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{{Short description|Taiwanese humanitarian nongovernmental organization}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2020}}
{{Use American English|date=November 2020}}
{{redirect|Ciji|the DC Comics character|Ciji (comics)}}
{{Infobox monastery
| image = 
| caption = 
| name = Tzu Chi Foundation
| full = Buddhist Tzu Chi Charity Foundation
| native_name = 慈濟基金會
| native_name_lang = zh
| established = {{Start date|1966|05|14|df=y}}<ref name="tzuchimerit">{{cite web |url=https://www.tzuchimerit.org.sg/en/about-us/the-origin-of-tzu-chi/ |title=The Origin of Tzu Chi: Work for Buddhism and for All Living Beings |publisher=Tzu Chi Merit |access-date=July 5, 2024}}</ref>
| order = [[Mahayana]]
| founder = Shih Cheng Yen
| abbot = Shih Cheng Yen
| location = [[Xincheng, Hualien|Xincheng Township]], [[Hualien County]]
| coord = 
| public_access = 
| other_info = 
| website = {{url|https://global.tzuchi.org/}}
| embedded = {{Infobox Chinese|child=yes
|name1=Tzu Chi Foundation
|t=慈濟基金會
|s=慈济基金会
|p=Cíjì Jījīnhuì
|w={{tonesup|Tz'u2-chi4 Chi1-chin1-hui4}}
|bpmf=ㄘˊ ㄐㄧˋ ㄐㄧ ㄐㄧㄣ ㄏㄨㄟˋ
|altname=Buddhist Tzu Chi Charity Foundation
|t2=佛教慈濟慈善事業基金會
|s2=佛教慈济慈善事业基金会
|p2=Fójiào Cíjì Císhànshìyè Jījīnhuì
|w2={{tonesup|Fo2-chiao4 Tz'u2-chi4 Tz'u2-shan4-shih4-yeh4 Chi1-chin1-hui4}}
|bpmf2=ㄈㄛˊ ㄐㄧㄠˋ ㄘˊ ㄐㄧˋ ㄘˊ ㄕㄢˋ ㄕˋ ㄧㄝˋ ㄐㄧ ㄐㄧㄣ ㄏㄨㄟˋ
}}
| country = Taiwan
}}
{{buddhism}}{{Mahayana Buddhism}}

The '''Buddhist''' '''Tzu Chi Charity Foundation''' ({{lang-zh|t=佛教慈濟慈善事業基金會<ref name="c576">{{cite web |title=財團法人中華民國佛教慈濟慈善事業基金會財務報告暨會計師查核報告 |trans-title=Financial report and accountant audit report of the Buddhist Tzu Chi Charity Foundation of the Republic of China |url=https://tw.tzuchi.org/financial/2022financial/2022financial.pdf |page=92 |date=2023-05-17 |access-date=2025-01-19}}</ref>|l=Buddhist Compassionate Relief Charitable Foundation}}) is a Taiwanese international [[Aid agency|humanitarian]] and [[nongovernmental organization]]. Its work includes medical aid, disaster relief, and environmental work. 

The foundation was founded on 14 April 1966<ref name="tzuchimerit"/> by [[Cheng Yen]], a Taiwanese Buddhist nun, as a Buddhist humanitarian organization, initially funded by housewives. Tzu Chi expanded its services over time, opening a free medical clinic in 1972 and building its first hospital in 1986. The organization underwent rapid expansion in the late 1980s and early 1990s, coinciding with a surge of popularity in [[Humanistic Buddhism]] in Taiwan. In the 1990s, the organization started major international disaster relief efforts, including the construction of new homes, schools, hospitals, and places of worship.  

Today, Tzu Chi has a policy of being secular in its humanitarian work, with Buddhist teachings being integrated into its practices for volunteers. [[Cheng Yen]] is also considered to be one of the "[[Four Heavenly Kings (Taiwan)|Four Heavenly Kings]]" of Taiwanese Buddhism, with Tzu Chi itself being considered to be one of the "[[Four Great Mountains (Taiwan)|Four Great Mountains]]", of Taiwanese [[Buddhist]] organizations, along with [[Fo Guang Shan]], [[Dharma Drum Mountain]], and [[Chung Tai Shan]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Come to Taiwan, Return with good memories |url=http://info.taiwan.net.tw/tourbusE/december_page1.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120227183910/http://info.taiwan.net.tw/tourbusE/december_page1.html |archive-date=27 February 2012 |access-date=15 February 2012 |publisher=Info.taiwan.net.tw}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last1=Shuai |first1=J. J. |title=2010 International Computer Symposium (ICS2010) |last2=Chen |first2=H. C. |last3=Chang |first3=C. H. |date=1 December 2010 |isbn=978-1-4244-7639-8 |pages=187–191 |chapter=Visualization of the Taiwaness Buddhism web based on social network analysis |doi=10.1109/COMPSYM.2010.5685523 |s2cid=18858823}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last1=Abeynayake |first1=Oliver |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wvGWJcQ3ZX0C&q=four+heavenly+kings+ |title=2600 Years of Sambuddhatva: Global Journey of Awakening |last2=Tilakaratne |first2=Asanga |date=1 January 2011 |isbn=9789559349334 |pages=282 |publisher=Ministry of Buddhasasana and Religious Affairs, Government of Sri Lanka |language=en |access-date=4 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170410133539/https://books.google.com/books?id=wvGWJcQ3ZX0C&dq=four+heavenly+kings+taiwan+tzu+chi&focus=searchwithinvolume&q=four+heavenly+kings+ |archive-date=10 April 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> It has a special consultative status at the [[United Nations Economic and Social Council]].<ref>O'Neill, Mark (2010), ''[http://www.books.com.tw/exep/assp.php/jamezku/products/F012089631 Tzu Chi: Serving With Compassion]'', John Wiley & Sons</ref> It is also a co-chair of the UN Inter-agency Task Force on Religion and Sustainable Development Multi-Faith Advisory Council for 2022-2023.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Foundation |first=Tzu Chi |title=Tzu Chi Becomes the Co-chair of the Multi-Faith Advisory Committee |url=http://www.tzuchi.org.tw/en/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1577:tzu-chi-becomes-the-co-chair-of-the-multi-faith-advisory-committee&catid=76:america&Itemid=205&lang=en |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127095842/https://www.tzuchi.org.tw/en/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1577:tzu-chi-becomes-the-co-chair-of-the-multi-faith-advisory-committee&catid=76:america&Itemid=205&lang=en |archive-date=27 January 2022 |access-date=2022-01-27 |website=www.tzuchi.org.tw |language=en-gb}}</ref> 
==History==
The Tzu Chi Foundation was founded as a charity organization with [[Buddhist]] origins by the [[Buddhist]] nun [[Cheng Yen]] in 1966 in [[Hualien City|Hualien]],<ref name="tzuchimerit"/> Taiwan after Cheng Yen saw the humanitarian work of Christian missionaries in Taiwan in the [[Taiwan after World War II|post World War II period]].<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=t--23FOImmIC|title=Tzu Chi: Serving with Compassion|last=O'Neill|first=Mark|date=17 May 2010|publisher=John Wiley & Sons|isbn=9780470825679|pages=19|language=en|access-date=29 April 2017|archive-date=30 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330070514/https://books.google.com/books/about/Tzu_Chi.html%3Fid%3Dt--23FOImmIC%26source%3Dkp_book_description|url-status=live}}</ref> She was inspired by her master and mentor, the late [[Yin Shun]], a proponent of [[Humanistic Buddhism]], who exhorted her to work "for Buddhism and for all sentient beings". The organization began with a motto of "instructing the rich and saving the poor" as a group of thirty [[housewives]] who saved 50 [[New Taiwan dollar|NT cents]] ([[US$]]0.02) every day and stored them in bamboo coin banks to donate to needy families.<ref name="parabola">{{cite web|url=http://www.parabola.org/the-desire-to-relieve-all-suffering|title=THE DESIRE TO RELIEVE ALL SUFFERING|year=2010|work=Parabola Magazine|last1=Wolkstein|first1=Diane|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100923002225/http://www.parabola.org/the-desire-to-relieve-all-suffering|archive-date=23 September 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Biography of Dharma Master Cheng Yen|url=http://tw.tzuchi.org/en/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=159%3Aintroduction&catid=81%3Aabout&Itemid=198&lang=en|website=tw.tzuchi.org|access-date=15 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160823142309/http://tw.tzuchi.org/en/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=159%3Aintroduction&catid=81%3Aabout&Itemid=198&lang=en|archive-date=23 August 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

