Tzu Chi Medan Volunteer: Sylvia Chuwardi
Tzu Chi Defines Its Strategic Course and Implementation Steps
Sylvia Chuwardi has dedicated almost 20 years of her life to serving Tzu Chi Medan. Her long journey has been filled with joy and personal fulfillment, leading to a profound transformation in the direction and purpose of her life.
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Sylvia Chuwardi feels a deep sense of joy and fulfillment as the 21-Day Wholefood Vegan Diet Challenge Program at Tzu Chi Medan has been successfully and smoothly carried out through each stage. By June 2022, the program has been conducted seven times, with hundreds of participants taking part each time. This initiative has not only helped people adopt a healthier lifestyle but also introduced them to an environmentally friendly diet, reflecting the principles taught by Master Cheng Yen, the founder of Tzu Chi.
This is also the source of joy for Sylvia, who is in charge of the program. "My hope is that more people will come to understand and embrace vegetarian food as a part of their daily diet, as it promotes health and also fosters a sense of compassion," Sylvia shared.
Sylvia Chuwardi, the only daughter of Tjoa Tjit Hoen and Razali Chuwardi and the second of four siblings, is celebrating her 19th year with Tzu Chi in 2022. Although this journey has been long, Sylvia reflects on it with happiness and gratitude. She feels deeply thankful for her decision to follow her mother’s example and join Tzu Chi as a volunteer in 2003, which has been a significant and fulfilling part of her life.
Through her work with Tzu Chi volunteers and the beneficiaries of aid, Sylvia Chuwardi has had the opportunity to explore and reflect on the deeper meanings of life. The diverse experiences she has encountered and the lessons she has learned have been pivotal in her personal growth and self-improvement.
Sylvia’s bond with Tzu Chi was solidified in 2003 when she accepted her mother’s invitation to participate in a survey and rice coupon distribution event organized by Tzu Chi Indonesia in Medan. During this event, she was deeply moved by the significant atmosphere of generosity and service, which left a lasting impact on her. Later that year, Sylvia willingly agreed to be registered for volunteer training in Hualien, Taiwan. The solemn and meaningful nature of the training deepened her interest in learning more about and becoming a part of the Tzu Chi community.
“I frequently questioned in my heart how I could repay my parents for their kindness,” Sylvia shared. “When I came to know Tzu Chi, I found my answer. By joining Tzu Chi, I could accompany my parents in their acts of virtue, while simultaneously cultivating my own blessings and wisdom.
Making the Most of Each Day with Meaningful Activities
In her role as a Tzu Chi volunteer, Sylvia has devoted herself to understanding all aspects of the organization's activities. Her goal was to practice the principles of Tzu Chi’s 4 Missions and 8 Dharma Practices through direct experience. This journey allowed her to cultivate a profound sense of gratitude for the opportunities provided by charitable work and fostered a deep commitment to supporting DAAI TV in Medan through public service announcements. Sylvia has faithfully served as a volunteer for DAAI TV and Jing Si Books & Café Medan for the past sixteen years.
Throughout her involvement with Tzu Chi, Sylvia has been dedicated to environmental conservation. She has gone beyond her own efforts to actively engage and inspire other volunteers, as well as educate the general public on environmental preservation. One of the key environmental programs she has supported is the Green Point initiative, which she has been involved in since its inception in 2018. This program, which started with just one collection point for recyclable materials, has now expanded to 29 locations throughout Medan and its surroundings, including companies, schools, residential communities, banks, hotels, recreational areas, apartments, places of worship, and more.
A major supporter of the Green Point recycling collection program, Sylvia has seen the initiative grow to 29 collection points by the beginning of 2022. These points are strategically located across various community facilities to promote recycling and environmental conservation.
Even with the demands of her business, Sylvia remains actively engaged in Tzu Chi’s activities. With her two children now living independent lives, she explains, 'I choose to continue as a Tzu Chi volunteer because the Tzu Chi community offers a valuable opportunity for personal development, a space to cultivate both blessings and wisdom, and a way to live each day with meaningful purpose.' Her dedication is mirrored by her entire family, including her parents, husband, and children, who are not only volunteers but also members of the Honorary Committee, sharing a united commitment to the Bodhisattva path alongside Tzu Chi.
Currently, the principles we are developing in our family are deeply rooted in the Jing Si teachings, which highlight the importance of sincerity, truthfulness, faith, and dedication. We are committed to being individuals who can offer benefits to ourselves and others, serve as moral companions, and forge meaningful and positive relationships with a wide range of people," Sylvia noted.
Tzu Chi Defines Its Strategic Course and Implementation Steps
Besides her involvement in Tzu Chi’s mission through community initiatives, Sylvia has also applied these teachings to her personal life, resulting in positive changes in her mindset and behavior. She remembers a time when she was not easily satisfied. With a financially secure background, she spent her time shopping, relaxing with tea or coffee, and attending dance or gym classes. During extended breaks, she frequently took trips to other cities or international destinations.
After becoming involved with Tzu Chi, I began dedicating more of my time to the organization and slowly reduced my habits of shopping and participating in activities that were primarily for my own enjoyment," she admitted. She also decided to adopt a vegan lifestyle. "Through my experiences with Tzu Chi, I have learned the value of patience and the art of turning awareness into wisdom. I strive to be more mindful in my thoughts and speech to keep my inner self balanced and peaceful," Sylvia reflected.
What started as a fleeting intention has now become a 19-year journey for Sylvia (dressed in a red shirt and vest) with Tzu Chi. Over these years, she has embarked on a profound path of learning and acquiring wisdom.
Over nearly two decades as a Tzu Chi volunteer, Sylvia has gained profound insights, knowledge, and training in the area of responsibility. Throughout these 19 years, Sylvia has held numerous positions, including Chair of Xie Li, functionary in training, activities, and humanistic culture, Chair of the Entrepreneur Camp, observer at Jingsi Books & Café and DAAI TV Medan, Vice Chair of He Qi, and in the current term (2022-2023), she serves as Vice Chair of the Tzu Chi Buddha Foundation Medan Branch.
Sylvia emphasizes that among her many experiences at Tzu Chi, the most important lesson has been the need to manage one’s ego and desires. She points out that as Tzu Chi Medan approaches its 20th year, the increasing number of volunteers brings diverse characters and opinions. ‘This diversity can lead to conflicts if not handled carefully,’ she observes. ‘It is therefore essential to control one’s ego and remember the initial purpose of joining Tzu Chi.
Sylvia advises that one should continually rekindle the initial intention behind joining Tzu Chi. Consider why you chose this path, what motivated you to get involved, and whether it was driven by a genuine desire to benefit both yourself and others, or if there were other factors at play.
Master Cheng Yen expressed, ‘It is important to care for your heart, as everything stems from a single intention. To the volunteers, each problem faced will cultivate wisdom that serves both yourself and others. Let us apply these teachings to our hearts for a more fulfilling life,’ she concluded.
Journalist: Nuraina Ponidjan (Tzu Chi Medan)
Photographer: Amir Tan, Carina (personal photos)
Translator: Vissia (Tzu Chi School)
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