The world of Tzu Chi (Vol.108)

TZU CHI 108 21 and loving siblings,” she said. She revealed that her father formed another family when she was two. Her grandmother in China then took her and her mother and brother under her wing.Afewyears later, her father decided to bring her family back to live in Kuala Lumpur. However, her brother chose to stay in China to complete his studies. Within half a year after she and her mother returned to her father’s side, her father passed away due to illness, leaving her and her mother to struggle with their lives. She recounted, “At that time, Malaysia had gained independence. Due to the political situation and the fact that I was born in Kuala Lumpur, I was officially a Malaysian citizen and could no longer go to China at will. That left us with no choice but to stay in Malaysia. My mum had to take up multiple jobs to raise me and to support my brother’s education in China.” Sok Chu married at age 22. She did not mind the dowry, but her mother must live with her. Although her husband was a male chauvinist, short- tempered and stubborn, he was loving towards his wife and children, allowing Sok Chu to finally feel the warmth of a family. Sok Chu’s patience, especially when dealing with her husband’s temper, won her admiration and respect from her children. While working hard to help her husband with his business in the steel and transportation sectors, Sok Chu had never neglected her role as a mother. She was thankful that her children were well- behaved since young, and rarely caused her any worries. Nothing was more gratifying to her than to see her children bonding closely with one another. In 1993, Sok Chu’s husband contracted pancreatic cancer. As a result of his illness, their business plummeted and had to be closed down eventually. At that time, their eldest daughter was married, and with the exception of the youngest daughter, their other children had all started working to support the family. In 1997, Sok Chu’s husband succumbed to his illness. Although grieving over her loss, Sok Chu was grateful that her children were able to overcome the difficulties they faced with mutual support and care. Back then, Sok Chu, who had come in touch with Buddhism, would always visit a temple for chanting and prayers, hoping that she could go to the Pure Land and be liberated fromcyclic existence after death. Later, she met a Tzu Chi volunteer at the temple, and was introduced to Tzu Chi’s missions. Herunderstanding towardsTzuChi developed over time. She was impressed with Master Cheng Yen’s aspiration to “work for Buddhism and for all sentient beings”, her efforts in building a hospital, carrying out charitable and recycling work, as well as her practice of self-reliance. Shewas also touched by the volunteers’ compassion in reaching out to others who were suffering. She was motivated to join the ranks of volunteers, but her sense of family responsibility held her back. Smilingly she shared that although she had fulfilled her responsibility as a mother with all her children having their own families, she could Sng Sok Chu (1st from left), her mother and three of her children on their vacation in Genting Highlands more than 30 years ago. [Photograph courtesy of Sng Sok Chu] A Fulfilling Life Starts with a Harmonious Home