The world of Tzu Chi January 2021 (Vol.130)

TZU CHI 130 15 community. She explained, “Some of them were doubtful about our sincerity and intention, they even thought that our intention was to convert them from their religion. So, I reminded the volunteers to first show our goodwill and convey the goals and key points of the relief programme clearly.” Sui San was grateful for the efforts of the volunteers. She said, “When the unfortunate can’t find help, we must go to them. Without going to them, we wouldn’t know how difficult their lives are. It’s our blessing to be able to bring warmth to those faced with food insecurity and a difficult life. Had we not set up the booths, these families would still be struggling…” Among the 4,381 applications, the proportion of Chinese, Malay and Indian applicants were 37%, 23% and 36%, respectively. The team was relieved to receive more than a thousand applications from our Malay compatriots. This showed that in the face of a common adversity, Malaysians were able to demonstrate sincerity and unity beyond religion and race. Mun Keat said, “During this hard time, we should help each other. Tzu Chi can also play its role in soothing the worried minds.” Love beyond ethnicity Pei Kee, who is one of the key staff in charge of the relief programme, is also a Tzu Chi volunteer. After work, she visited beneficiary families along with fellow volunteers. She was deeply moved by the feedback of a beneficiary, Noorazlina binti Abu. “Noorazlina confessed that she was initially doubtful about the programme. She wondered if we would really help her as Tzu Chi is a Buddhist organization with mainly Chinese volunteers. It wasn’t until volunteers set up counters at the PPR flat and assisted the residents with online application that she believed it was genuine.” Pei Kee also felt the volunteers’ mindfulness helped, recounting an experience where a sudden outpour of rain got the volunteers to move Noorazlina and other residents while in the midst of helping them fill up the application details. Moreover, volunteers also brought them chairs to sit and shield them from rain with their bodies. These actions fully demonstrated Tzu Chi’s humanistic culture. Noorazlina felt the sincerity and her perception towards the Buddhist organization changed. She finally saw that the works of Tzu Chi were selfless. During home visits, volunteers also read aloud a letter from Master Cheng Yen. Pei Kee remembers clearly when she read the line, “as we lift our heads in repentance and lower our heads in gratitude…” Noorazlina was overwhelmed. In the face of the pandemic, everyone must take the chance to repent deeply. For example, did we cherish all lives and give thanks to all things on earth that nourished us and allowed us to sustain our lives? Indeed, this pandemic is a great lesson for us all to reflect on ourselves and live up to the message that is brought to us. Pei Kee said, “Tzu Chi is an organization that transcends race and religion, and Master teaches us about Great Love. Even though people of other races have always had reservations about us, I think this programme can actually help us break the barriers. To me, this small step might be an important first step for Tzu Chi in Malaysia. Furthermore, we had the opportunities to go to their homes to promote kindness and vegetarianism. I believe many things will start to change gradually.” Kita 1 Keluarga, We Are One Family