The world of Tzu Chi Sep-Oct 2022 (Vol.143)

TZU CHI 143 51 Watch the related video here: As long as one sincerely lives by the example to do good, others are bound to follow suit. For the sake of Chern Louis, his grandfather even started a little garden patch outside the house, growing choy sum, Chinese spinach, white bitter gourd and other vegetables, as well as a passion fruit tree that climbed freely in the yard. When the day arrived for harvesting, Chern Louis’ grandfather held him up to let him pluck his favourite vegetable of bitter gourd. “Chern Louis said he wanted to eat vegetables. So I asked for his preference and bought the seeds to plant,” explained the grandfather, while gazing contently at his happy grandson. The grandmother smiled and said that they did not mind joining their grandson for vegetarian meals. Saving water and electricity Being a vegetarian is also an expression of love for Mother Earth. Besides a change in diet, Chern Louis has also led his parents to practise recycling. He learned in class that Mother Earth is sick due to environmental destruction, and therefore, there is a need to save water and energy. When Seong Leng answered affirmatively that taking the elevator consumes energy, he told his father firmly, “Then I will stop taking lift and will climb the stairs to get home instead.” Although taken aback by his decision, Seong Leng obliged in order not to go against his good will. Obviously, the little boy knew his house is on the 36th floor! Seong Leng remarked, “It is definitely beyond my physical capability to climb to such height. But since he wants to do this, I will accompany him. We will take the lift home when we are both exhausted.” Seong Leng recalled an incident when he raised his voice to stop Chern Louis from climbing up a chair, thinking that he was being playful and fearing for his safety. As it turned out, the boy only meant to switch off the lights to save energy. “His will is strong where environmental conservation is concerned. He practises whatever he learned from class when he comes home,” said the father with a trace of regret for his raised tone on that occasion. “He has actually learned more about environmental protection than I do. In a way, he has taught me much in this respect.” Chern Louis also reminded his parents to bring their own handkerchiefs instead of using tissue paper, and demonstrated to his mother how to wash up dishes with the tap flowing at a volume similar to the size of a chopstick. Kwei Fen commented that her child is kind-hearted. At times, when she raised her voice slightly when talking to her husband, Chern Louis would remind them to speak softly and to compete on who is more loving, not who is more feared. Despite his age, Chern Louis is able to take home the good habits he learned in class and practise them at home. Now, his family eat more healthily, and everyone is more harmonious. It is not a surprise when Seong Leng remarked that it was the most correct choice to enrol his child in Da Ai kindergarten.

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