Cheng Yen was born in Taiwan during the Japanese occupation. She developed an interest in Buddhism as a young adult, ordaining as a Buddhist nun in 1963 under the well known proponent of humanistic Buddhism, master Yin Shun.

Master Cheng Yen leads by example, and firmly believes that true compassion is more than passive sympathy for another’s plight: It is concrete action aimed at relieving suffering directly. In founding Tzu Chi, her wish was to give ordinary people the chance to actualize their compassion, and find inner peace and joy while saving the world.

Born in 1937, Dharma Master Cheng Yen renounced the lay life at the age of 25, to pursue the meaning and purpose of life after her father's sudden death due to a stroke. She took Venerable Master Yin Shun as her mentor, a prominent monk in contemporary Chinese Buddhism.

The Tzu Chi Path of offering compassion and relief was born from Master Cheng Yen’s profound wisdom. These articles and blogs present core Buddhist topics and principles alongside guidance for the Tzu Chi Path.

Master Cheng Yen’s environmental vision is one of cherishing resources and material life. Shih De Cheng spoke about how the monastics at the Abode follow Master Cheng Yen’s life principles: “We reduce, reuse, repair, and recycle.

At the time, many followers sought to take refuge with Master Cheng Yen. In order to let Tzu Chi grow, the Master established the rule that those taking refuge must become donating members and also serve as volunteers to work to relieve the poor and suffering.

This website outlines the core principles of Jing Si Dharma Lineage and the Tzu Chi School of Buddhism introduced via Master Cheng Yen’s teachings over time and how they paralleled key activities and events in the history of Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation’s development.

Master Cheng Yen established the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation (initially called the Buddhist Tzu Chi Merit Association, with the mission of charity) in 1966 in Hualien, Taiwan. Yet, in her understanding of Buddhist wisdom, we are all responsible for the world’s well-being.

As the leader of Tzu Chi Foundation, one of the largest non-profit charitable organizations in Asia, what does a day of Dharma Master Cheng Yen usually look like?

Master Cheng Yen’s mother donated NT$200,000 (RM20,000), which enabled Tzu Chi to build the first building of the Jing Si Abode. The Abode has since expanded and become the spiritual home of Tzu Chi members worldwide. The Master firmly believes that everyone is capable of living their lives with the same great compassion as the Buddha.