The world of Tzu Chi (Vol.106)

2019 • 01 28 good affinity. “Although I have no control over my physical body, my initial aspiration will never fade.” This incredible affinity has given Master De Tzu endless source of wisdom. Being mindful in every moment Lin Ah Xia, who is 90 years old (in 2018) and fondly known as “Yin Mama”, has been living at the Abode for 35 years. Every time someone asked for her age, she would reply with a happy smile, “Just ‘40’!” Picking vegetables has been her daily routine for the past 30-plus years. Each leaf must be torn into pieces of a bite size and of similar length, while at the same time, being efficient enough to ensure sufficient supply for over a thousand servings per day, without compromising on proper demeanour in the process. Thus, the vegetable-picking zone is also a good place for spiritual cultivation. Yin Mama remarked, “Tzu Chi people and the public worldwide are watching, so we must set example and ensure that the vegetables are of 1-inch. Every step is important.” By just picking vegetables in the past 12,000-plus days, Yin Mama created good affinities with people from around the world daily. “The vegetables must be arranged neatly so that people feel happy at the sight of them.” She shared that every time Master Cheng Yen walked past the vegetable-picking area, Master would look at the baskets first to check whether the vegetables were neatly piled, before looking at the people who did the job. Master once said, “When doing a task, we must think over it, and think for others who will take over or use it.” The truth is, vegetables that are neatly arranged are not only pleasing to the eyes, but are also easy to take, thus saving the time of those who wash them. This is in line with the concept of “proper handling at the source” that Master has been emphasizing. “By being careful and serious in what we do, we can get things done quickly, properly and efficiently,” Yin Mama added that more than 30 years ago when Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital first came into operation, volunteers had to do everything themselves. On one occasion, Master Cheng Yen demonstrated to all on how to fold the gauzes upon noticing that they were not done neatly and efficiently. “When I had completed folding the first and wanted to get a second piece, I found that Master had already finished a stack, tidy and neat.” Master’s efficiency served as a reminder to Yin Mama to be attentive at work and mindful in every moment. Taking ‘suffering’ as a duty In her Dharma talk on December 21, 2016, Master Cheng Yen mentioned that Yin Mama’s second son suffered from a stroke not long after her eldest son’s demise. “I was concerned whether she was worried. Of course she was worried, but she looked at ease. This is the result of self-cultivation.” Yin Mama accepted the realities of life, and so, she showed no suffering. She said, “This is the cause of nature and karmic affinity!” She understood life’s truth through happenings in life, “so what is left to complain?” Having learnt about impermanence from what had befallen her children, she took suffering as a duty in life and nourishment for wisdom growth. “Affliction is a form of suffering, but not a bad friend.” Faced eature