Sheng Yen Education Foundation released the animation "The Magical Journey of Mr. Dai", using a simple and warm narrative to interpret the issues of life and death. Please enjoy the stories!
Mr. Dai is traveling on his life journey with no starting and ending points，but every stop in his journey has a wonderful meaning...
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Episode 1: Xiao-yung’s Garden
In a golden field of grass, Mr. Dai sees a garden that's been left to grow wild in the sorrow following a child's death. How can Mr. Dai open their mother's heart and turn sorrow into a new life force?
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Episode 2: A Wonderful Ending
The residents of a small fishing village are afraid of the coming of night. How can Mr. Dai make them understand that the setting sun is endlessly enduring, and its flame shines even brighter? It is crucial to seize the moment!
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Episode 3: The End of a Journey
The invalid Grandpa Hsu died without any regrets because he made his dreams come true in the company of Mr. Dai. He had no regrets because he lived conscientiously.
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Episode 4: The True Colors of Life
Mr. Dai brings the ashes of his old friend, Grandpa Hsu, back to his wife. Grandpa is now dead, but the fond memories between the old couple are forever fresh. The best consolation to the deceased is that those who survive them can live well for themselves, which is also the essence of life.
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Episode 5: A Solemn Farewell
Mr. Dai, the mortuary services manager, treats every deceased person like his own family. Each leave-taking is a solemn farewell.
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Episode 6: A Painting of True Freedom
A brush paints the landscape of the heart. Such a unique painting embodies the revelation of true freedom beyond life and death.
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Episode 7: The Fish Struggling to Survive
On arriving at the seashore, a discouraged and frustrated man imagines himself as a fish swimming in the sea, and realizes suddenly that living itself is indeed wonderful.
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Episode 8: No Rehearsal
An accident before a race deprives A-Jie of his hope to win the gold medal. Mr. Dai encourages A-jie to make peace with himself and return to his own life track.
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Episode 9: Riddles in the Park
Using a guessing game in the park as a metaphor, Mr. Dai gives a lesson about life via the answer to the endless loop of 1s . Only when one is willing to let go can one understand that life and death are the two sides of the same coin. One can lead a carefree life only when one understands the importance of not holding on to the present.
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Episode 10: One's Wish List
Facing shabbily-clothed, dispirited people on a lifeboat who have given up hope of being rescued, Mr. Dai encourages them to think calmly about their wish lists in life and be reflective about their lives.
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Episode 11: Mom's Flavors
An unhappy little girl goes to a convenience store to buy a microwave meal. She says her mother has passed on, and she misses the food she cooked that was full of love and care. When she finds the tearstained book that her father has been using to record her mother's cooking, the little girl sees the striving shadow behind her overworked father.
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Episode 12: Taking a Good Shot at Life
How should Peter, a young victor in life, manage the sudden difficulties that he meets with? When playing baseball with Mr. Dai and a little boy, his beginner's mind/original aspiration is awakened. He gains a clearer understanding of the value of life, and regains his ability to take a good shot at things.
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Episode 13: Enough Confidence for Two
People are, by nature, alone, but love means that we are no longer lonely. After losing his true love, Mr. Liu has chosen to study new things and meet new friends. By living well and letting himself be reassured by his love, he is able to live confidently again.
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Episode 14: The Strength of Companionship
Uncle Ban has become increasingly stubborn and difficult to please after falling ill. His son's companionship reawakens wonderful memories and allows him to regain his former frame of mind.
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Episode 15: Seedlings after the Rain
Uncle Chen, whose mobility is limited, is happy to see A-Zhe and Mr. Dai volunteering to deliver lunches in the rain. He remembers his late wife's volunteer work, and can feel that her love has been passed down to them.
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Episode 16: Dou-Dou's Four Seasons
Xiao Kai and his aging dog, Dou Dou, are inseparable. Xiao Kai can't bear to let go of Dou Dou, but he's determined to cherish the present moment and keep his old friend company. This way, they can complete a wonderful final chapter together.
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Episode 17: The Wings of Dawn
The process of growing up is like a butterfly breaking out of its cocoon. Only through its own painful struggle and courageous efforts can the butterfly successfully spread its wings and soar.
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Episode 18: The Broken-Stringed Guitar
The pace of life is like the strings of a guitar. Too tight, and they'll break. Too loose, and they won't create a melody. By adjusting your mind and heart as delicately as the fluttering of a feather, you can learn to play life's beautiful music.
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Episode 19: 26 New Friends
A grandfather is embarrassed by his English communication on a plane trip. With encouragement from Mr. Dai, he bravely takes his first step forward and makes studying English a part of his life, turning 26 letters into his new friends.
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Episode 20: The Happiness of a Glass Window
In a window reflection, elderly Grandma Tian sees her own wrinkled face and the cheeks of her newborn grandson. They represent life's surprises and hopes, like the four seasons, turning like a wheel and never ceasing.