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

Sending blessings is an act of charity I often shared with others that helping others does not necessarily have to be in monetary form. With a kind heart, sending blessings to others is a charitable act too. – Tan Hui Hiang T zu Chi Careline was set up to help the people in need by providing subsidies, and at the same time, to educate them about being kind towards all beings by adopting a vegetarian diet. Most people would assume that it is difficult to promote vegetarianism to Malays due to cultural differences. However, defying that stereotypical notion, Hui Hiang patiently explained the benefits of taking vegetarian meals to all, regardless of their ethnicity. This has inspired Adi (pseudonym) in many ways. Adi is a chef, married with a two-year-old son. Last year, he became jobless due to the pandemic. Even though he found a job early this year, his pay was only half of what he used to get. He was retrenched in March the same year. During the telephone interview, Adi was worried about his son’s fever. Hui Hiang called him daily to extend comfort and at the same time, to introduce him to vegetarianism. After two days, his son recovered. Hui Hiang shared with Adi, “As you are unable to extend help to others at this moment, you can respect and be kind to animals through vegetarianism. This is also a charitable act by sending blessings to others. Upholding vegetarianism is caring and respecting all forms of lives.” Adi promised to have one vegetarian meal daily with his son, and would snap pictures of his vegetarian meals for her. A week later, Adi happily informed Hui Hiang that he had found a part-time job. Even though it was only for one week, Adi was still very grateful for he yearned to provide for his family. After hearing the good news, Hui Hiang reinforced the concept of vegetarianism as one that was likened to sending blessing to others, and this blessing would come back to ourselves. “I encouraged Adi to continue this blessing through his vegetarian practice and he accepted willingly.” Soon after, Adi returned with news that he found a permanent job as a stall assistant. Hui Hiang felt happy for him and encouraged him to carry on this charitable act of sending ripples of blessings to all. “I shared with Adi that helping others is not necessarily in monetary form. A kind heart that sends blessings to others is also a charitable act. It may seem challenging to convince Malays to practise vegetarianism. However, if a person is willing to try, I will be persistent in promoting vegetarianism.” Adi’s transformation is a definite boost to Hui Hiang’s spirit and faith in promoting vegetarianism through her telephone calls. She stands by her motto—“When it is a right thing to do, just do it!” Translated by Ong Mooi Lin Extending a Helpline of Hope TZU CHI 138 15