Maintaining assistive devices to help patients is a most important task. It ensures the longevity of these tools and benefits a larger number of individuals. The volunteers who engage in this maintenance undergo a transformation from being unable to repair to mastering the art of maintenance, dedicating their time and effort as an act of profound compassionate practice. Among them is a remarkable individual named Shen Fuwen (申富文), an adept at repairing oxygen concentrators on the Tzu Chi Assistive Device Maintenance Platform, where he practices compassion through challenging repairs.

Shen is a retiree from the Police Administration who spent a remarkable three to four decades in plumbing and electrical work. With a Class A electrician license (Intermediate Technician Level in Indoor Wiring), he specialized in industrial and indoor wiring, air conditioning, and cooling systems. Prior to retirement, he served as a design manager at the Police Administration; he led a team of over 3 colleagues responsible for the maintenance for information technology, networking, plumbing, and air conditioning.

In his youth, Shen battled chronic sinusitis; he underwent surgeries, medications, and acupuncture treatments without much improvement. Fortunately, however, he encountered spiritual teaching and began to research Buddhist philosophy. Fate led him to cross paths with Tzu Chi volunteer Huang Mingwen (黃明文), who guided him to join the Tzu Chi Assistive Device team.

Through these encounters, Shen found a new purpose -- he repairs oxygen concentrators, challenging himself to master intricate repairs and embodying compassion in action. His journey from a seasoned electrician to an oxygen concentrator expert highlights the profound effect of volunteerism and the transformative power of compassion through service.

Maintenance as Spiritual Practice

Four or five decades ago, during his junior high school years, Shen came across a series of books Tzu Chi Companions and became a member of Tzu Chi; he has supported its mission until today. After his retirement, he found himself drawn to the establishment of the Tucheng Assistive Device Platform; his electrical expertise kindled an interest in the repair of oxygen concentrators.

For Shen, the act of repairing assistive devices is like a spiritual practice. He describes the restoration of oxygen concentrators as an intricate endeavor, one in which he has often failed. However, it is through the principles of Buddhism that he has managed to overcome numerous challenges.

Among assistive devices, oxygen concentrators are most important for patients with severe cardiac or pulmonary conditions, as well as those in the terminal stages of illness. The patients rely on these machines to supply them with vital oxygen, accelerating their recovery or enabling them to undergo periods of care. Shen's patient and dedicated involvement in the complex maintenance of oxygen concentrators is driven by his compassion for these individuals in need. The acquisition or rental of an oxygen concentrator is a significant financial burden for both patients and their families.

Shen’s commitment to this intricate work stems from a genuine concern for the well-being of those who rely on these devices. His journey not only reflects his dedication to the repair of oxygen concentrators but also underscores the harmonious union of compassion and scientific expertise in serving others.

Repairing oxygen concentrators is one of the most challenging tasks within assistive device maintenance. After undergoing various trials, Shen has garnered valuable insights.

When he receives a reclaimed oxygen concentrator now, he initiates a series of tests to assess its pressure, flow rate, oxygen content, and the load power of the air compressor motor. Then he examines the condition of the tubing for any damage. Only after conducting these thorough examinations does he gauge his confidence in successfully repairing the device and make the final decision on whether to replace the "molecular sieve."

He emphasizes that the molecular sieve is a consumable item, and its procurement costs are sustained through contributions from various sources. He firmly believes that one should never replace it only to later discover that the machine is beyond salvaging, as it would essentially waste the donations.

With years of accumulated repair experience, Shen Fuwen is now capable of assessing the overall capabilities of the assistive device team. He estimates that if they could obtain a "specialized valve," the team's success rate in repairing oxygen concentrators would notably improve. He explained: "While the team can buy and replace main components of the oxygen concentrator like filters and molecular sieves, the 'four-way valve,' which is prone to malfunction and specific to oxygen concentrators, is currently unavailable." This remains his primary concern at present.

Aging Society

By the year 2035, Taiwan is expected to become a super-aging society, with an estimated one out of every three individuals aged 65 or older. The aging ratio on outlying islands is projected to be even higher than on the main island of Taiwan. Coupled with Taiwan's high rate of people who are bed-ridden, the demand for oxygen concentrators is expected to surge. The assistive device maintenance teams will require increased manpower. With these thoughts in mind, Shen feels an urgent sense of responsibility to pass on his expertise to the next generation.

In order to ensure this continuity, the assistive device maintenance team frequently organizes repair workshops for youngsters during youth camps. Shen meticulously prepares course materials and provides them to the participants. Beyond imparting repair skills, he also hopes that these young participants can sow the seeds of kindness through this experience. As circumstances mature, they will naturally gravitate towards Tzu Chi, becoming involved in compassionate service. In this way, the legacy of the assistive device maintenance platform can be handed down from generation to generation.

A Jing Si Aphorism says: “Life is impermanent, but wisdom-life lasts forever. Love is boundless; its spirit will live on.”

Join Tzu Chi. Let us spread Great Love boundlessly.

Story by Xiao Jingwen