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

TZU CHI 142 37 difficult to break these old habits, but thankfully, everyone at the recycling centre were kind to constantly remind me to keep my voice low whenever I spoke loudly.” Additionally, there were many Jing Si aphorisms at the recycling centre, such as, “Be soft-spoken and forgiving”; “If we are irritated by others, it is because we are yet lacking in moral cultivation”; “Be willing to serve and be happy to bear”; and “Take the Dharma to heart and practise it in daily life”. These aphorisms served as reminders and guidance to Wang Mai, helping her to gradually break her old, bad habits. Wang Mai shared smilingly, “There were more and more recyclables to sort out, leaving me with no time to waste. I usually went home tired and naturally, did not have the energy to be annoyed at trivial matters. Over time, many people said my temper had become milder.” Even people from her hometown noticed her positive change. When they learnt that she has been doing environmental protection work for years, they complimented her sincerely. The support and acknowledgement became the major driving forces for her to press on. Curbing desires, becoming vegetarian Poy Sang is grateful that they came into contact with Tzu Chi and Buddhism through recycling work. In 2015, they took part in the “Dharma as Water” musical adaptation and learnt about the law of karma. The story of Master Wu Da’s encounter with the force of karmic retribution that manifested as a human- faced boil on his knee, left a particularly deep impression on Poy Sang. Furthermore, a scene from “The Dream”, where a wealthy woman who enjoyed fish balls dreamt that she became the animals being slaughtered, frightened him. He could not help but reflect, as after all, he had slaughtered countless fishes when he was a fishmonger. After completing the 108-day of vegetarian fast for the musical adaptation, the couple continued to adopt vegetarian meals. Increasing from twice to thrice a week, they eventually became full-fledged vegetarians. To Poy Sang, becoming vegetarian was the same as doing recycling work. He emphasized, “It is not difficult. You just have to be determined.” The simple action of collecting and sorting recyclables has brought him a deep sense of satisfaction, because it means preserving Mother Earth. He also shared his favourite Jing Si aphorisms, “Give without asking for anything in return” and “For the right thing, just do it”. They inspired him to speak good words and do good deeds, making his life more meaningful. On a plot of land outside the recycling centre were some vegetables and sugarcanes planted by Wang Mai, who enjoys gardening. When the sugarcanes ripen, she would harvest them and bring them to a nearby mamak stall, for the owner to help turn them into sugarcane drinks to share with volunteers at the recycling centre. She shared, “I am grateful that my husband and I can do recycling work together, post retirement. We are really happy to be doing this, and it feels as sweet as having sugarcane drinks…” Just as sugarcanes are sweeter at the bottom than the top, one has to fight through some bad days to live the best days of one’s life. Poy Sang and Wang Mai feel blessed that in their later years, they are able to have a life without regrets, nurturing Mother Nature with their hands.