Tzu Chi experienced modest growth in the first two decades of its establishment, it grew to 293 members in 1968 and by 1986 had just 8,000 members.<ref name="chinaperspectives.revues.org" /> The foundation gradually expanded its services since starting as a group of thirty housewives, raising money for disaster relief after a small fire in 1970 that destroyed 43 buildings and opening its first free medical clinic in 1972.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=t--23FOImmIC|title=Tzu Chi: Serving with Compassion|last=O'Neill|first=Mark|date=17 May 2010|publisher=John Wiley & Sons|isbn=9780470825679|pages=22|language=en|access-date=29 April 2017|archive-date=30 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330070514/https://books.google.com/books/about/Tzu_Chi.html%3Fid%3Dt--23FOImmIC%26source%3Dkp_book_description|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1986 the foundation established its first hospital in [[Hualien City]].<ref name=":4" />

With the surge in popularity of [[Humanistic Buddhism]] in Taiwan in the late 1980s and 1990s, and the publicity from fundraising to build its first hospital, Tzu Chi enjoyed a rapid expansion in membership alongside several other major Taiwanese Buddhist organizations during this time.<ref name=":25"/><ref name="chinaperspectives.revues.org" /> From 1987 to 1991, Tzu Chi membership doubled in size each year, by 1994, it boasted a membership of 4 million members.<ref name="chinaperspectives.revues.org">{{cite journal|last1=Schak|first1=David|last2=Hsiao|first2=Hsin-Huang Michael|title=Taiwan's Socially Engaged Buddhist Groups|journal=China Perspectives|volume=2005|year=2005|issue=59|doi=10.4000/chinaperspectives.2803|doi-access=free}}</ref> Tzu Chi's expanded its aid work to the [[People's Republic of China]] in 1991 during the [[Eastern China flood of 1991|eastern China floods]].<ref name=":5" /> In 1993, the foundation created a bone marrow registry, an effort that eventually caused Taiwan to alter its bone marrow laws, and organized a nationwide volunteer program for Taiwan in 1996.<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":7" /><ref name=":8" /> In the early 2000s, it expanded its services into recycling and environmental issues.<ref name=":9" />

The foundation achieved much media attention in Taiwan in 2015 with a plan to develop a plot of land in [[Neihu District]] into a disaster relief center and cultural park which led to the destruction of parts of the Neihu conservation zone.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://focustaiwan.tw/news/asoc/201503160028.aspx|title=City officials, Neihu residents welcome Tzu Chi's project pullback {{!}} Society {{!}} FOCUS TAIWAN – CNA ENGLISH NEWS|access-date=31 August 2018|archive-date=31 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180831104304/http://focustaiwan.tw/news/asoc/201503160028.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="taipeitimes.com">{{Cite web|url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2015/03/17/2003613729|title=Tzu Chi retracts controversial project – Taipei Times|website=Taipei Times|date=17 March 2015|access-date=31 August 2018|archive-date=31 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180831105647/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2015/03/17/2003613729|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/editorials/archives/2015/03/11/2003613258/1|title=Tzu Chi's Neihu land should be rejuvenated – Taipei Times|website=Taipei Times|date=11 March 2015|access-date=31 August 2018|archive-date=31 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180831104203/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/editorials/archives/2015/03/11/2003613258/1|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/local/taipei/2015/03/17/431281/City-officials.htm|title=City officials, Neihu residents welcome Tzu Chi retreat from project – The China Post|date=14 April 2015|access-date=31 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150414225114/http://chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/local/taipei/2015/03/17/431281/City-officials.htm|archive-date=14 April 2015}}</ref> The incident led to widespread critical coverage of Tzu Chi by the Taiwanese media, and scrutiny into its finances.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2013/01/24/2003553308|title=Tzu Chi buildings spark protests – Taipei Times|website=Taipei Times|date=24 January 2013|access-date=31 August 2018|archive-date=31 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180831105645/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2013/01/24/2003553308|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="taipeitimes.com"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://chinapost.com.tw/editorial/taiwan-issues/2015/03/22/431650/Tzu-Chi.htm|title=Tzu Chi needs more transparency in charity work – The China Post|date=24 March 2015|access-date=31 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150324231306/http://chinapost.com.tw/editorial/taiwan-issues/2015/03/22/431650/Tzu-Chi.htm|archive-date=24 March 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.wantchinatimes.com/news-subclass-cnt.aspx?cid=1103&MainCatID=&id=20150319000091|title=Tzu Chi in Tainan school land rental subsidy controversy｜WantChinaTimes.com|date=14 April 2015|access-date=31 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150414173534/http://www.wantchinatimes.com/news-subclass-cnt.aspx?cid=1103&MainCatID=&id=20150319000091|archive-date=14 April 2015}}</ref> During this time several [[Fake news|unsubstantiated reports]] circulated in Taiwan about the foundation, including unfounded claims that the foundation invested in tobacco and weapons companies.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.wantchinatimes.com/news-subclass-cnt.aspx?id=20150322000132&cid=1701|title=Tzu Chi has admitted errors; it's time for compassion｜WantChinaTimes.com|date=14 April 2015|access-date=31 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150414173530/http://www.wantchinatimes.com/news-subclass-cnt.aspx?id=20150322000132&cid=1701|archive-date=14 April 2015}}</ref> Despite authorities not finding any illicit activity with its finances, calls for greater transparency were made.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.wantchinatimes.com/news-subclass-cnt.aspx?id=20150303000052&cid=1103|title=Tzu Chi Foundation urged to publish detailed donation list|work=Want China Times|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150414173317/http://www.wantchinatimes.com/news-subclass-cnt.aspx?id=20150303000052&cid=1103|archive-date=14 April 2015}}</ref>

Tzu Chi has grown to become a significant actor in civil society, Tzu Chi is not only the largest Buddhist organization in Taiwan,<ref name="chinaperspectives.revues.org2">{{cite journal|last1=Schak|first1=David|last2=Hsiao|first2=Hsin-Huang Michael|year=2005|title=Taiwan's Socially Engaged Buddhist Groups|journal=China Perspectives|volume=2005|issue=59|doi=10.4000/chinaperspectives.2803|doi-access=free}}</ref> but also Taiwan's largest owner of private land.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.taiwannews.com.tw/etn/news_content.php?id=2698712|title=Why Tzu Chi is sparking resentment|date=6 March 2016|access-date=15 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160915192203/http://www.taiwannews.com.tw/etn/news_content.php?id=2698712|archive-date=15 September 2016|url-status=live|publisher=Central News Agency}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Religion in Taiwan: When Faith and Money Collide|url=https://international.thenewslens.com/article/26900|last=Kastner|first=Jens|publisher=Taiwan Business TOPICS Magazine|date=2015-10-21|via=The News Lens International Edition|language=en|access-date=2020-05-22|archive-date=30 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200930040555/https://international.thenewslens.com/article/26900|url-status=live}}</ref> As of May 2024, the organization was estimated to have approximately 10 million members worldwide, and chapters in 68 countries.<ref name=":34">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzdyNvcRTWk|title=Master Cheng Yen and Tzu Chi|publisher=The Discovery Channel|access-date=15 September 2016|archive-date=10 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170110210357/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzdyNvcRTWk|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":02">{{cite web|url=http://tw.tzuchi.org/en/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=293&Itemid=283&lang=en|title=Tzu Chi Missions|website=tw.tzuchi.org|access-date=15 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161109072414/http://tw.tzuchi.org/en/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=293&Itemid=283&lang=en|archive-date=9 November 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":9">{{Cite journal|last1=Gombrich|first1=Richard|last2=Yao|first2=Yu-Shuang|date=2014|title=A Radical Buddhism for Modern Confucians: Tzu Chi in Socio-Historical Perspective|url=https://www.academia.edu/36781399|journal=Buddhist Studies Review|volume=30|issue=2|pages=239|doi=10.1558/bsrv.v30i2.237 |issn=0265-2897|access-date=9 December 2021|archive-date=9 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211209020106/https://www.academia.edu/36781399/A_Radical_Buddhism_for_Modern_Confucians_Tzu_Chi_in_Socio_Historical_Perspective|url-status=live|doi-access=free}}</ref>

== Organization ==
[[File:Tzu Chi KL Jing Si Hall (220710).jpg|thumb|Main hall at Tzu Chi Foundation, [[Kepong]], [[Kuala Lumpur]], [[Malaysia]]]]
The Four Major Missions of Tzu Chi are ''Charity'', ''Medicine'', ''Education'', and ''Humanistic Culture'', as highlighted by the official motto, or concept of "Four Missions, Eight Footprints" ({{zh|t=四大志業，八大腳印}}). The Eight Footprints are an extension of the Four Missions with the addition of ''International Relief'', ''Bone Marrow Donation'', ''Environmental Protection'' and ''Community Volunteerism''.

