Shih Cheng Yen

Dharma Master Cheng Yen was born in Cingshuei Township, Taichung County, Taiwan in 1937. When she took refuge with Venerable Yin-shun in 1963, he gave her six simple words of instruction, "For Buddha's teachings, for sentient beings." In 1966 she established the Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation. She continues to tirelessly work to help people realize the Buddha's compassion and the joy of the Dharma in their lives.

Under Master Cheng Yen's kind and compassionate leadership, the Tzu Chi Foundation has grown into an international Buddhist charity recognized for its compassionate relief efforts. Following the teachings of the Tzu Chi School of Buddhism and the Jing Si Dharma lineage, the foundation's four major missions are Charity, Medicine, Education, and Humanistic Culture. These missions, along with International Relief, Environmental Protection, Community Volunteerism, and Bone Marrow Donation, comprise the Eight Great Dharma-footprints. Tzu Chi volunteers work directly with people in need, providing comfort and aid with the spirit of Great Love that transcends boundaries of race, nationality, and religion.

For a more comprehensive history of Tzu Chi, please visit www.tzuchi.org