The world of Tzu Chi Sep-Oct 2022 (Vol.143)

16 2022 • 10 pecial Feature Gaining clarity in life — Lim Guat Chen & Chan Aik Hong L im Guat Chen from Bera, Pahang, brought her son, Chan Aik Hong; sisters, Guat Ngoh and Hui Lin; and 11 volunteers and public members to participate in the musical adaptation. Guat Chen, who worked in a bank, has had a stressful life in her younger days. Life was busy for her then, without a real sense of value. During the movement control order in 2020 and with the encouragement of Hui Lin, she participated in an online training session for new volunteers as well as other Tzu Chi activities; she was touched by the volunteers’ dedication. Then, in October 2021, she participated in a blood donation activity in Temerloh, and two months later, in the flood relief operations. Not only did she feel the spiritual joy, she also realized that the value and meaning of life, lies in giving and serving. This year, when the senior volunteers were kickstarting the preparation for the musical adaptation scheduled for July 31, they were worried about conducting the book study sessions and forming a team of sign language performers in Bera. To their relief, Guat Chen readily took up the role to lead the book study sessions and sign language practices in the community. In the process, Aik Hong, who has Down syndrome, would remind Guat Chen to practise sign language and even corrected her hand gestures and movements. Guat Chen was grateful for his reminders, which she believed was due to him having a mind free of distracted thoughts. When Aik Hong saw a video footage showing how some stateless children were deprived of schooling opportunity, he promised his mother that he would donate part of the money he earned from working in his father’s shop, to allow the children a chance to attend school. He also vowed to observe vegetarianism together with his mother, so that he could undertake the seed volunteer role for the global musical adaptation, which will be televised through Tzu Chi Taiwan in December this year. By Yaw Ah Moi Photo by Lee Siew Kuan