Master Cheng Yen, adhering to the words given by her Mentor, Dharma Master Yin Shun, "Work for Buddhism and for all living beings," has, for half a century, embodied the principle that "Buddhism is in our daily lives.   She has led Tzu Chi volunteers, engaging people in the communities, and translating the compassionate spirit into tangible actions.

 

Master Cheng Yen was born in 1937 in Taichung County, Taiwan. In 1957, the sudden and unexpected passing of her father brought immense shock, marking a pivotal moment that prompted her to explore the meaning of life. In 1963, she became a disciple of Master Yin Shun at Hui Ri Lecture Hall. Master Yin Shun advised her, "Our karmic affinity is extraordinary. Now that you have entered monastic life, you must dedicate yourself at all times to work for Buddhism and for all living beings."

 

From the Lotus Sutra, Master Cheng Yen realized that the mundane world is filled with material and psychological suffering. The Buddha continuously descends to the human realm with the purpose of "purifying the human mind." Only by guiding people's thoughts in the right direction can the suffering in the world be eliminated.

 

The Venerable Master noted that Buddhists often engage in acts of kindness without seeking recognition. However, these deeds are usually done individually, anonymously contributing to the welfare of others. Unfortunately, this abundant compassion is dispersed and lacks organization. The Venerable Master decided to consolidate this force and, starting with the mission of aiding those in need, founded the "Buddhist Tzu Chi Merits Society" in Hualien in 1966.

 

 

Tzu Chi's ideal is to embody the spirit of "loving-kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity," engaging in actions to alleviate suffering and provide joy. The essence of Tzu Chi is grounded in the values of "sincerity, integrity, faith, and steadfastness." Tzu Chi hopes to use the wisdom of harmonizing principles to invite people of virtue from around the world to work together in cultivating a field of blessings. Through diligent efforts in nurturing countless compassionate hearts, Tzu Chi aims to contribute to the creation of a society filled with love.

 

"People in general often believe that wealth leads to happiness, as the poor inevitably face poverty, illness, and loneliness. Little do they know that the affluent also need to understand that giving is more blessed than receiving. Physical illness is not terrifying; the most fearsome ailment is of the heart. Human existence is like a banana tree, when peeled away layers upon layers, it's all empty in the end. Only through genuine, enduring compassion, joy, and selfless giving can one attain the most beautiful state in the world."

 

The Venerable Master believes, "I trust that what the Buddha said is true: human nature is inherently good. All sentient beings are the same. As much as the Buddha possesses love and compassion, sentient beings also have the capacity for love and compassion. As much as the Buddha possesses wisdom, sentient beings also have the capacity for wisdom. With proper guidance, it is a state of the purest kindness and the most genuine happiness."

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The Bamboo Bank Era

During the early days of the establishment of the "Buddhist Tzu Chi Merits Society," Master Cheng Yen and his disciples led a self-sufficient and austere life. Six disciples sewed an extra pair of baby shoes each day, and thirty housewives saved NT50 cents each per day for groceries, initiating their charitable mission to relieve poverty and suffering.

Facing the thirty housewives who were willing to join her in performing good deeds, Master Cheng Yen sawed bamboo into money-saving containers, distributing one to each of them. She encouraged them to save NT50 cents daily into the bamboo coin bank as relief funds.

 

People found it peculiar and wondered why they can’t just contribute a fixed amount of NT $15 each month. Master Cheng Yen explained, "I hope that when you lift your vegetable basket every day and save 50 cents, you carry a heart to help others just before leaving home. Saving 50 cents is cultivating a thrifty and compassionate heart."

So, these housewives went to the market, sharing the story of "saving lives with fifty cents" whenever they met someone. The news spread rapidly, and more and more people joined in the compassionate act. Today, the footprint of Great Love extends across all five continents globally, and this period of the "bamboo bank era has been recognized as the origin of Tzu Chi's humanitarian spirit internationally”.

"Grains of rice form a basket, and drops of water make a river." Do not underestimate the significance of a single drop of water, and do not belittle the value of a grain of rice. When gathered together, these individual grains of rice make a pile, and accumulations of raindrops become a river. Throughout the journey, Master Cheng Yen has witnessed the hardships of life and felt the power of love. She is grateful for every bit of love from everyone, as it converges into a force for goodness and compassion.