The official website for the organization states that the organization started with Charity, and then extended its aims to include Medicine, Education and Culture. Its stated goal is to promote "sincerity, integrity, trust, and honesty".<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=http://tw.tzuchi.org/en/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=293&Itemid=283&lang=en|title=Tzu Chi Missions|website=tw.tzuchi.org|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161109072414/http://tw.tzuchi.org/en/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=293&Itemid=283&lang=en|archive-date=9 November 2016|url-status=live|access-date=15 September 2016}}</ref>

Tzu Chi is notably distinct from the other [[Four Great Mountains (Taiwan)|Four Great Mountains]] in respect to three main unique characteristics. First of all, the founder of the organization is a female. Secondly, the founder is not a Buddhist scholar who promotes a specific interpretation of Buddhism nor started any kind of religious movement. And finally, the organization is officially a charitable organization and Tzu Chi itself focuses primarily on humanitarianism and community service rather than Buddhist spiritual development.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Hsin-Huang Michael|first1=Hsiao|last2=Schak|first2=David|year=2005|title=Taiwan's Socially Engaged Buddhist Groups|url=https://chinaperspectives.revues.org/2803#tocto2n6|url-status=live|journal=China Perspectives|volume=2005|issue=59|doi=10.4000/chinaperspectives.2803|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160815194230/http://chinaperspectives.revues.org/2803#tocto2n6|archive-date=15 August 2016|access-date=12 September 2016|doi-access=free}}</ref>

As a Buddhist nun, Master Cheng Yen ordains only nuns, who live at Tzu Chi's headquarters. Tzu Chi nuns follow the monastic rules for Buddhist nuns (''bhikkhuni'') but are not ordained in the traditional communal ritual typically done at Buddhist monasteries. Many Buddhist groups consider the lack of a traditional ordination as disqualifying Tzu Chi nuns as official Buddhist nuns, although scholars have noted that Tzu Chi members themselves largely don't care about this. Tzu Chi also has a special status between layperson and monastic known as ''qin xiou shi'' or 'pure practitioners'. This status is available to both men and women and consists of laypeople who take most of the monastic vows but do not shave their heads like monastics do and take on leadership roles within Tzu Chi.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Gombrich|first1=Richard|last2=Yao|first2=Yu-Shuang|date=2014|title=A Radical Buddhism for Modern Confucians: Tzu Chi in Socio-Historical Perspective|url=https://www.academia.edu/36781399|journal=Buddhist Studies Review|volume=30|issue=2|pages=243|doi=10.1558/bsrv.v30i2.237 |issn=0265-2897|access-date=9 December 2021|archive-date=9 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211209020106/https://www.academia.edu/36781399/A_Radical_Buddhism_for_Modern_Confucians_Tzu_Chi_in_Socio_Historical_Perspective|url-status=live|doi-access=free}}</ref>

===Logo===
Consisting of a ship that also simultaneously bears the lotus fruit and flower, the Tzu Chi logo symbolizes that the world can be made a better place by planting good karmic seeds. Followers believe that these "seeds" are required for flowers to bloom and bear fruit, or in other words, that a better society can be created with good actions and pure thoughts. The ship represents Tzu Chi steering a ship of compassion, representing their goal in saving all beings that suffer, while the Eight Petals represent the [[Noble Eightfold Path]] in [[Buddhism]], which Tzu Chi uses as their guide.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tzuchi.us/blog/tzu-chi-logo/|title=Tzu Chi Logo – Tzu Chi USA|website=tzuchi.us|date=15 August 2015 |access-date=21 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170709005113/https://www.tzuchi.us/blog/tzu-chi-logo/|archive-date=9 July 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Tzu Chi's Ten Precepts===
Tzu Chi also has its own customized version of the [[Five Precepts|Buddhist Precepts]] as formulated by [[Cheng Yen]]. The Ten Precepts of Tzu Chi are:
# No killing
# No stealing
# No fornication
# No lying
# No drinking
# No smoking or use of narcotics or [[betel nuts]]
# No gambling
# Practice [[filial piety]] and develop pleasant manners and speech
# Abide by traffic laws
# No participation in political activities or demonstrations

[[Cheng Yen]] developed these rules based on the new needs of modern society.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Ten Precepts of Tzu Chi|url=http://www.tzuchi.net/TCSC.nsf/0adbb3db1b96266f48256ae00021f8ae/9991505677819b0b48256ae8006b85c2|website=tzuchi.net|access-date=3 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160911071105/http://www.tzuchi.net/TCSC.nsf/0adbb3db1b96266f48256ae00021f8ae/9991505677819b0b48256ae8006b85c2|archive-date=11 September 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Medical mission ==
One of the first major initiatives Tzu Chi took part in was the "Tzu Chi Medical Mission". This effort was inspired in 1970 after Cheng Yen noticed a link between poverty and illness after spending six years among the poor of eastern Taiwan.

Tzu Chi's first medical outreach occurred in 1972 when a free clinic was opened in [[Hualien City|Hualien]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://olbios.org/life-of-the-mother-teresa-of-asia/|title=Life of the 'Mother Teresa of Asia' {{!}} Olbios|date=26 January 2016|work=Olbios|access-date=18 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170319115145/http://olbios.org/life-of-the-mother-teresa-of-asia/|archive-date=19 March 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Tzu Chi Hospital ===
[[File:Hualien Tzu Chi General Hospital.JPG|thumb|Tzu Chi General Hospital in Hualien in 2011]]
The Foundation established its first Tzu Chi Hospital in [[Hualien City|Hualien]] in 1986. A 600-bed general hospital had been planned in 1979 to service the impoverished eastern coast of Taiwan. A primary concern for [[Cheng Yen]] was that the area was isolated and the people in the area were cut off from aid during disasters.<ref name=":4">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=t--23FOImmIC&q=Tzu+Chi:+Serving+with+Compassion.|title=Tzu Chi: Serving with Compassion.|last=Mark.|first=O'Neill|date=1 January 2010|publisher=John Wiley & Sons|isbn=9780470825679|pages=26|oclc=940634655|access-date=22 November 2020|archive-date=19 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170319200557/https://books.google.com/books?id=t--23FOImmIC&dq=Tzu+Chi:+Serving+with+Compassion.&source=gbs_navlinks_s|url-status=live}}</ref> Despite setbacks both in funding for the hospital and finding an acceptable site. Ground was broken on the site eventually chosen on 5 February 1983 at a ceremony officiated by then Provincial Governor (later President) [[Lee Teng-Hui]]. However, two weeks after ground was broken, [[Cheng Yen]] received a notice from the military telling her that the property was needed by the military and that construction would have to stop.<ref name=":13">{{Cite news|url=http://www.tzuchi.com.tw/en/index.php/history/7-hualien-tzu-chi-hospital|title=Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital|access-date=19 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170320052400/http://www.tzuchi.com.tw/en/index.php/history/7-hualien-tzu-chi-hospital|archive-date=20 March 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XtDRTLTwD88C&q=The+Life+and+Teachings+of+Venerable+Master+Cheng+Yen|title=Challenges The Life and Teachings of Venerable Master Cheng Yen|last=Gary|first=Ho|date=1 January 2014|publisher=Harbour Publishing|isbn=9781553659921|pages=44|oclc=957463283|access-date=22 November 2020|archive-date=6 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220506234638/https://books.google.com/books?id=XtDRTLTwD88C&q=The+Life+and+Teachings+of+Venerable+Master+Cheng+Yen|url-status=live}}</ref>

