Faith and Optimism: A Story of Kuen Shan Shieh
By Jiun Jiun Suen
May 3, 2005

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!