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

2022 • 08 16 pecial Feature By Yap Chai Hoon Translated by Jilly Bong Photo by Chia Aai Hoon Thank you for another sunrise Cancer-stricken Wo Ka Seng is grateful for the opportunity to learn the teachings of Buddha, which had sustained him throughout his cancer treatment. God might have hit the pause button but He definitely gave him a second chance. F ebruary 8 this year was the eighth day of the Lunar New Year. While every household was immersed in the festive mood, Wo Ka Seng, 37, was rushed to the hospital’s emergency room due to a high fever. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, visitors, including family members, were not allowed. His second sister, Soek Meng, sent him two Buddhist scriptures, hoping it would help him stay calm. That sparked the start of his karmic connection with Tzu Chi. Later, the diagnosis confirmed that Ka Seng had stage four colorectal cancer. The unexpected news came like a bomb, tearing apart his dreams and life. It was an uphill path, trying to convince himself to accept the diagnosis. He received his first chemotherapy treatment towards the end of April, and he found comfort by listening to Master Cheng Yen’s Dharma talk at dawn. “Even though I do not understand Taiwanese Hokkien, I felt as though every word that Master said was directed at me. In the past, I was unable to appreciate the lovely things around me or cherish what I had.” He chuckled, admitting that he had finally learned to cherish every second of his life. Even as he looked out of his window, the clouds, once so ordinary and insignificant, were a fresh spectacle. Now he starts the day early at 4 a.m. and attends the Dharma talk online after breakfast. This would be followed by a short break and some food before his morning exercise. “I would exercise and catch up with my neighbours. This keeps me going. I recently started learning Japanese. After my chemotherapy treatment is over, I plan to visit my friend in Japan. This is the reason I want to live; I feel like everyone is rooting for me, which makes me more motivated to live.” With unwavering determination and encouragement, Ka Seng overcame the physical discomfort and actively participated in the book study sessions and other activities. He completed his first round of chemotherapy in April. Despite being on a wheelchair, he participated in the Buddha Bathing Ceremony held at KL Tzu-Chi Jing Si Hall, accompanied by volunteer Lim Choy Kim. He was eager to learn more about Buddhism. “God did not take me away immediately after pressing the pause button on me. Despite having terminal cancer, I am very grateful for God’s mercy in granting me another opportunity to learn.” Stepping out into the sunshine Ka Seng started losing his hair during his treatment but this did not dampen his spirits. He decided to face it head-on. During the outdoor book study session for the musical adaptation on May 21, he shared with the other participants what he had discovered while studying Buddhism. He even thoughtfully brought mosquito-