The Ferryman

Photo and text by Yang Shuen-Bin

Jesus pointed to his heart, entangled in thorns,
signifying his devotion of endless love.
He was ready for the crucifixion.

An eighty-year-old surgeon Sen-Chia Li at Yuli Tzu Chi Hospital,
leads a team every Thursday afternoon to visit patients.
When patients live in remoted areas, they have to travel on foot.
“Are you still drinking?” He warns the amputated alcoholic patient.
“No, no, no, I am clean, I dare not to drink again.”
In fact, his own illness is far more severe than those of his patients.
He has terminal lung cancer for the past five years.
Although under control, he has to withstand the side effects of anti-cancer drugs — skin rashes and diarrhea.

“Sutra of Innumerable Meaning”
Just as a ferry master though he stays on this shore owing to his serious illness and unsettled body, can be made to cross over by means of a good and solid ship that has the quality of carrying anyone without fail, so also is it with the keeper of this sutra.

Although their faiths differ, their compassion is the same.
With two decades of free clinic experience,
Li insisted, ever since the founding of TIMA, to devote his talents,
as long as he is capable of moving.

Shuen-Bin Yang, graduated from the Dept. of Communication Studies, Tzu Chi University. Photography is his hobby which once gained him an award in Hualien’s major photography contest. He worked in the Public Communication Dept. of Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital, then as an editor of “Tzu Chi Medical Care” published by the Office of Communications with Humanities, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation. Now he is a journalist for Tzu Chi Monthly.