Chuah Wooi Yang
Since becoming a member of the Sunway University Buddhist Society (SBS) in 2023, my journey has been deeply shaped by both spiritual learning and meaningful service. What began as a simple interest in understanding Buddhism has evolved into a transformative experience that continues to influence how I view life, purpose, and my role in the world. SBS has not only encouraged me to learn more about my religion, but also to actively apply its teachings in ways that benefit others.
My journey in service, however, started earlier. In 2018, I began volunteering as a helper for Sunday classes at my local temple. Waking up early every week was challenging at first, but consistency gradually turned it into a habit. Over time, I gained valuable skills such as communication, time management, logistics coordination, and even technical support for audiovisual systems. Teaching children aged 4 to 12 about Buddhism and moral values was especially meaningful, as it allowed me to contribute to shaping young minds while reinforcing my own understanding.
Through SBS, I was introduced to new forms of volunteering, including working at a recycling centre which is an experience that was entirely new to many of us. It served as an eye-opener, showing us that self-cultivation is not limited to acquiring wisdom, but also involves accumulating merit through our actions. At the recycling centre, we helped separate waste and assisted elderly volunteers in carrying heavy loads. These small acts of service contributed to a larger environmental effort, including the recovery of PolyAl materials from beverage cartons, which can be repurposed into sustainable products like rooftiles for indigenous communities.
Buddhist teachings emphasise compassion and interdependence, and these values are central to everything we do in SBS. For instance, we are encouraged to be mindful of our impact on the environment. A suggestion from a Tzu Chi volunteer to adopt vegetarianism highlighted how our daily choices can reduce harm and contribute to sustainability. The idea is simple yet profound: when there is no demand, there will be no supply. This understanding reinforces the belief that all phenomena are interconnected, and our actions regardless how small, can create meaningful change.
Another key teaching that guides us is Right Mindfulness, part of the Noble Eightfold Path. Mindfulness reminds us to stay present and aware in our thoughts, speech, and actions. In Tibetan Buddhism, mindfulness is referred to as “drenpa,” meaning “to remember,” while the Chinese character 念 combines “today” and “heart,” symbolising awareness of the present moment. Practising mindfulness has helped me approach both service and daily life with greater intention and clarity.
SBS places equal importance on spiritual growth and hands-on community service. We believe that wisdom is cultivated through understanding the Buddha’s teachings, while merit is accumulated by putting those teachings into practice. This balance ensures that our efforts are not only impactful externally, but also meaningful internally.
Our volunteering experiences have also brought us closer to underprivileged communities. At the recycling centre, located beneath low-cost housing, we interacted with individuals who were seeking reusable items or simply lending a helping hand. Despite their circumstances, there was a strong sense of community. We assisted them by carrying and sorting items, and in return, they expressed their gratitude by preparing food and drinks for us. These moments reminded me that giving is not transactional, but it is rooted in sincerity and human connection.
Of course, organising such initiatives comes with challenges. Transportation was one of the main difficulties, as we had to arrange rides and coordinate schedules without campus support. Additionally, the limited capacity of the recycling centre meant that not all interested members could participate. However, these challenges encouraged us to think creatively and improve future planning, such as exploring larger venues for collaboration.
Ultimately, SBS has taught me that giving transcends religion, background, and financial means. It can take many forms in terms of offering time, sharing knowledge, or simply being present for someone in need. Whether it is helping a friend through a difficult time or contributing to community initiatives, every act of giving matters.
Through this journey, I have come to realise that life is fleeting, yet full of opportunities to make a difference. Even the smallest actions, when done with sincerity, can create a ripple effect in the world. In embracing both wisdom and compassionate action, I continue to grow—not just as an individual, but as part of a larger, interconnected community striving to make the world a better place.
