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

19 TZU CHI 143 Overcoming pain with willpower — Tang Choon Chow Redefining life — Marcus Ng V olunteer Tang Choon Chow discovered that she had a frozen shoulder only during the sign language practices. To make it for the performance, she visited four traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioners. She related, “This is a stubborn disease, which even the TCM practitioners are powerless to heal. So, just let nature takes its course.” Instead of pulling out, Choon Chow practised more diligently. She expressed, “I have no control over my physical condition. The most important is to guide fellow performers to grasp the essence of the performance and present them mindfully. Then, my task is accomplished.” The sight of a hall full of performers at the prayers and blessing event moved Choon Chow deeply, and she saw hope for the purification of people’s minds. M arcus Ng, a chef-cum-owner of a restaurant, was wheelchair-bound after a fall in April 2020. He confessed that in the past, he would do whatever it took, to achieve his goals. He was slowly losing himself as a result. But the accident changed his outlook on life. He began to focus on his family, and later, adopted a plant- based diet for health reasons. Being at the prayers and blessing event, Marcus felt an incredible vibe. He said, “Although I cannot really stand up, I can share my experience so that those who encounter problems or are in a low point in life, can stop chasing a dead end and move on.” His physical limitation is no hindrance to his intention to help others. By Lai Sou Chang Photo by Boon Wui Kong By Chong Shea Tieng Photo by Lee Eng Foo Shining the Light of the Dharma