A new site was obtained for the hospital with help from Minister of the Interior [[Lin Yang-kang]].<ref name=":25">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=t--23FOImmIC&q=Tzu+Chi:+Serving+with+Compassion.|title=Tzu Chi: Serving with Compassion.|last=Mark.|first=O'Neill|date=1 January 2010|publisher=John Wiley & Sons|isbn=9780470825679|pages=28|oclc=940634655|access-date=22 November 2020|archive-date=19 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170319200557/https://books.google.com/books?id=t--23FOImmIC&dq=Tzu+Chi:+Serving+with+Compassion.&source=gbs_navlinks_s|url-status=live}}</ref> A second groundbreaking occurred on 2 April 1984 at the new site.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://eng.tzuchi.my/index.php/culture/culture-news-k2/item/7498-50-years-of-tzu-chi-looking-back-and-striding-forward|title=50 Years of Tzu Chi: Looking Back and Striding Forward|access-date=19 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170320052417/http://eng.tzuchi.my/index.php/culture/culture-news-k2/item/7498-50-years-of-tzu-chi-looking-back-and-striding-forward|archive-date=20 March 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> The publicity of the project to build the hospital led to a significant increase in the number of Tzu Chi volunteers, with Tzu Chi membership increasing six-fold by the time of the second groundbreaking since the announcement of the project in 1979.<ref name=":25"/> Construction was completed and the hospital opened on 17 August 1986.<ref name=":13" />

Tzu Chi has since built hospitals in [[Yuli, Hualien|Yuli]], [[Hualien County]]; [[Dalin, Chiayi|Dalin]], [[Chiayi County]]; [[Guanshan, Taitung|Guanshan]], [[Taitung County]]; [[Tanzi District]], [[Taichung City]]; and [[Xindian District|Xindian]], [[New Taipei City]].<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=W4PuparQrsUC&pg=PA94|title=The Politics of Buddhist Organizations in Taiwan, 1989–2003: Safeguard the Faith, Build a Pure Land, Help the Poor|last=Laliberté|first=André|date=21 August 2013|publisher=Routledge|isbn=9781134353545|pages=94|language=en|access-date=29 April 2017|archive-date=6 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220506234644/https://books.google.com/books?id=W4PuparQrsUC&pg=PA94|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://app.tzuchi.com.tw/tzuchi_en/About_TP_Center/Default.htm|title=About Medicine Mission|website=Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital|access-date=28 April 2017|archive-date=14 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170514183901/http://app.tzuchi.com.tw/tzuchi_en/About_TP_Center/Default.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> It has also a hospital in [[Jakarta]], [[Indonesia]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Prabowo |first1=Ibnu |title=Indonesia’s Tzu Chi Hospital uses robot to treat hernia |url=https://healthcareasiamagazine.com/exclusive/indonesias-tzu-chi-hospital-uses-robot-treat-hernia |website=Healthcare Asia Magazine |language=en |date=24 October 2024}}</ref>

In addition to building hospitals the [[Tzu Chi College of Nursing]] was founded on 17 September 1989 in Hualien in order to address the shortage of nurses on Taiwan's east coast, with a focus on serving the poor.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.tzuchimedicalfoundation.org/about-tzu-chi/tzu-chi-missions/|title=Tzu Chi Missions|date=3 December 2014|work=BUDDHIST TZU CHI MEDICAL FOUNDATION|access-date=29 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170429025148/http://www.tzuchimedicalfoundation.org/about-tzu-chi/tzu-chi-missions/|archive-date=29 April 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4dlOAQAAQBAJ&q=tzu+chi+nursing+college&pg=PA127|title=Ecofeminism and Globalization: Exploring Culture, Context, and Religion|last1=Eaton|last2=Lorentzen|date=8 September 2004|publisher=Rowman & Littlefield Publishers|isbn=9780585482767|pages=127|language=en|access-date=22 November 2020|archive-date=6 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220506234645/https://books.google.com/books?id=4dlOAQAAQBAJ&q=tzu+chi+nursing+college&pg=PA127|url-status=live}}</ref> It was the first private nursing college in Taiwan to waive tuition for selected courses, in addition to providing full scholarships for qualified [[Taiwan aborigine]] students.{{citation needed|date=September 2014}}

=== Bone marrow registry ===
[[File:The Buddist Tzu Chi University.JPG|thumb|Main building at [[Tzu Chi University]]]]
Tzu Chi created the Tzu Chi Bone Marrow Registry, in 1993 after a young follower of [[Cheng Yen]] was diagnosed with Leukemia.<ref name=":6">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XtDRTLTwD88C&q=tzu+chi+bone+marrow&pg=PA164|title=Challenges: The Life and Teachings of Venerable Master Cheng Yen|last=Gary|date=23 March 2012|publisher=D & M Publishers|isbn=9781553659921|pages=163|language=en|access-date=22 November 2020|archive-date=6 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220506234645/https://books.google.com/books?id=XtDRTLTwD88C&q=tzu+chi+bone+marrow&pg=PA164|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":33">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=t--23FOImmIC&q=tzu+chi+bone+marrow&pg=PA145|title=Tzu Chi: Serving with Compassion|last=O'Neill|first=Mark|date=17 May 2010|publisher=John Wiley & Sons|isbn=9780470825679|pages=145|language=en}}</ref> [[Cheng Yen]] referred to the concept of [[Bone marrow|bone marrow donation]] as a way to "save a life without harming yourself."<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.tzuchi.ca/index.php/en/about-us/tzu-chi-foundation|title=Tzu Chi Foundation|last=慈濟基金會|access-date=2 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170402170105/http://www.tzuchi.ca/index.php/en/about-us/tzu-chi-foundation|archive-date=2 April 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> This effort to register bone marrow donors from an organization with such massive membership like Tzu Chi caused Taiwan to change its laws regarding organ donations.<ref name=":7">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=t--23FOImmIC&q=tzu+chi+bone+marrow&pg=PA145|title=Tzu Chi: Serving with Compassion|last=O'Neill|first=Mark|date=17 May 2010|publisher=John Wiley & Sons|isbn=9780470825679|pages=146|language=en}}</ref>{{refn|Prior to 1993 Taiwanese law only allowed organ transplants between relatives.<ref name=":7">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=t--23FOImmIC&q=tzu+chi+bone+marrow&pg=PA145|title=Tzu Chi: Serving with Compassion|last=O'Neill|first=Mark|date=17 May 2010|publisher=John Wiley & Sons|isbn=9780470825679|pages=146|language=en}}</ref>|group=note}} This registry became a division of the new [https://btcscc.tzuchi.com.tw/ Tzu Chi Stem Cells Center], which was founded to improve research and treatment capabilities.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=26vBBAAAQBAJ&q=Tzu+Chi+Stem+Cells+Center&pg=PA17|title=Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation in Children with Cancer|last1=Smith|first1=Franklin O.|last2=Reaman|first2=Gregory H.|last3=Racadio|first3=Judy M.|date=26 November 2013|publisher=Springer Science & Business Media|isbn=9783642399206|pages=17|language=en|access-date=22 November 2020|archive-date=6 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220506234646/https://books.google.com/books?id=26vBBAAAQBAJ&q=Tzu+Chi+Stem+Cells+Center&pg=PA17|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":33"/> By 2007 the program had saved the lives of almost 1,500 people in 25 different countries.<ref name=":33" /> By 2008, Tzu Chi had registered more than 307,657 bone marrow donors.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XtDRTLTwD88C&q=tzu+chi+bone+marrow&pg=PA164|title=Challenges: The Life and Teachings of Venerable Master Cheng Yen|last=Gary|date=23 March 2012|publisher=D & M Publishers|isbn=9781553659921|pages=165|language=en|access-date=22 November 2020|archive-date=6 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220506234645/https://books.google.com/books?id=XtDRTLTwD88C&q=tzu+chi+bone+marrow&pg=PA164|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== College of Medicine ===
Tzu Chi established the [[Tzu Chi College of Medicine]] in 1994. This college became [[Tzu Chi University]] in 2000. In the meantime Cheng-Yen appealed to the Taiwanese public to donate their bodies for medical training, attempting to dispel traditional taboos in the process. As a result of this appeal, public support for [[body donation]]s surged nationwide. Consequently, at the Tzu Chi College of Medicine, there is one body for every four students to study as opposed to one body for every two hundred students at one school, the ratio is the lowest in the country.

