Douglas’ Story: The Best Thing to Happen

Each of our volunteers has a unique story about how they chose a path of service with Tzu Chi. Meet Douglas Aaron, a military veteran who took a vow of “absolute nonviolence” after serving and being injured in Iraq. At the recent Dharma As Water Spiritual Care Retreat from June 27-29, where meditation, reflection, and Dharma teachings helped volunteers deepen their understanding of Buddhist spiritual care, Aaron shared how he began studying Buddhism and became a social worker. 

Learning about Tzu Chi, he initially became a donor and then started volunteering at our Las Vegas Service Center after the COVID-19 pandemic. “This is what I’ve been looking for my entire life. It’s the mixture of my social work job and the Buddha Dharma,” he now says with gratitude.