The world of Tzu Chi (Vol.111)

2019 • 06 12 eature smoking throughout my time in the Abode as well as in the recycling centre, so I managed to curb my urge to smoke and eventually quit smoking,” claimed the former serial smoker. He is also ever willing to help the elderly volunteers with their volunteering errands. It all started when Yoon Hong offered to fetch a group of senior volunteers in his 7-seater SUV to the KL Tzu-Chi Jing Si Hall in Kepong to learn how to make steamed buns. From then on, he took on the role of chauffeuring the elderly volunteers to various Tzu Chi activities. His newfound responsibility cultivated in him the habit of retiring to bed at 10 pm nightly to ensure that he would be well-rested for his chauffeuring duties the following day. Turning in early for the day also quelled his desire to gamble. Sincerity breeds trust The turning point in Yoon Hong’s life came as he left the gambling dens to commit himself to Tzu Chi, occupying his free time with volunteer work. During a meal gathering with fellow volunteers, Yoon Hong insisted on picking up the tab, but was dissuaded by Mee Hong, who held the impression that Yoon Hong was a lowly construction worker with little money to spare for such excesses. To this, Yoon Hong confessed to be anything but and revealed his true occupation – he was, in fact, an affluent building contractor living the high life, indulging in luxury goods, lavish meals and had no qualms lending huge sums to his friends. His claims of living in penury as a humble labourer were all but a false front to avoid being taken advantage of. Yoon Hong was initially sceptical of anyone who gave of themselves selflessly to charity, but spending time with the volunteers allowed him to observe their sincere intentions to serve all in need with kindness and compassion. He gradually let his guard down and warmed up to the volunteers. After receiving his certification as a Tzu Cheng Faith Corps member last year, Yoon Hong recounted his reservations to Master ChengYen. His faith in a volunteer’s purpose was reinforced as he took the Master’s words to heart: “Your apprehension towards the kind intentions of others runs deep. Now that you are a certified volunteer, youmust uphold the values of sincerity, integrity, trustworthiness and honesty.” With that,YoonHongvowed to theMaster to source for a new venue to relocate the Sri Petaling Recycling Centre from its current premises in the repurposed cargo container. He hopes to secure a more spacious site to accommodate greater loads of recyclables, and is considering bearing the costs of resettling the Recycling Centre from his own pocket for the benefit of all. “I used to spend my earnings on a whim. I even lost track of the amount of loans I’ve handed out to my friends. In retrospect, the money should have been donated to the needy instead,” he reflected. Starting anew A home visit to a care recipient with five children opened his eyes to the reality of poverty. On the day of the visit, the family was sharing among themselves a small portion of noodles offered by a neighbour. The children clamoured over the noodles and refused to allow even a bean sprout that had fallen out from the packet onto the floor go to waste – it was hastily picked up and eaten all the same. Yoon Hong was so appalled by the extent of deprivation faced by the family that he resolved to surrender his extravagant lifestyle and pursue a more meaningful purpose in life