The World Of Tzu Chi(Vol.128)

TZU CHI 128 29 qin, had his lower body amputated following an accident at 14. He later learned to make shaped balloons, thus creating a future with his own hands. Master Cheng Yen preached, “One’s resilience for life is really incredible. Everyone can lead a beautiful life if they face everything positively.” There are PWDs amongst the volunteers, and they serve diligently. Shi Qing-hai from Fujian Province, China, is deaf. He asked the Master, “Master, can I still be your follower in my next life since I can’t hear or speak in this life?” The Master replied, “You have to create the path with sincerity and pave the path with mindfulness. Pave a smooth Bodhisattva Path for your next life and lay the foundation now. Naturally, you will walk from the path of the ordinary to that of Bodhisattvas in your next life.” To volunteers with disabilities, Master advised, “With our current circumstances, what kind of karmic effects will we create for our next lives? We can’t change the past, but we can still decide now what we want to do in our next lives.” The Master urged everyone to seize the affinity arising from the good karmic causes and conditions, which has led them to cross path with Tzu Chi, for it is the fruits of good karma. The value of life lies not in its length, but its process. Instead of bowing to their fates, these PWDs used their willpower to open a window for their lives to shine. Through their stories, we should realize the deep-seated problems they face in terms of human rights, mental state, self- confidence and independent living. They may be impaired physically, but not in their hearts. When everyone is treated equally and with dignity, perhaps then PWDs can lead the life of an able-bodied person. Lai Chin Tong who suffers from muscular dystrophy, has been a wheelchair user for close to 40 years, since age 15. Initially a Tzu Chi care recipient, he is now a volunteer, fully manifesting the tenacity of life. Ham Pin Eng lost her hearing and speech to an accident in her childhood. But, she is optimistic and smiles often. She and her hearing-impaired husband, Wong Meng Boo, have been volunteering daily at the recycling centre. From Disabled to Able