In 1995, the Athletic Drug Testing Center was established at the request of the Ministry of Education and went into operation in 1996 during a national sporting event when gold medal winners were tested for banned drugs.{{citation needed|date=September 2014}}

== Disaster relief ==
[[File:Tzu Chi Culture and Communication Foundation 20080309.jpg|thumb|Tzu Chi Culture and Communications building]]
Tzu Chi is most well-known for its disaster relief efforts worldwide. In carrying out these projects, Tzu Chi has a policy that forbids public gatherings for the sole purpose of specific political, economic, and religious groups.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.us.tzuchi.org/usa/images/other/TzuChiFAQ-global.pdf|title=Frequently Asked Questions about Tzu Chi|date=25 July 2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110725233133/http://www.us.tzuchi.org/usa/images/other/TzuChiFAQ-global.pdf|archive-date=25 July 2011|access-date=9 January 2020}}</ref> Tzu Chi volunteers are not to discuss business, politics, or preach religion while giving aid.<ref name=":25"/> One of the most iconic attributes of Tzu Chi disaster relief efforts is that volunteers not only provide short term aid but also partake in long-term projects to rebuild the communities affected. Tzu Chi often builds new homes, schools, hospitals, and places of worship (including churches and mosques for non-Buddhists) for victims following a disaster.<ref>{{Citation|title=Dharma Master Cheng Yen – Discovery Channel Documentary 證嚴法師 – Discovery 頻道 (中文字幕) 480p|date=1 March 2014|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHsDjv5JqbU|access-date=29 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170525233639/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHsDjv5JqbU|archive-date=25 May 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

===People's Republic of China===
Tzu Chi's involvement with providing aid in the People's Republic of China was difficult at first. Cheng Yen has referred to relief work in [[China]] as "Building a Bridge of Love." The initial problems with providing aid in China involved the [[Cross-Strait relations|political tensions]] between Taiwan and China and Communist China's disdain for religion. In Taiwan, it was difficult to convince [[Taiwanese people|Taiwanese]] to help the [[Chinese people|Chinese]], and in China, it was difficult to convince government officials normally wary of religious organizations to accept Tzu Chi.

Tzu Chi's involvement in the [[People's Republic of China]] began in 1991, when it undertook relief operations after [[Eastern China flood of 1991|severe floods hit central and eastern China]]. The aid provided to China was Tzu Chi's first major effort at international relief aid, it also allowed Tzu Chi to develop its principles of delivering aid and establish relations with the People's Republic of China. Since then, the foundation has built schools, nursing homes and entire villages, including infrastructure in poor inland areas, such as [[Guizhou]] province.<ref name=":5">{{cite journal|title=Outline of assistance given to Chinese provinces|url=http://taipei.tzuchi.org.tw/tzquart/book/book1/book1.htm|archive-date=5 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120305053915/http://taipei.tzuchi.org.tw/tzquart/book/book1/book1.htm|access-date=27 March 2014}}</ref>

Over the past twenty years, Tzu Chi expanded their humanitarian work and influence to 28 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions in China. Projects include relief work after major disasters like the [[2008 Sichuan earthquake|Sichuan earthquake]]; distribution of rice and goods to the poor; social programs like regular visits to the needy; [[scholarship]] programs to the less privileged students; medical missions like [[bone marrow donation]] and [[free clinics]]; and educational outings of environmental protection and recycling activities.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://tw.tzuchi.org/en/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=647%3Atzu-chi-opens-chinas-dirst-overseas-ngo-office&catid=77%3Amissionofcharity&Itemid=177&lang=en|title=Tzu Chi Opens China's 1st Overseas NGO Office|date=23 August 2010|publisher=Tzu Chi|access-date=30 January 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721184701/http://tw.tzuchi.org/en/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=647:tzu-chi-opens-chinas-dirst-overseas-ngo-office&catid=77:missionofcharity&Itemid=177&lang=en|archive-date=21 July 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>

In March 2008, Tzu Chi became the first organization represented by a non-Mainland resident to be registered with the Chinese government.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-taiwan-religion-idUSPEK23024220080311|title=Atheist China gives nod to Taiwan Buddhist group|date=11 March 2008|work=Reuters|access-date=2 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924131857/http://www.reuters.com/article/2008/03/11/us-china-taiwan-religion-idUSPEK23024220080311|archive-date=24 September 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

In the aftermath of the [[2008 Sichuan earthquake]], Tzu Chi sent food, blankets and medical aid to survivors, while volunteers in China set out for the disaster zone.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/national/national-news/2008/05/16/156647/p2/Jets-lift.htm|title=Jets lift life-saving aid materials to Sichuan|newspaper=[[China Post]]|access-date=30 January 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120925202225/http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/national/national-news/2008/05/16/156647/p2/Jets-lift.htm|archive-date=25 September 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> Tzu Chi was also one of the few organizations the Chinese government allowed to bring in aid workers from overseas to join the relief effort.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tvbs.com.tw/NEWS/NEWS_LIST.asp?no=aj100920080513231527|title=Mainland authorities give approval to Tzu Chi – Tzu Chi team scheduled to depart tomorrow or the day after to join the relief effort|date=13 May 2008|publisher=[[TVBS]]|language=zh|access-date=20 May 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080517084044/http://www.tvbs.com.tw/NEWS/NEWS_LIST.asp?no=aj100920080513231527|archive-date=17 May 2008|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/16/world/asia/16china.html|title=In Departure, China Invites Outside Help|date=16 May 2008|work=[[The New York Times]]|author1=French, Howard|author2=Wong, Edward|name-list-style=amp|access-date=23 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081211124331/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/16/world/asia/16china.html|archive-date=11 December 2008|url-status=live}}</ref> With the motto "First to arrive, last to leave," the organization has continued with long-term reconstruction work in [[Sichuan]], and by 2010, had rebuilt thirteen schools in the region.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://tw.tzuchi.org/en/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=793:new-schools-new-smiles&catid=77:missionofcharity&Itemid=177&lang=en|title=New Schools, New Smiles|last=Foundation|first=Tzu Chi|access-date=29 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160630215228/http://tw.tzuchi.org/en/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=793%3Anew-schools-new-smiles&catid=77%3Amissionofcharity&Itemid=177&lang=en|archive-date=30 June 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

In August 2010, Tzu Chi became the first overseas NGO to receive permission from the Ministry of Civil Affairs to set up a nationwide charity foundation. Normally, overseas organizations must register with the Ministry of Commerce as businesses.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://blogs.reuters.com/faithworld/2010/08/20/taiwan-buddhist-charity-tzu-chi-sets-up-shop-in-atheist-china/|title=Taiwan Buddhist Charity Tzu Chi Sets Up Shop in Atheist China|date=20 August 2010|work=Reuters|access-date=30 January 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110625164510/http://blogs.reuters.com/faithworld/2010/08/20/taiwan-buddhist-charity-tzu-chi-sets-up-shop-in-atheist-china/|archive-date=25 June 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> The foundation received the China Charity Award from the Ministry of Civil Affairs for its work in charity and promoting the well-being of society in 2006 and again in 2008.

=== Republic of China (Taiwan) ===
In 1996, Tzu Chi started a nationwide volunteer program where volunteers are registered according to where they live with the goal of "neighbors helping neighbors." The community volunteer initiative began as a disaster relief effort started in response to [[Typhoon Herb]].<ref name=":8">{{Cite web|url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/local/archives/1999/10/03/0000004923|title=Tzuchi always ready to lend a helping hand – Taipei Times|website=Taipei Times|date=3 October 1999|access-date=11 March 2017|archive-date=29 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180829045817/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/local/archives/1999/10/03/0000004923|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.tw.tzuchi.org/en/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=379:the-world-is-impermanent&catid=82:miscellaneous&Itemid=326&lang=en|title=The World is Impermanent|last=Foundation|first=Tzu Chi|access-date=11 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171015162351/http://tw.tzuchi.org/en/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=379%3Athe-world-is-impermanent&catid=82%3Amiscellaneous&Itemid=326&lang=en|archive-date=15 October 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tzuchi.org.sg/eng/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=645&Itemid=566|title=Community Volunteers|website=tzuchi.org.sg|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160810185022/http://www.tzuchi.org.sg/eng/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=645&Itemid=566|archive-date=10 August 2016|url-status=dead|access-date=11 March 2017}}</ref>

