 | Tzu Chi doctors and medical professionals joined the Tzu Chi International Medical Association (TIMA) conference in Hualien, Taiwan last September. Our TIMA members not only constantly made our medical missions possible, they also touched the lives of more than 120,000 patients for the past 38 medical missions since 1995. They went to Taiwan to draw inspiration from Master Cheng Yen and other medical professionals from all over the world. With much enthusiasm, our TIMA members went there prepared with a traditional Filipino dance (Pandanggo Sa Ilaw), much to the delight of Tzu Chi members worldwide.
Here are excerpts of what our TIMA members learned from the conference, their feelings, insights and even some funny thoughts.
On going home to Taiwan and listening to Master Cheng Yen. "It is what we need after a year of continuous Tzu Chi undertakings. Seeing our brothers, sisters, the masters and all the wonderful works of Tzu Chi is enough to reaffirm on the teachings of Master Cheng Yen...I feel a sense of gratitude to Tzu Chi for showing me another way, a much better way!"
- Anton Mari Lim
"I hope that it is in my fate to serve and with Master Cheng Yen's graces, I may be given an opportunity to come back to my spiritual home."
- Wilson
"Tzu Chi to me is like a campfire ... each of the members represent the drywood which is used to make fire. The light that is emitted by the campfire is represented by Master Cheng Yen, who is the guiding light along the path of Tzu Chi."
The heat which is emitted by the Tzu Chi fire is the warmth of love we give to each of our patients... Let us keep the fire burning."
- John Arnel Solamo, MD
"Master Cheng Yen has taught us how to value life through helping others and being sensitive to their needs... I'm impressed... with the warm hospitality extended to us, it really felt like home. This organization is really worth emulating and an inspiration to each and everyone to work for a better world."
- Dr. Aileen Uy
"In Tzu Chi, the seed of love has been sown. Many people are already reaping the fruit of love. All we have to do is to nurture the tree so that it will bear fruit continuously and the love that has been sown could be given to anybody..."
Dr. Jojo T. Pascua
"The total experience resulting from the sharing, lectures, and other teachings was an affirmation of the force that inspires me to do medical missions. Truly, I felt at home because I was in a group that shared similar responses to the needs of others, to the call of compassion and always seeking for opportunities to share.
- Hil C. Dineros M.D.
On prior to joining Tzu Chi. "Looking back now, it would seem that I have been preparing the field and now I have received the seed. It is now up to me to nurture the seed. And hope that one day, it becomes a tree that will bear fruit and give more seeds."
- Marc Medina
"I was overwhelmed... The strong determination of Master Cheng Yen to help all the needy, the love she wants us to share to others, the education that she wants us to inspire especially to the medical professionals..."
- Dr. Hui Sing Liu |