The world of Tzu Chi March-April 2022 (Vol.140)

2022 • 04 14 pecial Feature Dictated by Teong Cheng Yee (Case team leader) Translated by Woon Xiao Rui A rich poor lady Rosnaidah’s family had survived on porridge for meals. Having been on that narrow path, she could empathize with those who are suffering. She had delivered warm meals to others as her way of filling the world with warmth. M azuan bin Yajid and his wife, Rosnaidah binti Maharon, live a simple and happy life with their six children. Theirs is no fairy tale but one defined by true contentment and optimism. Mazuan earns RM30 a day as a restaurant worker, while Rosnaidah earns a more stable income as a cashier. During the Covid-19 MCO in 2020, Mazuan’s pay was slashed to RM20 per day while Rosnaidah’s was down by half. Fortunately, their daughter received a monthly financial assistance of RM150 from the Parent- Teacher Association, and their eldest son’s college classes were moved online, temporarily relieving them from the burden of paying his accommodation and food expenses. During the first home visit, I could already tell that Rosnaidah is a passionate and optimistic wife. She recalled that during the MCO period, her family was so poor that they could only afford to buy rice and fill themselves up with porridge. Yet, they have continued to maintain their positivity towards life, gritting their teeth through those gruelling days. Having been on that narrow path, Rosnaidah could empathize with the flood victims during the Klang Valley floods last December. She and her husband prepared fried rice and mineral water, distributing them around the Hulu Langat disaster area on their motorcycle. She said, “Although I was unable to help the victims financially, I could at least provide them with a warm meal. Because of the flood, they had lost everything. At least we still had a roof above us!” The care that she displayed made me realize that she is actually a rich lady among the poor, deserving our admiration. At the end of the visit, I invited her to pick a scroll of Jing Si aphorism. She picked one that read, “Getting angry is punishing ourselves for others’ mistakes.” I asked jokingly, “Have you been angry lately?” She responded awkwardly that she did, in fact, get angry sometimes because of her children. She was thankful for the timely reminder to cease being angry but instead, to love her children more. Having each other’s back After evaluation, Rosnaidah’s family was eligible to receive a subsidy. She said, “If we had any other choice, we would not have asked for help from others.” When I found out that Rosnaidah had received six years of Chinese primary education, I guided her to read the Master’s letter of consolation. As she read, the words resonated with her heart, and Tzu Chi’s spirit in helping all beings aligned with her views.