The world of Tzu Chi June 2020 (Vol.123)

TZU CHI 123 33 with the ceremony and followed each step of the ritual dutifully. Meanwhile, Rou En was fixated on the computer screen, fascinated by the solemn proceedings. She completed her first Buddha bathing ritual by imitating Rou Jing’s gestures. After the ceremony, Rou Jing requested for a jug of hot water from Yew Boon and a basin from Saw Tin. Then, she led Rou En into the kitchen to fetch two white towels and positioned a high-backed chair in front of the prayer altar in the living room. Next, she prepared a basin of warm water with her grandfather’s help and tested the temperature, before inviting her grandmother to be seated for her feet to be bathed. The girls removed Saw Tin’s socks and gently placed her feet in the basin filled with water. Saw Tin’s heart melted as she saw her granddaughters cleaning her feet with a damp towel. She grinned at their affectionate gesture. Rou Jing and Rou En asked Saw Tin while washing her feet, “Do you feel comfortable, Grandma?” The girls broke into joyful smiles when Saw Tin replied, “You make me feel very comfortable. Thank you, my dears!” Special “gifts” from the heart Rou Jing and Rou En bathed Yew Boon’s feet next. “Grandpa’s feet feel coarser than Grandma’s. We have to wash them more thoroughly,” Rou Jing whispered to Rou En, who nodded obediently and wiped Yew Boon’s feet repeatedly with a moist towel. The girls proceeded to respectfully serve tea to the elders by kneeling before them. SawTin andYew Boon held their granddaughters in a loving embrace, touched and pleased by their initiative to bathe their feet and serve them tea at home. Just as Saw Tin and Yew Boon were relishing the “gift” presented by their granddaughters, Rou Jing unexpectedly blurted, “Thank you, Grandma, for accompanying me during my online lessons. You’ve done your best, Grandma. Thank you, Grandpa, for preparing our meals every day. We appreciate your efforts, Grandpa!” Throughout the MCO, Saw Tin has been keeping Rou Jing company during her online learning sessions, while Yew Boon has been in charge of buying the groceries and preparing their meals. The couple’s efforts did not go unnoticed by Rou Jing, who also wished her grandparents peace and health and pledged to assist with the household chores to relieve their burden. Saw Tin and Yew Boon were pleasantly surprised by their granddaughter’s thoughtful “present”. Right then, Rou En chipped in, professing to Saw Tin, “I don’t want to eat meat anymore. I want veggies.” Saw Tin nodded approvingly. Rou En continued, “Grandma, I don’t eat meat, fish and eggs.” She paused to think and added, “I like to eat eggplant, corn, cucumbers, watermelon and broccoli. I must eat more veggies as veggies are nutritious!” Rou En’s “gift” to her grandparents was a pledge to follow in their footsteps and commit to a vegetarian diet for a harmonious world free from disasters. The “gifts” warmed Saw Tin and Yew Boon’s hearts.Although the gifts were intangible, Saw Tin treasured the noble intentions behind her granddaughters’ ideas. To her, filial piety is priceless – the most precious gift one is capable of presenting to one’s elders. She also values a compassionate heart above all else. The grandmother is grateful to her granddaughters for the memorable occasion and hopes that the girls will carry the values of filial piety and compassion with them throughout their lives. A Special Take on Tradition