The world of Tzu Chi July-August 2022 (Vol.142)

TZU CHI 142 15 led her to feel how well life had treated her. By and by, she began to worry less about her children. After listening to the Master’s words, “One can bring nothing but the karma at the end of life,” she realized that her efforts in accumulating material wealth might not be of any good for her children. That awakening changed her perspective about life. She started to sell off her properties and cars; she even scaled down the size of her business that she had managed for more than 30 years, to make time for Tzu Chi activities. “What a blessing that I had the opportunity to join Tzu Chi and learn the Dharma. Otherwise, I would continue to buy properties; how was I to pay the bank loans when my business turnover was zero due to the pandemic…” Yan Moy dared not imagine how she could deal with the huge stress of loan payment, which could have driven her into a state of losing direction in life, a sense of fear, or even losing her sanity due to the pressure of indebtedness. During MCO, Yan Moy diligently took part in Tzu Chi’s online spiritual cultivation sessions, mid-day prayers and sharing by volunteers; the monthly book study session proved that where there is Dharma, there is a way. She knew that the Dharma is the remedy for calming the mind, especially during the pandemic. “Thanks to the book study sessions, conflicts between in-laws, as well as husband and wife were resolved. All families have their own problems. However, the Dharma is comparable to a clear stream that washes away, over and over again, whatever that worries the mind.” Indeed, the book study sessions, to Yan Moy, were like a mirror that not only reflected the spiritual being of others, but also illuminated the spiritual being of her own. She found herself becoming gentle in temper, more caring in the use of words, and more importantly, she realized that the best asset for her children was not material wealth, but the Dharma. She strongly believes that as long as her children are well versed in the Dharma, they would grow up to be individuals of high morality, with the wisdom to face all kinds of challenges. It is no wonder that the musical adaptation carries a special significance for Swee Nyun and his wife, and their three children. Together, they found joy practising the movements. Swee Nyun believes that the blessings he had accumulated in his past life have given him the affinity to listen to the Dharma in this life. “Besides cherishing this affinity, I will continue to organize book study sessions and call on more volunteers, friends and colleagues to learn the Dharma and advance in the path of spiritual cultivation, so that everyone can be a better self,” he said. After joining Tzu Chi, Wong Swee Nyun (third from right) has not only become a better person but also achieved a richer relationship with his family. [Photo courtesy of Chong Yan Moy] The Lotus Sutra: Returning to Our Pure Intrinsic Nature