Translated by H.B. Qin Edited by Ariel Tsai
The Tzu Chi International Medical Association (TIMA) New York recently partnered with the Bliss and Wisdom Foundation to provide a free clinic to the dharma masters of the Bliss and Wisdom Center in New York. TIMA mobilized vision and dental professionals to safeguard the health of the dharma masters, who have long been dedicated to spiritual practice. The free clinic also welcomed many young volunteers from medical fields, who learned the humanitarian spirit of treating patients as family through their service.
The Tzu Chi Northeast Region and the Bliss and Wisdom Foundation have collaborated on numerous occasions in the past to organize free clinics and health outreach programs, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to addressing the medical needs of the dharma masters and the local community. Constant interactions and mutual trust built over time allow the two organizations to gradually develop a deep friendship, fostering compassion that continues to deepen.
Volunteers set up medical facilities on site. Photo/Henry Shen
Safeguarding the Health of Religious Practitioners
TIMA New York visited the Bliss and Wisdom Center to conduct a medical care activity that transcends denominational boundaries. The free clinic focused on dental and vision care needs that the dharma masters usually find difficult to access.
The dental team meticulously performed dental cleanings and fillings for the masters and provided oral hygiene instructions. The vision care team conducted vision tests with professional instruments and provided guidance to ensure the masters could maintain clear, bright vision while diligently studying the scriptures.
Involvement of the Younger Generation
Many energetic young faces could be seen at the activity. Several young volunteers studying medical-related majors devoted their spare time to service, not only assisting doctors but also experiencing Tzu Chi’s humanistic spirit of “healing the disease, healing the person, and healing the heart” through interaction with the masters.
These types of events are good. You get to interact with the people and see how they are getting help and care from other people.
Young volunteer Adam Wong said the main reason he wanted to participate in the activity was to gain more experience, as he hopes to explore the medical field in the future. “It’s been fun,” said Adam, “I’ve got to do a bunch of different stuff. I think (I) definitely learned a lot. I (got) to do sterilization and take people’s medical history, and I’m doing X-rays. So I think it’s fun overall.” He recommends that everyone participate. “I recommend joining, just to see the people that are helping. … you can see how people around you cooperate and help each other. Moreover, being able to serve with friends makes the whole process especially meaningful and enjoyable,” he added.
Learning by Doing
Pre-dental student Mary Ou also participated in the free clinic. She said that working in the dental team gave her extensive practical experience, including teeth cleaning, tooth extraction, and other procedures, comprising a very comprehensive learning opportunity.
“I joined at the start of this initiative, so in 2023. (I have participated in) more than 20 events,” said Mary. She shared that the volunteer team had a warm atmosphere, and the senior members were willing to patiently guide her, enabling her to continue learning and growing through service.
According to Alice Wang, a volunteer with TIMA New York, the day’s services included teeth cleaning, as well as fillings and X-rays as needed. Before treatment, oral health education was provided, focusing on proper tooth cleaning and daily hygiene to achieve both preventive and therapeutic effects.
A dharma master selects a suitable frame. Photo/Henry Shen
Compassion that Transcends Denominational Boundaries
With the combination of professional medical care and the dedication of young volunteers, the partnership between Tzu Chi and the Bliss and Wisdom Foundation not only safeguards the physical and mental well-being of spiritual practitioners but also extends medical services as an expression of humanitarian care.
