Volunteer Observer of RSCK Tzu Chi: Wijaya Leomanto
Learning Compassion and Wisdom
"Being a volunteer for me is to work on growing the root of wisdom. Besides being beneficial and comforting others’ hearts, we also continue to train ourselves. "
My affinity with Tzu Chi starts from my Netty Leman Shi Jie (wife). In 2009, she (wife) joined Tzu Chi first. Then I asked, ‘why do you continuously go to Tzu Chi? Why can't you just stay at home?' I often got angry because my wife frequently went out to volunteer. Then, my wife slowly brought home books of Master Cheng Yen's Reflection Words. She put it in our bedroom hoping that I would read it.
At first, I did not respond even though my wife often asked me to read it hoping that I did not get angry anymore. Until the beginning of 2010, I thought about it and at that time, my wife happened to join the visit to a nursing home with Tzu Chi volunteers. I was curious to find out what my wife did with Tzu Chi volunteers in the nursing home so, I came with her.
This was where my affinity with Tzu Chi began. When I was in the nursing home, I met an old lady who was pulling my hand, asking "Are you my child?" in which I answered, “Sorry, I’m not.” Immediately this old lady cried and told me to have her child visit her, even though I did not know her child at all. At that moment I was touched, and thought "how can the child not visit his/her own parent.”
That incident strengthened my belief to join Tzu Chi. A few days later, I began reading Master Cheng Yen's Reflection Word in my bedroom. I also participated in volunteer training and socialization with my wife and finally I joined Tzu Chi North He Qi community volunteer.
Since becoming Tzu Chi volunteer, I often participated in health service activities, medical mission, and I continue to do so until now. In January 2015, I was inaugurated as Tzu Chi volunteer committee along with my wife. I was initially not sure, but after a good thinking I finally decided to become Master Cheng Yen’s disciple and would assume responsibility for the sake of humanity.
Before joining Tzu Chi, I was a short-tempered person. Ten years at Tzu Chi, I learnt about compassion and wisdom. Anger that often exploded starts to decrease. I could say that because of the existence of wisdom, my mind was calmer.
I change a lot because of Master Cheng Yen, our teacher. She is such a compassionate teacher who is very attentive towards her disciples. In one of her reflection words, she said "Contribute Selflessly and Love Life". This is very much in line with Tzu Chi mission which aims to free human beings from suffering.
In 2009, Cinta Kasih Hospital (RSCK) began the volunteer activities. My wife and I from North He Qi 1 got a schedule to accompany inpatients. Starting from Tzu Chi’s various activities on holidays, I began learning to share my time well with Tzu Chi, starting from work and gathering with family.
The volunteering activities in North He Qi 1 have entered its second year, I learned that we should not be too attached to something because dwelling on something will only lead you to suffering. For example, if we are sick, we should not let it drag on, even after getting medical treatment we must always be enthusiastic and not complain. Being a volunteer for me is to work on growing the root of wisdom. Apart from being beneficial and comforting others’ hearts, we also continue to practice wisdom. Hopefully I will stay on the Tzu Chi path forever, because we assume responsibility by helping Master Cheng Yen to relieve and eliminate suffering in this world.
As told to: Arimami Suryo A.
Translated by Stefanny Doddy
Edited by Caroline Widjanarko (Tzu Chi School)
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