The world of Tzu Chi Apr-Jun 2023 (Vol.146)

TZU CHI 146 17 During her tenure in her hometown, Dr. Tan would occasionally offer voluntary consultations to residents at nursing homes on weekends and her days off. This compassionate act lasted for more than ten years. Later on, she established a Western Medicine free clinic in a Buddhist institution near her home. The Buddhist institution also provided its premises as a meeting venue for other Buddhist organisations, including Tzu Chi Penang, which was in the process of setting up the Penang office. “I remember it was 1993, when I met Ci Jing (the pioneer of Tzu Chi Penang) there. She often invited me to provide house calls or home care services for those in need. This was how my connection with Tzu Chi began.” Through her continued involvement, Dr. Tan witnessed the spirit of Great Love embodied by Tzu Chi volunteers—they gave selflessly without expecting anything in return. Subsequently, Ci Jing arranged for her to visit Hualien, Taiwan, the birthplace of Tzu Chi, to experience site visits with Master Cheng Yen (Note 1). As she was informed that the visits would deepen her understanding of Tzu Chi, she joined the trip. That took place in 1993. The great affinity and catalyst Upon her arrival in Taiwan, Dr. Tan found no one waiting for her at the arrival hall, and she was unable to reach the volunteer designated to pick her up. Undeterred, she took it upon herself to make her way to the Tzu Chi Taipei Liaison Office. Clad in simple casual attire, she joined the many uniformed volunteers, both from local and abroad, as they embarked on their visits alongside the Master. “In those days, there were not many volunteers, and I was filled with immense joy at the opportunity to be in close proximity to Master Cheng Yen,” Dr. Tan reminisced. What came to her mind upon seeing the Master was: “This person, who has inspired volunteers all over the world to devote themselves to charitable work, is definitely no ordinary monastic!” Silently, she made a vow, “Because of Master, I will never leave Tzu Chi.” After returning to Malaysia, Dr. Tan continued to serve using her professional skills while maintaining her monthly donations to Tzu Chi. Whenever Ci Jing invited her for a house call, she readily cooperated, putting into action the inspirations she gained from her trip to Taiwan. Despite a busier life, she felt a newfound sense of calmness. This dedication persisted until 1995 when she was posted to Kuala Lumpur General Hospital. With Tzu Chi always on her mind, she reached out to volunteers in Kuala Lumpur and reconnected with Tzu Chi. Since then, she participated in countless outreach programmes. Besides the local free clinics, she also served in the rural areas in East Malaysia, Cambodia, and other countries. For major disasters like the Indian Ocean tsunami and typhoons in the Philippines, she joined Tzu Chi volunteers from various countries to provide assistance in the affected areas. Furthermore, she undertook medical outreachmissions withMercyMalaysia In 1993, Dr. Tan Hooi Chien (front row, left) made her maiden visit to Tzu Chi Taiwan and had the opportunity to meet Venerable Master Yin Shun in Taipei. [Photo courtesy of Tan Hooi Chien]