By
Jiun Jiun Suen
The true story of
Kuen Shan Shieh is widely known throughout Taiwan. When he
was sixteen, he lost both of his arms and his left leg in
a work-related accident. Later, he lost his right eye. Just
in his daily life, he has had to overcome incredible difficulties
that an ordinary person may never even imagine experiencing.
Now, he easily takes care of himself and his daily routine.
In addition, he also delivers hundreds of speeches a year
and writes and paints by using his mouth. Not only have his
paintings gained much recognition and appreciation, he even
wrote his own autobiography that contains one hundred thousand
words (I am Shieh, Kuen Shan)!
I once asked Kuen Shan Shieh this question,
"When you were suffering through all this hardship, did
you ever think of suicide?" There was no hesitancy in
his answer, "No, not at all. I was thinking that life
goes on whether or not you carry burdens. So, why not let
go of them and march on the path of life? I do not think what
I have lost; I only think what I still have! "
On pure faith and optimism, he gratefully
moves forward in his life no matter how difficult it might
become. Selflessly, he continues to do everything he can to
help others and society. Despite his busy schedule, he volunteers
at Tzu Chi Hospital at least once per month and shares his
time to help the most desperate of people.
One woman, who lost her husband in a gas
explosion accident, suffered a severe burn herself, her once
beautiful face now twisted and contorted. The woman's heart
was breaking because her precious eight-year old daughter
was frightened to tears by her own mother's face and feared
to approach her.
Kuen Shan Shieh listened to her troubles
and said, "You do not treasure yourself." Looking
at the woman's puzzled face, Shieh then remarked, "If
this accident happened to your daughter, would you be willing
to suffer the injury, pain and bitterness for her?" The
woman nodded her head vigorously, exclaiming, "I would!
I absolutely would!" Shieh replied, "I definitely
believe you would. Please look at your mother who is standing
behind you." Her mother, who was combing her hair, burst
out in tears. "Would your mother not have been willing
to suffer the injury, pain and bitterness for you? But, could
she? " The mother and the daughter could not help but
cry and weep together.
When Kuen Shan saw her again, she had transformed,
her face now exuding a beautiful smile and full spirit. Using
her beautiful singing voice, she began accompanying Shieh
to care for and bring joy to other patients. Kuen Shan Shieh
knew that she had finally let go of her unnecessary burdens
and understood that what you have will always be more than
what you lose!
