2023 Great Love 30

15 Inspire the poor to feel the warmth of the world, empower them to become self-reliant, and ultimately, instil the belief that they, too, can pay it forward by helping others. Expose those with financial strength to sufferings so that they realise their blessings, be contented and awakened to find true happiness and purpose in life through the act of selfless giving. Educating the rich to help the poor A courageous Life Teacher Leong Teik Hong has been suffering from ankylosing spondylitis since his teenage years. In 2003, weighed down by the high costs of medication, he turned to Tzu Chi for support. Since then, Tzu Chi volunteers have been regularly visiting and caring for him over the last 20 years. Despite his condition, Teik Hong approaches life with optimism. He shared, “ It is enough to bear the pain alone. Why make those around me worry and sad? Being alive is a blessing by itself! A day lived is a day earned. I must live on happily.” He is an inspiration to volunteers, including Foo Seck Chien, who said, “ Whenever I encounter difficulties and feel like I am suffering, Teik Hong’s optimismmotivates me to shift my mindset. ” Helping the poor to achieve spiritual wealth