The World Of Tzu Chi March 2025 (Vol.153)

16 2025 • 03 Lighting the way By Tan Kim Hion Translated by Lee Hung Jiew Photo by Ch’ng Kooi Tick A soft glow illuminates the exhibition panels, each image telling a silent yet powerful story – faces etched with hardship, eyes burdened with sorrow, lives marked by struggle. Yet, amid the suffering, something profound emerges – love, a force so powerful it transforms despair into hope, pain into joy. E very year, Yong Chin Ying attends the Year-End Blessing Ceremony with her mother and daughter, always bringing along their bamboo banks filled with donations. This year, as she listened to the exhibition guide share real-life stories of Tzu Chi’s charity cases, she felt deeply moved. Each account reflected hardship and suffering, yet also the unwavering dedication of Tzu Chi volunteers. “Today, through this exhibition, I realised that true aid goes beyond monetary assistance; it is about breaking the cycle of suffering and helping people rediscover happiness.” She was especially moved by stories of those who, after receiving help, found the strength to give back – like Kavittha, who overcame the shadow of domestic violence and now dedicates herself to helping others. Walking through the exhibition, Chin Ying reflected on the importance of love in society, especially in a world where so many lack care and compassion.