The world of Tzu Chi Nov-Dec 2022 (Vol.144)

2022 • 12 34 ouching Life Story in the midst of bereavement. In fact, they had exhausted their savings due to her husband’s illness. She even needed financial assistance from their relatives to hold a simple funeral for him. Thereafter, she had to learn to manage her life moving forward. Given her introverted personality plus the meticulous care of her late husband, she only had a small social circle of friends and had long been out of touch with society. She related, “At that time, I did not even know how to refuel a car. Moreover, as I had no sense of direction, I dared not drive too far. This greatly limited my job opportunities.” Thankfully, Tzu Chi volunteers were there to assist her. For example, volunteer Soh Yoke Hong taught her how to use Waze, a navigation application that provides real- time route guidance, besides occasionally accompanying her to find a job. With continuous care and encouragement from her relatives and volunteers, Hong Ying began to transform and take up a few cleaning jobs. Nonetheless, she still found it hard to accept the loss of her husband and tried to numb herself with work. She shared, “My life was only work, sleep and eat.” One day at work, Hong Ying, who was not in a good state, accidentally injured her hand. In order to help her get through the low point in life, volunteers extended their care as a team, and eventually, she opened her heart and began to participate in Tzu Chi activities. Initially, she only took her children to volunteer on the monthly Recycling Day, where she found volunteers with whom she could chat. “If it was not for Tzu Chi volunteers, I do not know what would have become of me!” Hong Ying expressed. She was most touched that Yoke Hong had awakened her with these truthful and compassionate words: “It is not that we do not want to help you but you are reluctant to come out. We are here and ready to help but we are unable to. What should we do? What about your children? It is all in your hands how you will live your life from here on.” It was not until then that Hong Ying made up her mind to start over. To her, Yoke Hong was like a guardian angel, who has been there to care for and accompany her, gradually leading her out of grief. Dharma as a way of life Since March this year, Hong Ying has been actively participating in book study sessions organized for the sutra adaptation performance of the Lotus Sutra . She was glad to have learnt to share her past life stories with fellow participants. She said, “I used to keep all my thoughts and worries to myself, but now, I am willing to open my heart and share my inner world with others.” The book study sessions have also changed Hong Ying’s mindset and parenting style. In the past, she would be harsh on her children when they made mistakes. To her then, it was the best way to make them submit themselves. Now, she has learnt to manage her emotions, allowing her children to vent their dissatisfaction before reasoning with them. The gentler approach has brought her closer to her children, and she honours how practical the Dharma is in daily life. Hong Ying especially likes the verses of “Buddha on Vulture Peak”, which resonate with her belief that one does not need to go far to seek the Buddha on Vulture Peak, for