The world of Tzu Chi (Vol.108)

TZU CHI 108 13 became even more aware of the importance of harmony in the family – a value Sok Chu upheld dearly – and treated her in-lawswith utmost respect. Awell-deserved respite “My mother-in-law is very family- oriented, and is caring towards the younger generation. Her attitude towards the family exemplifies the spirit of harmony,” mused Yean Nee, a mother of two. Yean Nee entrusted Sok Chu with looking after her daughter, while leaving her son in the care of her own mother. Yean Nee used to work in the credit department of a bank, and had scaled the ranks from a junior staff member to her hard-earned position as the head of department. She had never considered resigning from her job even after starting a family. Hence, she was grateful that her elders were on hand to take care of her children, allowing her to focus on her career. However, she felt indebted to Sok Chu, who had to attend to the household chores and her children as both she and King Guan – who worked as a draftsman – were constantly busy at work and would return home exhausted by the end of the day. Yean Nee was moved by Sok Chu’s devotion to the family upon learning that Sok Chu was willing to sacrifice her participation in Tzu Chi’s activities and prioritize her obligations to the family. Deep down, Yean Nee anticipated the time when her children would enter primary school and be independent enough to leave Sok Chu free to pursue her own interests. Yean Nee noticed that under Sok Chu’s upbringing, both her daughter and son – who were then in Primary 1 and kindergarten respectively – had turned out to be very sensible and well-behaved. It struck her that Sok Chu had been labouring for the sake of the family for most of her life. Hence, it was only apt that Sok Chu deserved time off from caregiving duties. “After discussing with King Guan, I decided to quit my job to dedicate myself to taking care of my family. King Guan was agreeable, as we were contented with living within our means,” said Yean Nee. Yean Nee did not regret giving up her career after witnessing Sok Chu regaining her sprightly and motivated self, always eager to share her experiences in Tzu Chi with the family. Yean Nee was fascinated by Sok Chu’s renewed zest for life, and decided to accompany the latter to Tzu Chi’s activities during her spare time. In 2009, Yean Nee and her daughter enrolled in the Tzu Chi’s Parent-child Bonding Class (PCBC) at Sok Chu’s encouragement. The lessons on Jing Si Aphorisms and the in-depth understanding of Tzu Chi’s missions opened her eyes to the vast expanse of spiritual knowledge, inspiring her to follow in Sok Chu’s footsteps and become a Tzu Chi volunteer. Owing to her packed schedule, Yean Nee focused her efforts on spreading awareness on Tzu Chi’s missions to her friends and former colleagues, encouraging everyone in her social circle to donate to a charitable cause. By optimizing her spare time, she ended up recruiting nearly 300 donors. This experience taught Yean Nee not to underestimate the strength of even a lone individual. When one serves with a sincere heart, he or she has the potential to influence others to contribute to charity as well. She finally understood the true meaning of basking in Dharma joy, for giving of oneself is the source of happiness. Abusy mother, a busy wife “My initial intention was merely to serve as A Fulfilling Life Starts with a Harmonious Home