DDM Global News
Mutual Help and Love: Former vice-president Chen Chien-Jen shares his views on “Respecting Heaven and Loving People” for Secret Codes of Happiness program
At 2 pm on June 30, 2020, Chen Chien-Jen was invited to the Secret Codes of Happiness program by the National Education Radio and interviewed by the host Zhang Lijun, talking about his life in terms of his commitments in politics, academic studies, religious belief, and family education. Well known to the public for his warmth and invested as a Knight of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre, the former vice president is an expert in public health and one of the heroes who led the battle against SARS during its 2002-2004 outbreak.
“We have to thank the few who sacrifice their freedom to safeguard the health of people in Taiwan." As Chen mentioned in detail, Taiwan's efforts in preventing the pandemic combine smart technology, effective coordination cross government departments, strict border control, constant review of global pandemic responses, and also measures such as self-isolation and home quarantine. Above all, close cooperation by Taiwanese citizens is the key element in this regard, making everyone an unsung hero. The island's experience of fighting against SARS 17 years ago has driven the adjustment of its medical system for infectious diseases, as well as the improvement in its hospital quality control and medical staff training.
As a child, Chen aspired to be a scientist. Academic research has always been his passion. He devoted himself to the study of arsenic poisoning in drinking water and Chronic Hepatitis B, positively influencing billions of people's health around the globe, and the safety standards for drinking water he helped to establish were adopted by the World Health Organization. To Chen, titles are not an honor, but a duty. He regards public service as the ultimate goal of life, rather than fortune, fame, and power.
Chen recalled attending a conference with Master Sheng Yen, founder of Dharma Drum Mountain, after the SARS epidemic was over, where they discussed how to help people calm their anxious and worried minds. From the Master's words—“It just takes compassion and wisdom.”—Chen learned that when facing challenges, as long as we embrace the spirit of “One for all, all for one,”by helping and loving each other, even the pandemic, can still be brought under control based on science and with caring measures.
Describing himself as being strong-willed when younger, Chen said he has learned to be more empathetic and eager to serve others since becoming a Catholic. His religious faith prompted him to reset his priorities in life, search for true wisdom, and aspire to serve others. His parents provided equal opportunities to their eight children with loving care, and never scolded them and compared one with the others. Now, seven of their family members are Buddhists. Chen's harmonious and supportive family gives him the courage to pursue a different life with different values and meanings.
Chen's two daughters also engage in works to serve people and fight for human rights. They are keen to share with others their parents’ guidance: “The true meaning of life doesn't lie in wealth, but in how much you can love people.” Chen is pleased that they have such realization. He also shared his secret codes of happiness: “respecting heaven and loving people.” He said “To attain brightness and hope, you also need to make some sacrifice. When you make some sacrifice to light up others, you'll realize the whole journey of your life is full of infinite wonder.”
Text: Lin , Ya-Ying (林雅櫻)
Photo: Lin, Ya-Ying (林雅櫻)
Translation: Hsiao, Chen-An (蕭宸安)
Editing: Chang, Chia-Cheng (張家誠)