The world of Tzu Chi (Vol.111)

2019 • 06 14 eature T an Siew Giok manages a garment manufacturing enterprise that she founded with her husband in their younger days. She has successfully propelled her business to its current stature by working long hours throughout the week. Yet, the gruelling daily grind wiped out all traces of happiness fromher fatigued being, as she was left with barely any time to take a breather. At work, she was constantly frustrated by her employees’ grievances, which, more often than not, involved weighing financial considerations due to the profit-oriented nature of her trade. Back at home, she managed the household as she would her business, resulting in a strained relationship with her children. The overwhelming stress eventually took a toll on her – she was too exhausted to socialize and retreated into her own shell. Even getting her hair done felt like a chore; she preferred to enlist the services of a trustworthy hairdresser. In 2008, she decided to visit Mee Hong’s hair salon at the recommendation of an employee. However, after a few visits, she became cautious of Mee Hong as the latter began to invite her to donate to Tzu Chi. Learning to let go “I was unfamiliar with Tzu Chi’s missions then, and neither did I have any knowledge of Buddhist teachings, so I was reluctant to freely donate my hard-earned money. Also, how would I find time to volunteer when I was preoccupied with making money?” Siew Giok smiled as she recalled her indifference at Mee Hong’s suggestion of channelling RM1 from her hairdressing costs to charity. As time went by, Siew Giok remained stubbornly unperturbed by Mee Hong’s repeated invitations, but the challenges she faced in various