The world of Tzu Chi Nov-Dec 2021 (Vol.138)

contribute to the family. It was a relief to Kai Hung knowing that the community volunteers would continue to care for Grandma Chen. Reflecting on his experience as a tele-interviewer, Kai Hung felt that many families were pushed to the wall, forcing them to call for help. Through the phone calls, he could feel the helplessness, anxiety and sadness of the callers. Some cases had difficulties submitting relevant information and he admitted having doubts if they were genuinely in need. However, a friend once said to him, “When a person puts his pride aside to seek subsidies, he needs to muster a lot of courage; we ought to believe and help him. Instead of doubting his intentions, keep a heart of commiseration and compassion. If the applicant is truly facing difficulties, our assistance will be their timely saviour.” The plight of some applicants was not new to Kai Hung who, too, had lost his earnings for four months when his company suspended operations since May this year. It was a bitter pill to swallow but he was prepared to brace the tough times. “Empathy is very important. Unable to operate, the company has no income. The boss still has to pay the office rent, and customers’ payments are delayed. My boss must be shouldering much more pressure than the staff.” Fortunately, some sectors were allowed to resume operation since September this year. Kai Hung has resumed work, and life is back on track again. When he was put out of work, Kai Hung remembered his mother’s timely advice to save for a rainy day. Although there were bills to be paid—insurance premiums, mortgages, utility bills, and internet subscriptions—he was able to count on his savings and not get caught in a financial crisis. The difficult stretch had freed his time for volunteer work. Besides sowing seeds of goodness, Kai Hung also learned the Dharma. These practices helped him embrace impermanence, as in Master Cheng Yen’s teaching: “Equanimity is a state of mental calmness, always think positively.” Kai Hung hopes to continue with the charitable efforts and work towards the path of spiritual growth. Extending a Helpline of Hope TZU CHI 138 13