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

TZU CHI 124 55 traditional Chinese medicine for the elderly lady, I administered acupuncture treatment on her with her family’s permission. I positioned the needles on her scalp as well as targeted acupuncture points to improve circulation and stimulate the part of the nervous system associated with the brain’s language production processes. At that instant, I felt as if the patient had entrusted her life to me. As a medical professional, I am obligated to serve my patients to the best of my ability, while keeping my patients’well-being in mind. Suddenly, the elderly lady emitted a grunt as if clearing her throat and shortly after, broke down in tears of anguish and pain. “Have faith in yourself and don’t give up. You’ll recover in due time,” I repeated, trying to offer her some solace. After a while, the elderly lady seemed to have calmed down. “Are you feeling better now?” I asked, to which she replied through an interpreter, “Yes, I feel better!” She cried tears of joy and thanked me profusely upon realizing that she had not only recovered her ability to speak; she was also able to lift her arm. Meanwhile, Master Cheng Yen’s adage flashed across my mind: “Illness and pain are the greatest sources of human suffering. Hence, the Tzu Chi International Medical Association (TIMA) is guided by the principle of healing from the heart with the aim of relieving the suffering of all beings.” The elderly lady’s long-standing woes of a chronic illness that hindered her ability to lead a self-sufficient life and the agony of not having an outlet to release her pent-up frustration had left her feeling forlorn over the years. I encouraged her to soldier on with confidence and not lose hope. The intense pressure of serving in an international medical outreach mission and the high level of responsibility demanded of every volunteer and medical personnel involved weighed heavily on our shoulders, not to mention the reserves of time, effort and finances invested into this endeavour. Nevertheless, witnessing patients being saved from the brink of mortal danger and the lives of families taking a turn for the better made the sacrifices worthwhile. I am grateful to be blessed with the opportunity to volunteer with Tzu Chi alongside Master Cheng Yen, enabling me to engage with the teachings of the Dharma and apply them in practice. I believe that one is only able to fully comprehend the essence of the Dharma by staying true to the core Buddhist principle of compassion, besides cultivating that selfsame spirit through first- hand involvement in charity work. I sincerely hope for the illuminating generosity of Tzu Chi volunteers to shine on brightly over Battambang, lighting the way for the locals and nourishing the land with a purifying stream of Dharma wisdom, nurturing fertile ground for the seeds of kindness sown by Tzu Chi to grow and flourish, potentially freeing all sentient beings from suffering. Ong Boon Hock • Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner • Vice President of Malaysian Chinese Medical Classics Society • Head of Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lincoln University College • PhD, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine • Member of the Tzu Chi International Medical Association (TIMA)