Despite life’s challenges, Chen Shu Chu has remained steadfast in her original aspiration to serve others by joining Tzu Chi. (Photo by Lai Tong Heng)
Although she has no background in formal education, Chen Shu Chu has wholeheartedly dedicated herself to Tzu Chi’s education mission for nearly twenty years. In 1999, Chen Shu Chu volunteered to serve in the Children’s Class at Tzu Chi’s former office in Chinatown. This period marked an outpouring of her love, leaving an indelible mark on her life. In 2008, she taught Jing Si Aphorisms in primary schools, accompanied Tzu Chi Youths (also known as Tzu Ching) from colleges and universities, and cared for others’ children with a motherly heart.
Her care, like that of a mother, is shown through actions. To prepare meals for a Tzu Ching gathering, she stir-fried three batches of mee hoon and transported them with a pushcart whilst taking the train as she did not own a car. Although Tzu Ching activities are now primarily conducted in English, a language that Chen Shu Chu is not fluent in, she continues to offer her quiet, unwavering support.
Therefore, whenever Chen Shu Chu is recognised on the street by former students who greet her with a cheerful ‘Hello, Shigu!’ or ‘Hello, Great Love Mother!’, a warm feeling wells up in her heart.
“Back when I took the bus to work, I would see students with hair that was dyed gold, dressed sloppily and speaking vulgarities. I felt like it was a pity.” She began to reflect on why those children turned out that way, which inspired her to instil proper values, good manners and principles in children from young through teaching them Jing Si Aphorisms. This way, they would not grow up to become a burden on society.
Shouldering responsibilities courageously where she is needed most
Chen Shu Chu became a Tzu Chi member in 1993, at a time when the organisation had no dedicated premises and operated temporarily at Pao Kwan Buddhist Temple. There, she participated in Tzu Chi activities such as bone marrow donation seminars and festive charity fair. When Tzu Chi moved into the Pasir Ris community and established its own Jing Si Hall in 2005, she became the team leader of the “Great Love Mothers” group in 2008 under the invitation of former CEO of Tzu-Chi Foundation (Singapore), David Liu.
The Great Love Mothers visit schools like Mee Toh School, Maha Bodhi School and Ai Tong School on a weekly basis, where Jing Si Aphorisms and positive values were shared with the students through storytelling and short skits. Before visiting the schools, they would also meet each week to rehearse and prepare the props. Without a deep passion for educating the students, it would be difficult to persevere on this endeavour.
During Mee Toh School’s Teachers’ Day celebrations, Great Love Mothers guided the students on how to serve tea to their teachers as a show of gratitude. Chen Shu Chu is pictured demonstrating how to hold the tray steadily. (Photo by Law Sook Fong)
In 2013, Chen Shu Chu lost two fingers on her left hand in an unfortunate accident at the construction site. Following the accident, she spent nearly a year going back and forth between her home and the hospital for rehabilitative treatment.
“Has the injury healed? Come back and continue contributing then!” These words from former CEO David Liu were what helped Chen Shu Chu put aside her hesitations to continue serving. Although her left hand still lacks strength, it did not stop her from serving Tzu Chi.
A year later, Chen Shu Chu returned to service with a renewed focus on community activities. She decided to dedicate herself to the housekeeping team, which was more often short-handed. She took on responsibilities like food preparation, venue cleaning and dishwashing for various events. During Tzu Chi International Medical Association (TIMA) Conference in 2015, which hosted over 400 participants, she spent ten consecutive hours in a single day moving between multiple floors. When the event ended, she recalled that she could see the train station in front, but it felt like it was a million miles away as her footsteps grew heavier.
Although she felt physically exhausted after each event, she embraced the experiences with joy. It was through them that she came to understand the Jing Si Aphorism that goes, “One can only elevate their character by doing what is difficult, giving what is difficult to give, and enduring difficulties.”
Tzu Chi held its 25th Anniversary Exhibition at the Da Ai Gallery in 2018, where community partners and members of the public were invited. Exquisite refreshments were served and Chen Shu Chu was one of the key members of the housekeeping team working behind the scenes to support the event. (Photo by Tang Zou Cie)
Ultimately, time spares no one. 74-year-old Chen Shu Chu shared, “In the past, after a full day of activities, I would regain my energy by the next day. Now, I sometimes need a whole week, and would sometimes need to take some American ginseng.” Recognising the importance of passing on the responsibilities to future generations, she started inviting younger members to come forth and volunteer for the activities.
She said, “People who are not afraid of the heat, dirt, or toil, and know how to do household chores make good members for the housekeeping team.”
Teaching by example, inspiring youth to do good together
One of the youths who was inspired by Chen Shu Chu is Tay Jing Yun, who seldom did household chores at home, but was willing to learn and take on the responsibility.
