees could also scan a QR code to make a voluntary donation. (Photo by Wong Twee Hee)
In addition, Lin Tien-Lai, Chief Brand Officer of the Tzu Chi Culture and Communication Foundation who kicked off the event, humorously said, “Senior Brother (David Liu) is 74 years old in actual age but only 24 by lunar year counting. At this age, it is perfect for him to share his experience at the Humanistic Youth Centre”.
At the same time, Lin Tien-Lai urged the audience to read more as life becomes more peaceful through reading, and reading can transform one’s life. He added, “Everyone enjoys his (David Liu’s) speeches, loves his autographs, and likes taking photos with him, but you must remember to love reading even more, especially reading this book”.
Gaining a lot amid laughter and joy
Chen Chu-Chi, spokesperson for the Tzu Chi Culture and Communication Foundation and Da-Ai TV host, was specially invited to conduct a one-on-one interview with David Liu. The host skillfully posed questions that the audience are commonly wonders about, such as whether charity work is more suitable for those who are free, wealthy or financially secure. David Liu emphasised that charity is something everyone can do. It is just like how it is a blessing that one could engage with Tzu Chi and Buddhist teaching even during schooling years. In fact, when young people engage in charity, they gain the opportunity to accumulate both blessings and wisdom, making life smoother and more fulfilling.
Chen Chu-Chi (right), spokesperson for the Tzu Chi Culture and Communication Foundation, “confided” to the audience that she only found the courage to conduct the interview after studying diligently for ten years and reading three of David Liu’s books. (Photo by Bong Kian Hin)
Audience at the book launch responded enthusiastically. Hu Ning from Heilongjiang, China (pictured below), came at a friend’s invitation. Although he never knew David Liu, he sensed that David Liu is a wise and humorous person. Hu Ning said, “Even if we have some deep insights, we may not be able to express them well, and even if we do, not everyone could accept them. But he expresses them well and makes it easy for everyone to understand and accept, which I think is a very challenging thing to do.”
Hu Ning further shared that, as a father, he found David Liu's views on child education very useful: the focus should be on the parents' mindset rather than grades. It is also important for children to have a healthy attitude toward their own achievements so they may grow up happy and healthy.
Hu Ning (in green top), who has an interest in Buddhism, was invited by friends from a book club to the book launch of All in the Heart. He hopes to have more chances to participate in Tzu Chi activities in the future. (Photo by Tan Shay Ching)
From online to in-person meet-ups
In addition, David Liu who is also a YouTuber, took the opportunity during the book launch to remind everyone to take out their phones, search for ‘David Liu’, subscribe to and like his posts, and to turn on notification so that they could watch his videos anytime and support their continual wellbeing.
Audience members who raised their hands to scan the QR code and add the official “Friends of Da Ai” WhatsApp account received a small gift. (Photo by Tan Sam Ba)
The event also attracted some of his YouTube fans. One of them, Chuah Siew Chou, shared that when she learned that David Liu was holding a book launch, she invited her family to attend the event together. She was very happy that despite it being a working day, five of her family members accompanied her to the launch.
Chuah Siew Chou strongly agreed with what David Liu’s message: “Destiny is in your own hands”. It is not about praying to gods for protection; the key is to take action and do good deeds. She was curious as to how David Liu maintains positive energy throughout the year and was especially looking forward to taking a photo with him.
Tan Qian Wen from Malaysia came to work in Singapore after graduating. During the pandemic, she came across David Liu's book club on YouTube and found the content easy to understand, and started to tune in almost every week. When she learned that the book launch would be held in Singapore, she immediately bought the book a few weeks ago and brought it along on this day to seek the author’s autograph as a keepsake.
Tan Qian Wen, who has been involved in Tzu Chi activities since her youth, said that David Liu's speech was as humorous and inspiring as always. She was captured by the story of a person who mistakenly boarded the plane with the wrong backpack, which illustrates how mistakes can happen when we are busy. It reminded her to stay vigilant, put more effort in her participation in Tzu Chi, and reflect on whether her own habits have improved.
At the end of the book launch event, there was a book signing session as a perk for fans. Readers excitedly lined up for autographs. (Photo by Tan Sam Ba)
Vincent Ho (pictured below) who is also a follower of David Liu's YouTube channel, first got to know about David Liu through an event hosted by Taiwanese entrepreneurs. He shared that he usually takes notes when watching videos. However, live interviews are different from pre-recorded ones as they feel more real and engaging. In addition, this was the first time he has seen the author's book. Although he has not started reading it, he found the speech particularly inspiring, especially the author’s view that to change our temper, we must also change our habits. He looks forward to reading the book to evoke memories from watching the videos and to continue learning and re-learning from past experiences.
Vincent Ho (second from left) seized the opportunity to take a photo with the author, David Liu (first from right). (Photo by Koh Su Jing)
Note: The book All in the Heart is available at all Jing Si Books & Cafe in Singapore.
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