From Doubt to Devotion

By Cai Cui-rong (蔡翠容)
Abridged and translated by Leslie Han (韓世曦)
                                                Connie Chen (陳慷妮)

From Doubt to Devotion

By Cai Cui-rong (蔡翠容)
Abridged and translated by
Leslie Han (韓世曦)
Connie Chen (陳慷妮)

Wu Li-ming's (吳麗明) introduction to Tzu Chi wasn't exactly smooth sailing. From the sidelines, she watched her older sister, a Tzu Chi collegiate volunteer in Malaysia, participate enthusiastically in Tzu Chi's activities, which she found overly zealous. However, when her sister invited her to participate in a sutra performance, Wu agreed, albeit reluctantly.

During rehearsals, she learned about a quote by Venerable Master Cheng Yen (證嚴上人) that resonated deeply with her: "There are two things in life that cannot wait: fulfilling filial piety and doing good deeds." This was especially poignant as Wu reflected on her own interactions with her elderly parents. During her university years, she often spent late nights with friends, only to return to her worried mother who had stayed up waiting. She also realized that she had sometimes been disrespectful to her parents. But now, inspired by Venerable Cheng Yen's words, Wu resolved to cherish her relationship with her parents and spend more time with them.

Her perspective shifted further after watching a Da Ai TV drama that depicted Tzu Chi volunteers in the Philippines, bridging cultural and religious divides to provide aid. They not only assisted those in need but also inspired them to help others. This moved Wu, particularly since Malaysia is also a multiracial country. Just like that, little by little, she found herself increasingly drawn to the values and mission of Tzu Chi.

When Wu joined Tzu Chi and became a leader of Tzu Chi's collegiate volunteers, she was deeply influenced by an expectation Master had for them: form good affinities with people from all walks of life. Although she had few opportunities to work with others during university, she put this into practice while organizing Tzu Chi's events. There she faced communication problems with her peers that initially led to tension but ultimately brought them closer together.

In 2023, she became a certified Tzu Chi volunteer and was eager to spread values of goodness and positivity. When faced with questions about Tzu Chi's appeal to younger generations, Wu confidently stated, "Tzu Chi is like a stream of purity, and it's rare to find organizations like this one. We should strive to pass on this power of goodness."

Her dedication is also reflected in how she embraces her Dharma name "Yi Yu," given to her by Venerable Cheng Yen. Seeing it as a call to action, Wu is committed to shouldering more responsibilities at Tzu Chi and inspiring more young people in Malaysia. She aims to "help Tzu Chi shine rather than simply basking in its glory," echoing the wise words of a senior volunteer.