Religious Harmony – The Catholics Visit Tzu Chi

The group visited the recycling centre in the morning to observe the organization of recyclables and sharing of information on environmental protection, before adjourning to Jing Si Hall to visit the exhibition hall, which showcases the history and footprints of Tzu Chi, and Jing-Si Books & Café, and to attend a presentation on Tzu Chi’s Missions.

 

◎ Where there is a will, there is a way

 

After the visit at the recycling centre in the morning, Claudia Lasimbang, a member from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, asked, “The centre is set up at the New Village where every house is so close to each other. Don’t they complain?”

 

“They do!” Volunteers replied.

 

As it turned out, Lasimbang has devoted over 30 years to improving the lives of the Kadazan – including environmental protection – since she returned to her hometown after graduating from the University of Malaya. She sighed at the challenge of making her clansmen to comprehend the purpose of collecting “garbage”; and their complaints had demotivated her.

 

She shared that the volunteers’ response was like a wake-up call, giving her inner strength. Even if the noises of disapproval are loud, as long as the purpose is clear, we will persevere. She said, “We can follow suit. Promote environmental protection by singing, food-sharing and public education like what the Tzu Chi volunteers have done. I decide to set up a recycling centre when I return.”

 

Darren Junior from Miri, Sarawak, expressed that the content shared on environmental protection was thought-provoking, “We are only temporarily living on Earth. We have the responsibility to protect Earth. Everyone should lead by example to influence the greater public to contribute, to leave the next generation a beautiful Earth.” He hoped to bring the knowledge he had learnt about environmental protection home to the community.

 

Juanita Chin Yu Ming from Penang said, “I was most deeply touched at the warm, welcoming parade we received when we arrived at the recycling centre. Volunteers stood in a line, clapped and sang the Welcome Song. It wasn’t only a welcome ceremony. I am convinced that it is the humanistic culture and the way of treating others that volunteers have learnt from Master Cheng Yen. This urged me to reflect on the language used and behaviours displayed when I am engaged in charitable affairs. If I don’t cultivate and practise it, I may end up hurting others. I am moved at how the volunteers have a profound meaning to their simple singing. Impressive!”

 

 

◎ Gratitude, respect and love

 

When Eddie Sadaless from Negeri Sembilan visited the Jing Si Hall, he would snap pictures and texts with his phone. He happily shared, “Many expect an equal return based on how much they have contributed. Master Cheng Yen’s philosophy, on the other hand, is ‘real giving, is not only without asking anything in return, but also giving with gratitude.’ This phrase touched me, and it will be the motto of my life.”

 

During lunch, volunteers served the visitors with delicious vegetarian dishes, and later explained the principle of self-reliance – “no work, no meal” – that is upheld by Master Cheng Yen and the other Dharma Masters at the Jing Si Abode. After lunch, the group visited the Jing-Si Books & Café, and they enthusiastically purchased books and products from the Café.

 

Sister Ann Baby G. Jungco, a Filipino nun stationed in Miri, Sarawak, said she was attracted by the atmosphere of the Café as soon as she set foot in it. She was also deeply grateful to have known Tzu Chi. Sister Ann Baby was in awe of Master Cheng Yen’s passion and spirit of Great Love in founding the world of Tzu Chi, in particular, the humanistic culture of “gratitude, respect, and love” that gets volunteers to self-reflect when doing relief work, upholding Master Cheng Yen’s teaching of “I feel pain when others are hurt. I feel sad when people suffer.”

 

 

◎ Cross-religion cooperation creates love

 

At 1:30 p.m., a three-hour presentation was held in a conference room at Jing Si Hall. Deputy CEO of Tzu Chi KL & Selangor, Sio Kee Hong, introduced the theme – the Power of One – while Ho Wan Chin presented Tzu Chi’s work on refugee aid and education in Malaysia, and Yeo Kar Peng talked about Master Cheng Yen’s philosophy and selfless spirit, as demonstrated by the volunteers in international disaster relief.

 

Aana Teresa Peter Amaudus from Sandakan, Sabah, gave her feedback at the end of the session, “The sharing today inspired me a lot. I feel that there is no end to global disasters. If we face it alone, we won’t be able to go on. Only with the strength of a group of people can we persevere. The team is essential, and it is beyond colours, religions and borders.”

 

 

Teo Kar Im, Director of the Archdiocesan Office for Human Development of Kuala Lumpur, admired the diligence and cooperation of the volunteers. From the visit, particularly after experiencing the joy of giving, she learnt to serve the community with persistence and passion. Kar Im shared, “Perhaps this is the power of the Tzu Chi volunteers making great vows and having strong faiths!”

 

Among the many sharings, Kar Im enjoyed the videos of the Power of One and of Tzu Chi providing education opportunities for the stateless and refugee children. She recalled that she began supporting refugees in 1990 and understood deeply how difficult and challenging the journey was from establishing to promoting refugee education. Despite the challenges, it gave her the joy of learning and the opportunity to recognize blessings by witnessing sufferings. Kar Im looks forward to cooperating with Tzu Chi, and working hand-in-hand to bring peace and promote humanitarianism.

 

Rev. Julian Leow Beng Kim, the Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur, concluded, “Last year during the pandemic, we went to visit patients at the hospitals without prior planning. When I returned to the church, I talked to the priest about the joy of giving, feeling that we had done a lot and were great. In fact, we weren’t that great. If there were no sick people in the world, we would not have the opportunity to show kindness and compassion. We should therefore be grateful to those who are suffering, as it is because of them that we are able to show care and compassion.”

 

Rev. Julian continued, “For those who are suffering, Tzu Chi volunteers would go to the streets to raise funds. Through Tzu Chi, we learned that this has a deeper meaning. When we raise funds, we are sending a message that everyone has the opportunity to do good, and this should be everyone’s mission. This is the universal value referred to and it belongs to all.”

 

He paused before finishing, “After this deeper interaction with Tzu Chi, I believe that, no matter how big the challenges are, the Catholics across the country will join hands with Tzu Chi to do more social work that benefits the society.” The audience applauded. Five volunteers then led the audience to sing “We Are Family”. The crowd was in high spirits. The learning trip ended successfully with hope, love and gratitude.

 

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In the midst of the raging pandemic, wars, economic turmoil and global panic, there is a group of people working tirelessly to improve the lives of the vulnerable communities. This spirit of Great Love stems from a compassionate heart – not seeking happiness and comfort for oneself, but wishing all living beings to be free from suffering.