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

2022 • 08 36 eople When the pandemic situation eased, Eng Poy Sang’s neighbours would leave recyclables at his doorstep. After sorting the items, Poy Sang and his wife would send them to the recycling centre. and there was nothing she could do to end the suffering. The helplessness terrified Wang Mai, and she vowed to lead a meaningful life. Hence, she began putting more effort in protecting the environment, picking up recyclables from the roads and the bins. Whenever Wang Mai heard someone commenting that the volunteers were doing a silly job collecting rubbish (recyclables) without any reward, or even spending their own money to do the job, she would try to clarify. However, she was often misunderstood to be hot-headed owing to her loud voice. Although other volunteers always reminded her to speak softly and in a pleasant manner, she would shrug it off. In 2012, the couple participated in an environmental protection camp organized by Tzu Chi Headquarters in Taiwan. When Master Cheng Yen softly greeted everyone, Wang Mai immediately replied in her usual booming voice. Later, others reminded her that she should learn to speak softly like the Master. She recalled that Master’s poise and soft voice was particularly comfortable to hear. Hence, she secretly decided to emulate Master’s soft-speaking manner. Also, during their visits to several Tzu Chi recycling centres in Taiwan, Wang Mai noticed that the volunteers did not chat and instead focused on the tasks on hand. The tranquillity and devotion impressed her deeply. The Tzu Chi etiquette observed throughout the trip prompted Wang Mai to reflect on her own speech and behaviour, and she was determined to start speaking softly, controlling her temper and refraining from getting into arguments. She related, “I thought it would be