Master Cheng Yen became a Buddhist nun in 1963 after undergoing rigorous training and devotional practices. In 1966 she began the work of "humanizing Buddhism" by involving each of her 30 followers in service to others.
Today Tzu Chi Foundation has over four million members, all volunteering their time and resources. Making no distinction between religious or cultural groups, The Foundation engages in relief efforts around the world, operates the Tzu Chi General Hospital and the Junior College of Nursing in Taiwan and has Tzu Chi organizations in more than 20 countries.
Master Cheng Yen teaches the use of the religious spirit of compassion to purify human hearts and to wash away the sickness of the world. "The hope of mankind comes from mutual help. Tzu Chi gives help not only to relieve the destitution of the poor and the disaster-stricken, but more importantly to spread the seeds of love. Suffering people, touched by the unprejudiced and genuine concern shown by fellow human beings, will open up their own hearts and find love within. Thus, they may eventually move away from being helped to helping others. Come that day, the cycle of goodness will have come full circle."
