The world of Tzu Chi (Vol.111)

TZU CHI 111 11 Embarking on a journey of self-improvement Translated by Lee Hui Yieng employees at even the slightest provocation. Despite his errant ways, Yoon Hong doted on his wife and five children. He was plunged into devastating grief when his wife succumbed to illness in May 2015. His children were worried for him as he cooped himself up in his room for months on end, but were powerless to extricate him from the depths of his sorrow. His 10-year- old granddaughter tried to lift his spirits by introducing him to Facebook and “added” Mee Hong as a Facebook friend by chance. After interacting with Mee Hong through Facebook, Yoon Hong’s granddaughter sensed that Mee Hong stood out from the rest of her grandfather’s friends with her dedication towards helping others, and decided to open up to Mee Hong about her concern for her grandfather. Yoon Hong, on the other hand, was wary of his granddaughter’s online interactions with Mee Hong and phoned her to ensure that she harboured no ill intentions towards his granddaughter. Yoon Hong soon learnt that Mee Hong has been volunteering with Tzu Chi – an organization he had never heard of before. As their conversation progressed, he was intrigued by Mee Hong’s conviction in the importance of practising gratitude and other positive values, which led him to Tzu Chi. When volunteering at the recycling centre, Yoon Hong has had to deal with various recyclables, including glass bottles that reeked of liquor. He was repelled by the overwhelming stench, but he persisted and ultimately overcame his repulsion after a visit to the Jing Si Abode in Taiwan strengthened his resolve to continue engaging in recycling work. Motivated by his own willpower, he then worked on containing his smoking habit. “I was prohibited from Yap Yoon Hong has come a long way from his former lifestyle of indulging in vices as a serial gambler and heavy smoker to serving meaningful causes as a dedicated Tzu Chi volunteer – it all started with an invitation by Mee Hong to undertake recycling work at the Tzu Chi Sri Petaling Recycling Centre. Inspiring Stories from a Friendly Neighbourhood