Tay Jing Yun shared that during her university years as a Tzu Ching, there was always a group of adult facilitators who accompanied them, and they often prepared nutritious and delicious meals as well as snacks to nourish the students. The love and care from the Tzu Chi family deeply touched Jing Yun, and inspired her to serve as a Tzu Ching facilitator after graduation to accompany her juniors.
A group photo of Tzu Ching facilitator Chen Shu Chu (fifth row, first from right) and NTU Tzu Ching leader Tay Jing Yun (fourth row, second from right) at a leadership fellowship event in 2016. (Photo by Tong Jeat Yee)
During the preparation for Tzu Ching camps, Tay Jing Yun developed a strong interest in the work of the housekeeping team. With the company and guidance of facilitator Chen Shu Chu, she was able to glean deeper insight into the team’s operations. Their bond was also further strengthened by the fact that they lived in the same community.
As her mother kept the home impeccably organised, Tay Jing Yun had little need to partake in household chores. Yet driven by the simple notion that the housekeeping team needed someone to take over the work, Jing Yun stepped up as the housekeeping team leader in the Tzu Ching camp, and now serves the wider community as part of the housekeeping team. Over the years, Chen Shu Chu has gradually passed down her wisdom to Jing Yun.
Tay Jing Yun (front, left) and Chen Shu Chu (front, right) serving in the housekeeping team during the Eco Festive Charity Fair, where they helped with dishwashing. (Photo by Tew Yu Rui)
While Tay Jing Yun now serves as a committee member of the housekeeping team, she admits that her physical stamina needs improvement. She shared that during the Festive Eco Charity Fair earlier this year, just standing for a whole day left her with back pain and aching legs the next day. Contrastingly, Chen Shu Chu and other senior team members who prepared utensils several days before the event, planned and handled various detailed tasks, remained steadfast at their roles till the end of the event. They even helped with dishwashing after the event, garnering Jing Yun’s admiration.
Sincerity is shown in the smallest details on the Tzu Chi path
Community Team Leader Teo Geok Yong spoke highly of Chen Shu Chu, sharing, “With her around, I feel completely at ease and have nothing to worry about. She is always mindful of being thorough, and leads the team well.” In Teo Geok Yong’s eyes, Chen Shu Chu is diligent, responsible, knows to plan ahead and ensures that the volunteers who are taking over are clear of the workflow. Additionally, Chen Shu Chu is also able to hand over the responsibilities to volunteers in the next shift during inter-district collaborations, allowing participants to contribute joyfully with a peace of mind.
Beyond her contributions in coordinating tasks, Chen Shu Chu also places great importance in fostering emotional bonds within the team. She emphasised that “coordinating everyone to come together should not be solely for the purpose of work”. As such, she organises annual team gatherings, where team members get to share life updates and share their thoughts over a meal. When it comes to working as a team, conflicts are inevitable. Jokingly, she said, “Sometimes, we just have to close one eye and learn to accept a bit of imperfection.”
Senior Tzu Chi Commissioner Chen Shu Chu sharing her personal experience and heartfelt journey with fellow volunteers during the 29th Anniversary of Tzu-Chi Foundation (Singapore) celebration event. (Photo by Lai Tong Heng)
As a Jing Si disciple, Chen Shu Chu firmly believes that one will only be unaffected by external circumstances when they calm their mind through listening to Master Cheng Yen’s teachings daily. As such, she started joining the Dharma Incense Permeation Session at 5a.m. daily ten years ago. She recharges spiritually through absorbing practical Buddhist wisdom during the sessions and has not missed a single session since.
Chen Shu Chu is grateful to fellow volunteer Hsu Tun Ying for giving her the opportunity to do sharing, which allowed her to delve deeper into the Jing Si Dharma Lineage and understand Tzu Chi matters better. Chen Shu Chu recalled how it was a struggle for her to come up with relatable sharing for the Dharma Incense Permeation Session at dawn initially. She had considered declining the task at first, but out of deep respect for Master Cheng Yen, she pressed on to reread a few articles, slowly identifying the key points.
“Sometimes, after listening once or twice, I am still unable to grasp the main point or come up with reflective insights. I would then wake up in the middle of the night feeling anxious,” she shared laughingly.
“Even now, I still need some time to experience and organise my thoughts.” Looking back, she now realises that she has gained clarity on the teachings which she once did not fully understand. She is also grateful for the courage that she has shown in doing the work of Tzu Chi.
For 32 years, Chen Shu Chu has remained steadfast in her contributions and in listening to the Dharma, walking alongside and encouraging fellow volunteers to contribute joyfully. Chen Shu Chu has definitely embodied the spirit of doing what is difficult, and she has no intention of stopping.
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