The World Of Tzu Chi December 2019 (Vol.117)

TZU CHI 117 29 resolved to strive for continuous improvement in order to prepare himself for the demands of his role as a certified Tzu Chi commissioner. A renewed vow As a fresh graduate, Derek was unsure of his future pathway in life and returned to the Jing Si Abode in Hualien for a soul-searching retreat at the spiritual home for Tzu Chi volunteers. Spending ten days at a camp for overseas Tzu Ching members gave him a better understanding of Master Cheng Yen, as well as a clearer goal: to share the Master’s burden. After receiving his certification as a Tzu Chi commissioner, Derek retrieved his “time capsule” and revisited the three vows inscribed on the slip of paper: to practise vegetarianism, to mentor future Tzu Ching members and become a documenting volunteer, to be certified as a Tzu Chi commissioner by age 30. Although the vows were made two years ago, emotions swelled within him as he read them aloud to himself, feeling grateful that he persevered in fulfilling the vows and never gave up. Derek recalled collecting his “time capsule” from theMaster, who inquired, “Where are the other Tzu Ching members? Why have they not returned?” The Master’s query left a lasting impression on Derek, prompting him to leave his “time capsule” behind at the Abode with a new pledge, that is, to gather his fellow Malaysian Tzu Ching members and lead them home to the Abode. Derek Goh Chi Lun, Tham Jia Wei and Wong Kim Yean returned to the Jing Si Abode in Hualien, Taiwan to retrieve the “time capsules” containing their pledges made two years ago. [Photograph courtesy of Derek Goh Chi Lun] Returning Home to the Master