The world of Tzu Chi (Vol.109)

TZU CHI 109 41 that his asthma would not be triggered by the dust dispersed during the cleaning process. The volunteers promised to bring each item out for his inspection before sorting them accordingly. During the cleaning process, the volunteers found many old-fashioned suitcases and cardboard boxes covered in dust, all containing garments and towels. The garments were either stained or torn. Uncle Chong revealed that he used to love buying new clothes, which he kept in boxes. As time went by, these garments were forgotten. “In recent years, I cannot afford to buy new clothes anymore. However, friends would give some to me. I estimate that there are over 100 pieces here. It’s a pity that they have become tattered before even beingworn. They have turned into old rags now,” said Uncle Chong regretfully, while eyeing the accumulated piles of clothing. Amongst the clutter was a porcelain statue of Guan Yin Bodhisattva. Uncle Chong recalled that it was a gift from someone, which he conveniently forgot after placing it into a box. When the volunteers found a few large bottles of mineral water, they asked Uncle Chong if they could still be consumed. Uncle Chong shook his head and said he could not recall how long they had been kept for. He claimed to have bought the water when he was told that it was “energized” water, which is beneficial to health. The bottles of mineral water ended up being hoarded away with other belongings and were since forgotten. Out of concern that the water might be contaminated, the volunteers sought Uncle Chong’s permission to use it for washing and cleaning the floor, to which he agreed. He also reflected pensively that “objects that Uncle Chong had seen better days, when he worked as a traditional mole-removal expert. He showed the volunteers a banner featuring his portraits with famous celebrities.