The world of Tzu Chi (Vol.108)

TZU CHI 108 43 “I was reminded of this story and told the old woman that it was her sincerity that counts. I told her that we would be equally grateful even if all she could offer was a piece of old clothing. As soon as I finished my words, she sobbed on my shoulder.” Overwhelmed by the old woman’s reaction, Maria too, turned teary. It brought her to reflect that many had avoided coming to such a dark and cold place, but had they not braved their way there, she would not have witnessed such a glorious side of human nature. Maria was initially hesitant to help those illegal immigrants from Indonesia, as she had been oppressed in her childhood days just because she was a Chinese. She shared, “At first, I didn’t feel sorry for them. But Tzu Chi has opened my eyes to the harsher sideof life.These immigrants havehad their fair share of misery, so why should I hold grudges? Master’s teachings have helped me to let go of the bitterness and resentment that I harboured.” Besides Kampung Titingan, there are many other ‘black areas’ in Tawau, where the residents are deprived of medical care and education due to their stateless and undocumented status. With faith in Master Cheng Yen’s viewpoint that education is the only way out to break the cycle of poverty, Maria would make time to serve at the Titingan Community Learning Centre regularly. Despite being in her 70s, she remains committed to Tzu Chi’s work and assumes an important role as a Tzu Chi cadre member in her community. Maria’s husband once told her, “You have been volunteering with Tzu Chi for more than a decade. I think you have done enough. Would you please stop volunteering?” But Maria thought otherwise. She revealed in a serious tone, “At that moment, I thought to myself: How could I stop volunteering just after ten-plus years? I want to do this for every life to come!” Of course, she did not utter her thoughts to avoid any conflicts with her husband, which would potentially become a barrier for her to continue her voluntary work with Tzu Chi. She just carries on with what she thinks are the right things to do, quietly but determinedly. As a disciple of Master ChengYen, she firmly believes that the Tzu Chi volunteers should go to the darkest and coldest of places, where others would avoid, and bring love and care to the people on behalf of the Master. She shared, “We have, in return, witnessed the beauty of human nature and the compassion in them. We are deeply grateful to Master for giving us the opportunity to realize that it is the places inflicted by poverty and suffering that truly need love and care from us.” In 2014, Maria presented reusable bags that she collected from the recycling centre for the children of Tzu Chi care recipients to use as school bags, before the start of school. [Photograph by Lee Yoke Ling]