[[File:Tzu Chi Food Booth Service for Rescue Team 20150204.jpg|thumb|Tzu Chi tent at rescue site]]
Tzu Chi volunteers were one of the first responders in the [[1999 Chi-Chi earthquake|Chi-Chi earthquake]] (known in Taiwan as the 921 earthquake) of 1999, mobilizing within 2 hours to provide thousands of sets of food and relief supplies to victims. The volunteers followed a strict system of organization where commissioners and teams of volunteers were assigned to specific townships, and teams were assigned to specific areas within the townships. This organizational structure was what allowed the volunteers to be mobilized so quickly and efficiently.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/local/archives/1999/10/03/0000004923/1|title=Tzuchi always ready to lend a helping hand – Taipei Times|website=Taipei Times|date=3 October 1999|access-date=11 March 2017|archive-date=29 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180829045817/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/local/archives/1999/10/03/0000004923/1|url-status=live}}</ref> The earthquake prompted [[Cheng Yen]] to start "Project Hope", a long-term project to rebuild 51 schools for those effected by the disaster.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://tw.tzuchi.org/en/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=123&Itemid=366&lang=en|title=Project Hope — Disaster Risk Reduction|website=tw.tzuchi.org|access-date=11 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170610072518/http://tw.tzuchi.org/en/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=123&Itemid=366&lang=en|archive-date=10 June 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.tw.tzuchi.org/en/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1099&Itemid=248|title=Annual Statistics on the Schools Rebuilt by Tzu Chi|last=Foundation|first=Tzu Chi|access-date=11 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150627151000/http://www.tw.tzuchi.org/en/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1099&Itemid=248|archive-date=27 June 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> Tzu Chi raised more relief funds for the earthquake than any other religious organization in Taiwan, raising nearly sixty times as much funds for the relief effort than the next largest fundraiser, [[Fo Guang Shan]].<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jBmpT_H3ZFUC&q=tzu+chi+disaster+relief&pg=SA9-PA364|title=Community Disaster Recovery and Resiliency: Exploring Global Opportunities and Challenges|last1=Miller|first1=DeMond S.|last2=Rivera|first2=Jason David|date=19 April 2016|publisher=CRC Press|isbn=9781420088236|pages=452|language=en|access-date=22 November 2020|archive-date=6 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220506234647/https://books.google.com/books?id=jBmpT_H3ZFUC&q=tzu+chi+disaster+relief&pg=SA9-PA364|url-status=live}}</ref> The 921 earthquake was credited for prompting Tzu Chi to create a disaster relief coordination center at its headquarters to organize quicker disaster response services.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jBmpT_H3ZFUC&q=tzu+chi+disaster+relief&pg=SA9-PA364|title=Community Disaster Recovery and Resiliency: Exploring Global Opportunities and Challenges|last1=Miller|first1=DeMond S.|last2=Rivera|first2=Jason David|date=19 April 2016|publisher=CRC Press|isbn=9781420088236|pages=454|language=en|access-date=22 November 2020|archive-date=6 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220506234647/https://books.google.com/books?id=jBmpT_H3ZFUC&q=tzu+chi+disaster+relief&pg=SA9-PA364|url-status=live}}</ref>

Tzu Chi was also active in providing aid after [[Typhoon Nepartak (2016)|Typhoon Nepartak]] struck Taiwan in 2016, providing relief supplies, rebuilding communities, and providing medical care through its medical support staff in [[Taimali, Taitung|Taimali]], Taiwan which have been holding medical outreach free clinics in the area since 2006.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/china-taiwan-province/tzu-chi-s-medical-care-survivors-after-typhoon-nepartak-taiwan|title=Tzu Chi's medical care for the survivors after Typhoon Nepartak in Taiwan|date=24 August 2016|work=ReliefWeb|access-date=29 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160825170213/http://reliefweb.int/report/china-taiwan-province/tzu-chi-s-medical-care-survivors-after-typhoon-nepartak-taiwan|archive-date=25 August 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://tw.tzuchi.org/en/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1396:tzu-chi-begins-relief-work-in-southeast-taiwan-after-typhoon&catid=1:taiwan&Itemid=263&lang=en|title=Tzu Chi Begins Relief Work in Southeast Taiwan After Typhoon|publisher=Tzu Chi Foundation|access-date=29 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170206100816/http://tw.tzuchi.org/en/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1396%3Atzu-chi-begins-relief-work-in-southeast-taiwan-after-typhoon&catid=1%3Ataiwan&Itemid=263&lang=en|archive-date=6 February 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Outside Greater China ===
Tzu Chi has participated in numerous other relief projects around the world, including sending teams to [[Indonesia]] and [[Sri Lanka]] in the wake of the [[tsunami]] resulting from the [[2004 Indian Ocean earthquake]] as well as to [[Pakistan]] after the [[2005 Kashmir earthquake|2005 earthquake]] in their northern mountains. The later was done despite poor relations between the governments of the two countries.

Following the disappearance of [[Malaysia Airlines Flight 370]] in 2014, Tzu Chi immediately sent their specially trained teams to Beijing and Malaysia to provide trauma relief and emotional support to families and others affected by the tragedy,<ref name="malaysia-cnbc">{{cite web|title=Missing Malaysia jet may have veered off course|url=https://www.cnbc.com/id/101485921|publisher=[[CNBC]]|date=12 March 2014|access-date=12 March 2014}}</ref> in accordance with a 2007 agreement with Malaysia Airlines to fulfill the need for emergency response support services.<ref name="malaysia-nst">{{cite news|title=Caregiver sacrifices time for family of passengers |url=http://www.nst.com.my/latest/font-color-red-missing-mh370-font-caregiver-sacrifices-time-for-family-of-passengers-1.521261 |work=New Straits Times |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140531110739/http://www.nst.com.my/latest/font-color-red-missing-mh370-font-caregiver-sacrifices-time-for-family-of-passengers-1.521261 |archive-date=31 May 2014}}</ref>

In the aftermath of [[Hurricane Sandy]], the organization announced on 18 November 2012 a donation of $10 million in the form of $300 and $600 [[Visa Inc.|Visa]] debit cards to those affected in the [[New York (state)|New York]] and New Jersey area.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.qgazette.com/news/2012-11-28/Front_Page/Liu_Announces_Buddhist_Tzu_Chi_Donation_Of_10_Mill.html|title=Liu, Announces Buddhist Tzu Chi Donation Of $10 Million|date=28 November 2012|work=[[The Queens Gazette]]|access-date=4 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121209064352/http://www.qgazette.com/news/2012-11-28/Front_Page/Liu_Announces_Buddhist_Tzu_Chi_Donation_Of_10_Mill.html|archive-date=9 December 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> Volunteers handed out these cards in parts of [[Brooklyn]], [[Queens]], and [[Staten Island]]. Tzu Chi was also active in providing aid following the [[April 2015 Nepal earthquake|2015 Nepal earthquake]]. Tzu Chi was also active in relief efforts during [[Hurricane Harvey]] in 2017, the group provided aid, as well as cash gifts for those who helped the community during the disaster.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://abc13.com/buddhists-come-to-aid-of-officers-hit-by-harvey/2433855/|title=Buddhists come to aid of officers hit by Harvey|last=Carson|first=Ilona|date=20 September 2017|work=ABC13 Houston|access-date=5 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171005100945/http://abc13.com/buddhists-come-to-aid-of-officers-hit-by-harvey/2433855/|archive-date=5 October 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ajc.com/news/local/hurricane-relief-effort/Op6XVN0u36UWqUgShrE8YP/|title=Hurricane relief effort|last=Broady|first=Arlinda|website=ajc|access-date=5 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171005154535/http://www.ajc.com/news/local/hurricane-relief-effort/Op6XVN0u36UWqUgShrE8YP/|archive-date=5 October 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/dfw/news/appreciation-frustration-harvey-evacuees-dallas/|title=Appreciation Turns To Frustration For Some Harvey Evacuees In Dallas|access-date=5 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171005151229/http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2017/09/15/appreciation-frustration-harvey-evacuees-dallas/|archive-date=5 October 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2016, the organization distributed in the United States over $2 million in cash cards to disaster victims.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.lionsroar.com/buddhist-organization-tzu-chi-distributing-humanitarian-relief-in-houston-after-hurricane-harvey/|title=Buddhist organization Tzu Chi distributing humanitarian relief in Houston after Hurricane Harvey|date=1 September 2017|work=Lion's Roar|access-date=4 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170904111803/https://www.lionsroar.com/buddhist-organization-tzu-chi-distributing-humanitarian-relief-in-houston-after-hurricane-harvey/|archive-date=4 September 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> As of 2015, Tzu Chi has provided disaster relief aid to over 85 countries worldwide.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5BaMBgAAQBAJ&q=tzu+chi+disaster+relief&pg=PA28|title=Taiwan's Marginalized Role in International Security: Paying a Price|last1=Glaser|first1=Bonnie S.|last2=Vitello|first2=Jacqueline A.|date=21 January 2015|publisher=Rowman & Littlefield|isbn=9781442240605|pages=28|language=en|access-date=22 November 2020|archive-date=6 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220506234647/https://books.google.com/books?id=5BaMBgAAQBAJ&q=tzu+chi+disaster+relief&pg=PA28|url-status=live}}</ref>

During the Covid pandemic, the Tzu Chi foundation continued its disaster relief work, providing resources to families struggling with poverty. For example, after months of searching, in December 2020 the Tzu Chi found a location for a pandemic-related food distribution event, partnering with [[the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]] and the Echame La Mano Pura Vida Foundation to provide food, water, and other essentials.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-12-16|title=Serving Communities in California With the Mormon Church|url=https://tzuchi.us/blog/serving-communities-in-california-with-the-mormon-church|access-date=2022-01-22|website=Tzu Chi USA|language=en-US|archive-date=22 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220122092257/https://tzuchi.us/blog/serving-communities-in-california-with-the-mormon-church|url-status=live}}</ref> The foundation has also had pre-pandemic humanitarian work in the United States, such as their Happy Campus Program, Mobile Food Pantry Program, and educational programs.

