The world of Tzu Chi May-June 2022 (Vol.141)

09 TZU CHI 141 second chance to live. “Previously, I could complete the pilgrimage, where you knelt at every three steps. But now, I cannot even complete the simple ritual of bathing the Buddha. Impermanence may happen any time, so I seized the opportunity and signed up for the sutra adaptation performance in July.” With his sister’s encouragement, 37-year-old Ka Seng wakes up around 4 a.m. daily to synchronize his chants with the Jing Si Abode in Hualien. The Dharma, together with the love from his family, has given him strength to tide over life’s predicaments. Before leaving for Jing Si Hall, he dug out whatever coins he had as he wanted to contribute to the bamboo bank. Initially, his health issues made him hesitate. “When I think of the Ukrainian refugees, they may be suffering just like me! Hence, if I am able to contribute, I should.” He hopes that there would be less suffering in the world. He is determined to cherish every moment, and continue to learn and contribute to society. The ceremony was a sobering one for many, resurrecting seeds of convictions and compassion while sealing the firm intention to live a life of service to others. Hopefully, the pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war will be over soon, and that we could once again come together in the next Buddha Day to pray for a blessed society. Bathing the Buddha: ACleansing Within Wo Ka Seng, who is going through a crisis, shed tears as he prayed to Buddha. He hopes he could contribute more for the greater good. [Photo by Leong Chian Yee]