Washing other’s feet a practice of humility
‘My children washed my feet. It is an indescribable feeling.’
Alfredo Li, CEO of Tzu Chi Medical Foundation Philippines, washes the feet of a patient at the Tzu Chi Eye Center.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF TCMFP
Charity and compassion flows at the Tzu Chi Eye Center as volunteer doctors treat visually impaired patients for free. But there is more to the outpouring of selflessness by the kind ophthalmologists and medical staff of the eye hospital run and funded by the Tzu Chi Medical Foundation Philippines.
The volunteers are patient in attending to the hundreds of people with cataract and other eye conditions who go to them. They make and distribute snack and refreshments to them while waiting for their turn to be examined or operated on.
Tzu Chi volunteers also visit patients in their homes to check their treated eyes and, more often, provide their other needs.
There is also the Tzu Chi practice of washing of the feet of patients by the doctors themselves.
Alfredo Li, the foundation’s CEO, says the practice originated from the teaching of Tzu Chi founder, Master Cheng Yen, who says that being filial to parents and doing good deeds are two things that cannot wait in this world.
“The purpose is to teach the children to show love and respect to their parents. As for us Tzu Chi doctors, staffs and volunteers, it is a practice of humility.”
Feet washing is done during Father’s Day, Mothers’ Day, Buddha Day, Tzu Chi Day and Graduation Day, he says, “to give thanks to their parents in giving them life, education and guidance in their journey of life.”
At the eye center, it is done by inviting parents or elderlies to a chair. Volunteers then bring a basin of water, soap and towels and kneel before each parent.
“Then we wash their feet with gentle care, smile with them and embrace them after wiping dry their feet,” he says.
“It is a blessing and privilege to wash one’s parents’ feet,” says Li, who himself had performed the ritual at the Ormoc Great Love Village, Marikina Stadium, Tzu Chi Jingsi Hall and at the TCEC.
Li is sure that he would be happy and proud to wash is own parents’ feet if they are still alive.
He himself experienced it.
“My children washed my feet. It is an indescribable feeling,” he recalls.
His next washing of the feet will be on 12 May at the eye center.