Living Bodhisattva

“If Tzu Chi does not mind my age, I will continue to serve…” – Yap Ka Sam

A doctor with unwavering compassion, Dr. Tan Hooi Chien not only treats illnesses and alleviates her patients’ sufferings, but also listens to the Dharma and internalises the teachings. When confronted with an unexpected illness, she faced it with calmness and continues to lead a purposeful life.

In the first half of his life, he toiled tirelessly for his family. It was through Tzu Chi that he found solace and purpose. When he fell ill, he signed the pledge form to be a Silent Mentor, to donate his body upon death, transforming the end of his life into a meaningful contribution.

No one would have thought that Stephanie Chew, who always appears eloquent, steady, calm, confident, and cheerful on stage, once fell into the whirlpool of depression, having suicidal thoughts.

Faced with the demise of four family members in a short span of three years, Cheah Hong Ying was once overwhelmed with pain and grief. Fortunately, her guardian angels appeared in time, accompanying her on the uphill journey to reconnect with life after suffering loss. She said, “If it was not for Tzu Chi people, I do not know what would have become of me!”

“I am grateful that because of the Dharma I did not wreck my marriage. I am also grateful that the Dharma has guided me to be a good wife and mother.” – Siow Kim Yen

“Although my left eye has lost its vision, I no longer cry to my husband. Instead, I am grateful that I can still see with my right eye.” – Volunteer Chong Chin Wei

He used to be one who took each task entrusted to him seriously, even though he was uncompromising and less approachable. His iron heart was melted thanks to the volunteers’ gentle encouragement. Despite his mobility issue, he would still ring and request the volunteers to take him to collect donations.

Volunteer Teh Chew Khoon had served in Tzu Chi’s various missions for over a decade, and even continued to do so following her cancer diagnosis. She pledged to donate her remains to the Silent Mentor programme, leaving behind a legacy of love, fondly remembered by family and friends.