The world of Tzu Chi January 2020 (Vol.118)

TZU CHI 118 33 Volunteers Wong Zi Yin (middle) and Leong Hao Qiang (far right) share a tender moment with their family, demonstrating to their little one the meaning of filial piety. [Photograph by Tan Mei Peng] Vivian Tan, a mother of three, had been served tea by her children in the past and intended to serve tea to her father-in-law in this year’s ceremony, but ended up choked with tears after being served tea by her children once again. She emphasized the importance of leading by example with regard to demonstrating filial piety in practice, besides expressing her hope for her two eldest daughters, who are English-educated, to be able to better appreciate the significance of the tea-serving ceremony. Another attendee, Yap Choy Ling noted that her child was finally able to serve her tea and gaze into her eyes without being reduced to tears. Her parents passed away when she was in her 20s, hence time spent with them was limited. Nevertheless, she now aims to inculcate the values of filial piety and gratitude in her children by exposing them to events that impart the importance of being filial. Besides acknowledging the potential of youths to contribute to society with their able bodies and minds, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) student Yap Juin Zhan is aware that parents gradually age as their children grow, leading him to the realization that every opportunity to fulfil our filial duties should be cherished. “Some of my friends would seek part- time work during their spare time to ease their parents’ burden. I hope to secure a job in my hometown upon graduating so that I’ll be able to stay by my parents’ side,” he shared. Extolling the Virtues of Filial Piety