Following the [[2023 Monterey Park shooting]], in the United States, Tzu Chi volunteers went to relay information in Mandarin and Cantonese to victims’ families, of whom many were Taiwanese Americans, and assist in funeral arrangements. Tzu Chi volunteers were also recruited by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office to translate personal information, and link families’ needs to government resources.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Molina |first=Alejandra |date=January 27, 2023 |title=A Buddhist disaster relief organization offers key support after Monterey Park shooting |work=Religion News Service |url=https://religionnews.com/2023/01/27/how-a-buddhist-disaster-relief-organization-is-responding-after-the-monterey-park-mass-shooting/ |access-date=January 28, 2023}}</ref>

==Global presence==
Tzu Chi's headquarters is located in [[Xincheng, Hualien|Xincheng Township, Hualien County]], Taiwan.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2008-04-30 |title=Tzu Chi Headquarters |url=https://eng.taiwan.net.tw/m1.aspx?sNo=0002124&id=5796 |access-date=2025-01-19 |website=Tourism Administration, Republic of China (Taiwan) |language=}}</ref>
<gallery>
File:Jing Si Abode.jpg|Jing Si Abode ({{Lang|zh|静思精舍}})
File:Tzu Chi Foundation Facade, Hualien (3990381753).jpg|The Hall of Still Thoughts; Tzu Chi General Hospital can be seen at the right
File:Tzu Chi Foundation (Hong Kong).jpg|Tzu-Chi Foundation in Hong Kong
File:The usual set up for the Tzu Chi 3-in-1 Celebration (浴佛典禮).jpg|The usual set up for the Tzu Chi 3-in-1 Celebration ({{Lang|zh|浴佛典禮}})
File:Tzu Chi Culture and Communication Foundation 20160607b.jpg|Tzu Chi Culture and Communication building
</gallery>

===Portfolios===
Tzu Chi's portfolios include case management, medical, educational and [[disaster relief]].<ref>{{cite web|title=The Tzu Chi Foundation Finds Good Karma in Disaster Relief and Preparedness|url=https://www.nyredcross.org/?nd=news_room_detail&news_id=53&jid=63915|publisher=[[American Red Cross]]|access-date=14 October 2012|date=23 October 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20121228094810/https://www.nyredcross.org/?nd=news_room_detail&news_id=53&jid=63915|archive-date=28 December 2012}}</ref>

The organization builds and operates many hospitals and schools, with outreach efforts that range from visits to nursing homes to providing bone marrow surgery, as well as offering items such as washing machines to struggling single mothers. The television "Da Ai" network operates with its own news and television programming. Chinese schools have also been established abroad, such as in Australia and the United States, which, apart from teaching Chinese and [[sign language]], also guides students in ways of compassion and [[community service]].
[[File:US Navy 100226-N-6214F-040 Members of the Bouddhiste Tzu Chi Foundation, a Buddist charity based in Taiwan, distribute about 2,000 blankets and tarps to Haitian citizens.jpg|thumb|Tzu Chi volunteers distribute blankets to victims of the [[2010 Haiti earthquake|2010 Haitian earthquake]]]]

===Recycling===
A significant fraction of funds raised by Tzu Chi revolves around [[environmentally friendly]] goals in encouraging the recycling of items such as water bottles as well as using reusable items or reusing items to reduce waste.

As of 2014, the foundation operates over 5,600 recycling stations.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/world/asia/la-fg-taiwan-recycling-20141117-story.html|title=Taiwan Buddhists transform plastic waste|last=Jennings|first=Ralph|date=17 November 2014|website=Los Angeles Times|access-date=15 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170116175356/http://www.latimes.com/world/asia/la-fg-taiwan-recycling-20141117-story.html|archive-date=16 January 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> One of the foundation's projects is the recycling of [[polyethylene terephthalate]] (PET) plastic bottles for the production of textiles. The project, which was started in 2006, collects PET plastic bottles and recycles them into cloth.<ref>Tzu Chi Quarterly, Winter 2008</ref> The project is handled by the Tzu Chi sponsored nonprofit Da Ai Technology Co. The products are all designed by members of the paid staff and recycled plastic bottles make up about half of the raw materials for the products. The project collects about 2,000 tons of plastic bottles each year.<ref name=":2" /> Tzu Chi's recycling centers have been a source of criticism however, with critics arguing that Tzu Chi's recycling efforts result in lost income for poor trash collectors.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2014/04/23/2003588703|title=Tzu Chi said to steal from poor – Taipei Times|website=Taipei Times|access-date=31 August 2018|archive-date=31 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180831104207/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2014/04/23/2003588703|url-status=live}}</ref>

Since 2007, the foundation has produced over 460,000 polyester blankets out of recycled plastic bottles, many of which have been distributed as part of Tzu Chi's disaster relief programs throughout the world. Other items made with the recycled resins include thermal underwear, T-shirts, hospital bed sheets, medical gowns, suitcases, stuffed animals and uniforms for Tzu Chi volunteers. While the project relies on recycled plastic bottles for the production of its products, its leaders have stated that it is still best for people to not use plastic bottles at all.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.tw.tzuchi.org/en/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=300:a-greener-blanket&catid=59:internationalrelief&Itemid=183&lang=en|title=A Greener Blanket|last=Foundation|first=Tzu Chi|access-date=15 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170927052415/http://www.tw.tzuchi.org/en/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=300:a-greener-blanket&catid=59:internationalrelief&Itemid=183&lang=en|archive-date=27 September 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url=https://phys.org/news/2013-03-taiwan-plastic-junk-blankets-dolls.html|title=Taiwan turns plastic junk into blankets, dolls|access-date=15 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170116183046/https://phys.org/news/2013-03-taiwan-plastic-junk-blankets-dolls.html|archive-date=16 January 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":2" />
[[File:Tzu Chi Foundation in Hualien (3991128820).jpg|thumb|Inside the main hall of Tzu Chi Foundation]]

===Dharma===
The teachings of the [[Buddha]] and founder Cheng Yen play a core role in the workings of the organization. "Tzu Chi Day" is celebrated every year on the second Sunday of May which generally coincides with the Buddha's birthday ([[Vesak Day]]), and [[Mother's Day]] (as recognised in Taiwan). Celebrations during Tzu Chi Day include the bathing of the Buddha ceremony, the tradition's message is that it is the people that need cleansing before they become better individuals. Tzu Chi promotes many of the teachings of Buddhism, in particular the [[Lotus Sutra]], 
and also has sutra adaptations through the use of sign language on the [[Innumerable Meanings Sutra|Sutra of the Infinite Meanings]], which teaches that sentient existence is challenging and filled with disasters in the absence of observations of [[Śīla|virtue]], as well as the [[Water Repentence|Water Repentance Sutra]], which advocates and symbolizes the need to repent [[karma|karmic transgressions]]. Despite these activities, Tzu Chi has a policy of not proselytizing religion directly at its public activities.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.manilatimes.net/visit-to-the-tzu-chi-foundation-in-taiwan/238309/|title=Visit to the Tzu Chi Foundation in Taiwan – The Manila Times Online|website=manilatimes.net|access-date=15 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170906092112/http://www.manilatimes.net/visit-to-the-tzu-chi-foundation-in-taiwan/238309/|archive-date=6 September 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://globalnation.inquirer.net/114046/tzu-chi-foundation-lets-hear-it-for-amazing-buddhist-responders|title=Tzu Chi Foundation: Let's hear it for amazing Buddhist responders|last=Petilla|first=Danny|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|access-date=15 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170116182921/https://globalnation.inquirer.net/114046/tzu-chi-foundation-lets-hear-it-for-amazing-buddhist-responders|archive-date=16 January 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Apart from not proselytizing, Tzu Chi's adaptation of Buddhist principles is [[apolitical]].

