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

2020 • 01 42 Taking heed of the karmic cycle Looking back, Sau Yoke believed the seeds of unfortunate karma had been planted since childhood. When Sau Yoke was young, she used to be tasked with slaughtering chickens and ducks reared by her family. On one occasion, she frantically bashed the head of a black snake obstructing her path; she found the snake still writhing in pain a few days later. After her previous pregnancy, she had slaughtered chickens to be boiled in herbal soup for her confinement diet. Fear crept up on her as the causes of her karmic consequences revealed themselves to her one after another, compelling her to steer clear from repeating deeds of animal slaughter ever again. “I believe that I’m now paying the price for the negative karma I’ve accumulated over the years. I used to donate fresh supplies of vegetables to temples and orphanages, hoping that my offerings would keep my family safe from harm, but it was not until after joining Tzu Chi that I truly realized positive karma is reaped from performing kind deeds,” she mused. SauYoke has been inspired by the wisdom in the Master’s teachings, such as the Master’s advice that “The measure of wealth is relative, hence we should be content with earning only enough to live on.” The Master’s generosity of spirit resonated with Sau Yoke, who donated the lorry she used for transporting vegetables to the Tzu Chi Sri Damansara Recycling Centre after ending her vegetable stall business. She is grateful that her filial sons and daughters-in-law supported her daily expenses with a monthly allowance, the surplus of which she would contribute to charitable causes. In the wake of the traumatizing fire incident, Sau Yoke narrowly escaped the clutches of death into the open arms of Tzu Chi and values her new lease of life by engaging in voluntary service. After witnessing the plight of the suffering during home visits to the destitute, she was reminded of her ordeal and pledged to raise funds for the benefit of those in need. She received her certification as a Tzu Chi Commissioner in 2018 and has since committed to her role as the Master’s disciple. Sau Yoke’s earnest efforts in learning the Dharma and her dedication to Tzu Chi have not gone unnoticed by her family, who took pride in her achievement and shared her joy. The scars on Sau Yoke’s body have yet to heal completely and require medicated treatment. The surface layer of her skin has become so sensitive that even a mild scratch draws blood. She has also been prescribed rehabilitative exercises to prevent her scars from contracting as well as any potential physical deformities. Yet, instead of lamenting her condition, the feisty Sau Yoke remains optimistic and spends her days volunteering with Tzu Chi and preparing dinner for her family. “To be alive is a blessing in itself. I’m grateful to the Master for paving the way of the bodhisattva for us, her disciples. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have had an outlet to channel my charitable intentions. I’m blessed to be granted a peaceful and harmonious family. Therefore, I want to lend a helping hand to those in need for as long as I’m able to. I’m ready to serve wherever help is needed,” affirmed Sau Yoke, besides imparting a piece of advice to the younger generation: never hesitate to perform kind deeds; the law of karmic cause and effect is inescapable. eople