As I familiarize myself further with Tzu Chi Foundation and its scale and mission, my viewpoint of many issues took a substantially drastic turn. Tzu Chi's missions focuses on giving material aid and inspiring love and humanity in both the givers and receivers.
The Buddhist teachings Tzu Chi adhere to have invoked numerous millions from all around the world to be part of their compassionate relief efforts.

"A resolution must be expressed with actions, not just words."
- Dharma Master Cheng Yen.

Indeed, Dharma Master Cheng Yen founded the non-profit organisation in 1966 with a handful of core members in Taiwan, to help the people living in the east coast of the country struck by poverty and plagued with illnesses. This ordinary petite woman with an extraordinary goal believes in 'making the impossible possible'. She passed on the spirit of putting Buddhist teachings into action, which her teacher had advocated when he was alive physically. Master Cheng Yen firmly believes that suffering in this world is caused by material deprivation and spiritual poverty. She felt that "lack of love for others" has been the root of many problems in this world. "To save the world, we must begin by transforming human hearts."

With her wholeheartedness and sincerity, together with the help of many other voluntary followers touched by her determination and selfless contributions, the group gradually grew as more people who shared the same faith and direction joined the organisation.
Today, Tzu Chi Foundation has 10 million voluntary members worldwide, with branches in 31 countries, distributing their love for mankind and providing compassion relief in diverse areas - charity, medicine, education, environmental protection, as well as the promotion of humanistic values and community volunteerism. The humanitarian work is both a means to help those in need, and a way to open the volunteers to the harsher side of life, whereby they may find spiritual happiness and life's true meaning through giving.

Tzu Chi also set up a hospital, a university, and Da Ai TV – a not-for-profit satellite broadcasting TV & radio station to allow the transmitting of news of compassion relief globally – running of the broadcast center is self-funded through the recycling of paper materials by voluntary members daily. Every cent donated goes to help the needy, regardless of nationality, race, language, nor religion. Master Cheng Yen believes in self-sufficiency and provides herself and her disciples with only what they themselves reap. They sew their own robes from simple Grey cloth and work in the fields for their own vegetables while their handmade candles goes to supporting their daily expenses.

Like their spokesperson said, it is now time for the outside world to have a different view of Buddhism. Buddhism is not only about meditating in the caves and cultivating in the mountains, away from the rest of the world. Instead, it is also about putting into practice what is being preached, and reaching out to everyone in need in all parts of the world, relieving all mundane beings with compassion driven by love.

< Information and quotes obtained from Tzu Chi Foundation – About Us >

Here are just some of the very meaningful quotes by Master Cheng Yen that I personally feel are applicable to everyone:

< All quotes available here

** For more information on the organisation, feel absolutely free to visit the Tzu Chi Foundation Global Website here


Til Then Folks! Cheers to a more compassionate world filled with love! ;)