The world of Tzu Chi July 2020 (Vol.124)

15 TZU CHI 124 Swee Ling was relieved to have stumbled upon the Café, a safe space that allows her room to gather her thoughts and focus on the present. Moreover, her relationship with her family has improved after taking the initiative to adapt. She is finally able to venture outdoors and lead a normal social life. “Whenever I immerse myself in the tranquil environment of the Café, my troubles are pushed to the back of my mind. I’ve also gained many friends here,” shared Swee Ling with a smile. Apart from Jing-Si Aphorisms , Swee Ling is an avid reader of other Jing-Si publications. She is grateful for the opportunity to hone her understanding of Buddhist teachings through books on Buddhist verses, such as Master Cheng Yen’s commentary on the Sutra of the Medicine Buddha , which she is currently preoccupied with. Enlightening reads aplenty Swee Ling’s latest engrossing read is a gift from fellow Café regular Hong Eng Swee, fondly known as “Uncle Oolong” by the Café staff, alluding to his penchant for oolong tea. Lay Kheng observed that Eng Swee would invariably order a pot of oolong tea upon arriving at the Café before settling down to savour his favourite beverage with a book in hand. Eng Swee is of a fit, athletic build and speaks in an energetic, sonorous voice, befitting his love of sports in his youth. “I’ll drop by the Café for tea and some reading while waiting to fetch my children from school. I prefer this café for its serene and uplifting atmosphere, which improves my mood,” he commented. Emotional well-being is a major concern for Eng Swee, who is a cancer patient. He recalled that even his doctor had not foreseen the possibility of him being diagnosed with cancer, for he had been leading a carefree, financially secure life and exercised regularly. However, he had yet to come to terms with his divorce. For several years, Eng Swee dwelled on his sorrow. The pain of heartache engulfed him on lonely nights. “Our emotions affect our health. Hence, we should keep a positive outlook on life,” he advised with a faint smile. Eng Swee was first acquainted with Tzu Chi through a public lecture organized by the Café. He gradually embraced his cancer diagnosis after reading a series of Jing-Si publications on Buddhist teachings, maintaining that instead of claiming to have recovered from his illness, he has chosen to co-exist peacefully with the cancer cells in his body. Unlike other patrons who bring their purchases home, Eng Swee would leave the books he had purchased at the Café to be perused whenever he visits. Furthermore, he has offered to sponsor several copies of Master Cheng Yen’s commentary on the Sutra of theMedicine Buddha and requested the Café staff to present them to prospective readers as his way of forging positive affinities with others. Lay Kheng explained that the Café procures a variety of titles to satisfy the reading preferences of its diverse customer base. She noted that books on health, emotional wellness, parenting and vegetarian recipes are among the most popular categories among patrons. These reads have been carefully curated by Dharma masters at the Jing Si Abode for their wholesome contents that facilitate spiritual growth. Other titles include books authored by practising physicians on various subject matter, such as life and death, end-of-life care and healing through love and positive energy. An Oasis of Calm and Serenity