The world of Tzu Chi September 2023 (Vol.147)

2023 • 09 10 A new window to life By Tan Kim Hion Translated by Lee You Zhuan Photo by Low Get Lee “For me, receiving the commissioner’s name card from Master Cheng Yen is an especially cherished and momentous event…” Khoo Chin Theong brimmed with gratitude, feeling incredible that amidst adversity, he managed to fulfil his aspiration of becoming the Master’s disciple. K hoo Chin Theong, a software development engineer, shares a blissful marriage with his wife, Lok Bee Hua. In 2011, they encountered Tzu Chi volunteers and signed up as Tzu Chi donors. Subsequently, Bee Hua began to participate in recycling activities and grew to understand more of Tzu Chi’s missions of Great Love, which resonated with her own values. In 2014, panic occurred when Bee Hua’s father had a stroke. Fortunately, Tzu Chi volunteers were at hand to offer timely care and support. Having received the warmth of humanity, she realised that the world needs more love and care, and resolved to retire once she had enough savings. In 2016, her wish came true when she retired and became a full-time Tzu Chi volunteer. Two years later, she was certified as a Tzu Chi commissioner. Despite her constant encouragement to her husband to undergo volunteer training and commit to Tzu Chi, his frequent working trips abroad hindered his involvement. Nonetheless, he gave his full support to Bee Hua and would occasionally join her for recycling activities and home visits. His work pace slowed during the COVID-19 pandemic, giving him opportunity to participate in relief efforts alongside Bee Hua. The impoverished families he encountered made him realise the extent of suffering beyond his imagination. Tzu Chi also revealed to him the joy and strength derived from acts of compassion. Encouraged by fellow volunteers, he began his volunteer training and received a recommendation for volunteer certification last year. Towards the end of May this year, he woke up one morning to discover that he had completely lost vision in his left eye. At that time, Bee Hua was away in a Tzu Chi mission in India. After comprehensive medical examinations, it was discovered that he had kind of a stroke in his eye, leaving no hope for restoring vision. Drawing strength from the Dharma Though traumatised with the news, Chin Theong told Bee Hua to remain in India, since her return would not alter the fact. One night in particular, when lying in the hospital bed grappling with fear and loneliness, a call to fellow volunteer William Tong provided him with much needed comfort and guidance: “Keep calm, only then will you have a clear mind to plan your next course of action.” The following morning, he penned down a priority list. The topmost item was: “Getting certified as a commissioner.” He remarked, “I had never considered this the most important or urgent task. Only