In disaster regions where a particular religious faith is prominent, Tzu Chi regularly works together with local religious organizations. Tzu Chi has re-built [[mosques]] and [[church (building)|churches]] in disaster zones where faith plays an important role in local society.<ref name=":3">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzdyNvcRTWk|title=Master Cheng Yen and Tzu Chi|publisher=The Discovery Channel|access-date=15 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170110210357/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzdyNvcRTWk|archive-date=10 January 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

Tzu Chi nuns ([[bhikkhuni]]s) do not rely on donations for their livelihood, something uncommon among most Buddhist orders. In earlier days, the nuns sustained themselves by farming, weaving and other handicrafts. More recently, they sustained themselves by the manufacture of electrical circuit breakers and other products.

===International branches===
Tzu Chi has volunteers in 68 countries and regions including USA, Canada, Australia, [[Thailand]], [[Indonesia]], Malaysia, [[Singapore]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Tzu Chi Singapore|url=https://zh-tw.facebook.com/tzuchisingapore|website=Facebook|access-date=10 September 2014|archive-date=29 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180829045817/https://zh-tw.facebook.com/tzuchisingapore|url-status=live}}</ref> and various locations in Asia, Europe and Africa.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.tzuchi.org/global/offices/index.html | title=Tzu Chi Local Chapters and Associations | publisher=Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation | access-date=29 December 2013 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090404090834/http://www.tzuchi.org/GLOBAL/offices/index.html | archive-date=4 April 2009 | df=dmy-all }}</ref>
[[File:Da Ai building of Tzu Chi University.JPG|thumb|Da Ai building of Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan]]

===Television and satellite network===
On 17 August 1999, a television network was formed in Taiwan under the Tzu Chi Foundation of the Culture of Communication, Inc with the slogan "Love to make the world light up". Formally known as [[Da Ai Television]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Da Ai Television|url=http://www.daai.tv/daai-web/main/|publisher=Tzu Chi Culture and Communication Foundation|access-date=10 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141020103914/http://www.daai.tv/daai-web/main/|archive-date=20 October 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> the network grew into a global broadcasting presence with offerings of a radio service<ref>{{cite web|title=radio.newdaai.tv|url=http://radio.newdaai.tv/aod/index_in.php|access-date=10 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140910195337/http://radio.newdaai.tv/aod/index_in.php|archive-date=10 September 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> and three television channels, including a channel in Indonesia.

===Jing Si Books & Café===
Jing Si Books & Café is a chain of nonprofit bookstores and cafes operated by Tzu Chi offering Tzu Chi merchandise and publications by Cheng Yen.<ref>{{cite web|title=Jing Si Books & Cafe|url=http://jingsi.com.tw/|access-date=10 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140911002133/http://jingsi.com.tw/|archive-date=11 September 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Youth==
The Tzu Chi Collegiate Association ({{Lang-zh|t=慈濟大專青年聯誼會|p=Cíjì Dàzhuān Qīngnián Liányìhuì}}; abbreviated {{Lang-zh|t=慈青|p=Cíqīng|labels=no|l=}}) is the foundation's college youth organization,<ref>{{cite web|title=Tzu Chi Collegiate Association (Singapore)|url=http://sgtzuching2014en.wordpress.com|website=慈濟大專青年聯誼會（新加坡）|publisher=WordPress.com|access-date=10 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140910195926/http://sgtzuching2014en.wordpress.com/|archive-date=10 September 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> and was officially established in Taiwan on 31 May 1992. With chapters at universities worldwide, its goal is to allow university students to be involved with Tzu Chi's activities.<ref>{{cite web|title=Singapore Tzu Ching 新加坡慈青|date=17 August 2013|url=http://sgtzuching3in1.blogspot.sg|access-date=10 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140911001701/http://sgtzuching3in1.blogspot.sg/|archive-date=11 September 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=What is Tzu Ching|url=http://www.umich.edu/~tzuching/|work=Tzu Chi Collegiate Association at the University of Michigan|publisher=[[University of Michigan]]|access-date=22 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222213236/http://www.umich.edu/~tzuching/|archive-date=22 February 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> Tzu Ching volunteers are given the opportunity to participate in large-scale events such as disaster relief and international NGO conferences such as the annual [[UN Youth Assembly]]. [[Cheng Yen]] encourages the Tzu Ching volunteers to actively communicate with each other, with the goals of learning and improving. Each year an international Tzu Ching officer training retreat camp is held at the foundation headquarters in [[Hualien City|Hualien]].

Tzu Shao ({{Lang|zh|慈少}}) is the Tzu Chi branch for youths under the age of 18. Young volunteers in this group do community services such as helping out at free clinics, soup kitchens, and nursing homes.

Within the Indonesian branch of Tzu Chi, the role of Tzu Ching (慈青) extends beyond the university level. Instead, youth volunteers can start applying at the age of 16 through the Tzu Chi website.

==Year-end Blessings Ceremonies==
Each year, Tzu Chi conducts a Year-End Blessings Ceremony attended by Tzu Chi workers, volunteers and members in January or February, where Cheng Yen distributes blessings in the form of [[Red envelope|red packets]] that embosses a coin in [[New Taiwan dollar|Taiwanese currency]]{{Refn|The coin symbolizes the fifty cents the thirty housewives saved at the founding of Tzu Chi|group=note}} together with auspicious words for the coming year.<ref>{{cite web|title=Tzu Chi Year End Ceremony 2013|url=http://yeb.tzuchi.org.sg|access-date=10 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140910200034/http://yeb.tzuchi.org.sg/|archive-date=10 September 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Notes ==
{{Reflist|group=note|20em}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
* {{cite book|author=Yu-Shuang Yao|title=Taiwan's Tzu Chi as Engaged Buddhism: Origins, Organization, Appeal and Social Impact|date=2012|publisher=Global Oriental|isbn=978-90-04-21747-8}}
* Gombrich, Richard (2013). [https://www.uni-marburg.de/fb03/ivk/mjr/pdfs/2013/reviews/rev_gombrich_2013.pdf Review: Yu-Shuang Yao, Taiwan's Tzu Chi as Engaged Buddhism: Origins, Organization, Appeal and Social Impact, Global Oriental 2012]. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160215022459/https://www.uni-marburg.de/fb03/ivk/mjr/pdfs/2013/reviews/rev_gombrich_2013.pdf |date=15 February 2016 }}. Marburg Journal of Religion 17 (1), 1–8
* {{cite book|author=C. Julia Huang|title=Charisma and Compassion: Cheng Yen and the Buddhist Tzu Chi Movement|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=t529SPeue5MC|year=2009|publisher=Harvard University Press|isbn=978-0-674-03133-3}}
* Jones, Charles B. (2009). [http://www.globalbuddhism.org/jgb/index.php/jgb/article/view/99/113 Modernization and Traditionalism in Buddhist Almsgiving: The Case of the Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu-chi Association in Taiwan]. Journal of Global Buddhism 10, 291–319

== External links ==
* [https://www.tzuchi.org/ Official Site (Global Homepage)]
* [http://www.tzuchi.us/ Official Site (USA)]
* [http://www.tzuchi.ca/ Official Site (Canada)]
* [https://tzuchidharma.org/ Tzu Chi School of Buddhism]
* [https://tcueng.tcu.edu.tw/ Tzu Chi University]
* [https://intleng.tcu.edu.tw/ Tzu Chi International College]
* [https://www.tcust.edu.tw/ Tzu Chi University of Science and Technology]
* [https://tcmcollege.com/ Tzu Chi International College of Traditional Chinese Medicine]
* [http://www.books.com.tw/exep/assp.php/jamezku/products/F012089631 TzuChi, Serving with Compassion (English Guideline)]
{{Commons category|Tzu Chi}}

{{Four Great Mountains}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Tzu Chi| ]]
[[Category:Buddhist organizations based in Taiwan]]
[[Category:Charities based in Taiwan]]
[[Category:International charities]]
[[Category:International volunteer organizations]]
[[Category:Religious service organizations]]
[[Category:Religious organizations established in 1966]]