The World Of Tzu Chi March 2024 (Vol.149)

2024 • 03 16 Cultivating diligently despite adversity Crossing over suffering and moving forward “L et us compete on who is more loving and not on who is more feared.” Mama Ji shared how Master’s wisdom has improved her family life. Her words struck a chord with Yap Siew Fong, who, like Mama Ji, underwent a remarkable transformation after encountering Tzu Chi. Formerly short-tempered and fussed over trivial matters, Siew Fong has learned to face marital and financial challenges with equanimity. Despite being diagnosed with lymphoma in early 2023, she resumed her role as a community leader after regaining her strength post-treatment. “I fear impermanence. I don’t know how many more Tzu Chi activities I can attend. If I had not come today, would I have a chance in another 30 years?” She admitted, tears glistening in her eyes. Recalling Master’s affirmation, “You are diligent,” she finds confidence and harbours no regrets in her Tzu Chi journey. V olunteer Wai Kam Ying has joined Tzu Chi for 23 years. Memories flooded back as she reminisced about her involvement in recycling activities, a centre for people with disabilities, and the cooking team, among others. Although she had to temporarily step back from Tzu Chi around 2013 due to heart problems, she resumed her involvement after her health improved. She was teary mentioning the loss of her youngest son, yet she affirmed, “Tzu Chi has always been my anchor. I need to move forward and continue doing good deeds.” She agreed with Echo Chien’s view that engaging in Tzu Chi work is for oneself; it also allows the heart to find peace. Reflecting on Hong Jing-Yuan's story, where she tearfully confided in the Master for half an hour about her struggles in composing an article, and the Master allowed her to express her feelings without probing further, Kam Ying realised that everyone faces hardships, and eventually, they shall pass. Photo by Ngiao Swee Ping Photo by Look Foot Seong