The 40th Anniversary of Tzu Chi
　　Master Cheng Yen: A millennium passes in the blink of an eye. The brief 40 years since Tzu Chi’s establishment is but the starting point of Tzu Chi’s work to come. Let us continue onward into the millennia to come

　　When Dharma Master Cheng Yen, Tzu Chi’s founder, became a Buddhist nun, her master said to her, “Work for Buddhism and for all beings.” With this phrase as a guide, Taiwan Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation gradually became an international humanitarian organization. "A millennium passes in the blink of an eye. The brief 40 years since Tzu Chi’s establishment is but the starting point of Tzu Chi’s work to come. Let us continue onward into the millennia to come," said Master Cheng Yen.

　　Beginning with 30 members in Taiwan in 1966, Tzu Chi now has members at more than 239 chapters in over 40 countries. Tzu Chi has carried out its relief work in 61 countries. As of May 2006, in Taiwan alone, Tzu Chi has helped more than 135,000 people with emergency and medical aid, and is currently assisting over 30,000 families in poverty on a long-term basis.

Dharma Master Cheng Yen: The world being one family is indeed very beautiful

　　This is Tzu Chi's 40th year. Confucius once said, “By age 40, one is clear and unbefuddled (about one's direction in life).” This is the time when one’s wisdom has matured and when one is very clear with his direction in life.

　　In the 40 years since I established Tzu Chi, my vow has remained the same: to create a harmonious, disaster-free world where everyone has a pure and good heart. In order for peace to come about in the world, people’s hearts must be cleansed, be purified. Each year, I make the same resolutions, asking not for good health, but for wisdom and acuity; asking not for things to be easier, but for greater strength; asking not for everything to go as I hope, but for perseverance and courage. To spread goodness and purify hearts is the mission of a Buddhist monastic. It is a weighty load to shoulder; yet we cannot evade this responsibility. We must face obstacles with courage. It is the only way to achieve this goal.

　　Forty years ago, when I founded Tzu Chi, life was extremely hard in Taiwan. We were dependent on the U.S. for assistance with food and daily necessities. In founding Tzu Chi, I hoped to encourage people to do good, yet in ways that would not adversely affect their livelihood. In the beginning, thirty members responded to my call. They deposited NT$0.50 (or US$.02) of their grocery money into a bamboo coin bank each day. The message, "Just 50 cents each day can save lives," gradually spread throughout the market, and then vegetable vendors started to donate as well. This chain reaction of love was how Tzu Chi unfolded.

　　 In raising donations, the most important is not the funds, but the inspiring of love. Ordinary people always feel dissatisfied and desire more. When they gain something, they crave even more and are caught up in gaining and losing. Those who donate to Tzu Chi, however, are able to turn this around, giving up a little of what they have to help others. Doing this, they nurture the spirit of giving, and in giving they are able to eliminate their greed and worries over gain and loss.

　　Over the years, a network of volunteers has been woven, stretching from Taiwan to many other parts of the world. I do not know many of the volunteers by name; nevertheless all of them are working hard together with one mind to build a better society---a society based on Truth, Goodness, and Beauty. Together, they form a global family that is truly beautiful and touches my heart. Therefore, I am always filled with contentment and gratitude.

　　Tzu Chi’s missions started with charity, and then gradually expanded into medicine, education, and culture. The process has been arduous and painstaking. But what has sustained me has been faith---faith that my intentions to help the suffering are selfless, and faith that everyone has love in their hearts. Therefore for forty years, regardless of the financial difficulties, the lack of manpower, or the criticism from others, I have never thought to give up my vow. I often say, "So long as one has the heart, things will work out, and with the vow comes strength." Thinking of this, it does feel rather inconceivable how many of our obstacles and difficulties were overcome in this way. When I look back over the years, I cannot even begin to say how grateful I am. To all the people, young and old, who have supported me over the years, I have deep and eternal gratitude.

　　 Looking back on Tzu Chi's past can be a guidance and inspiration for the future.  We must work hard to further pool together more people's kindness and love. So, let us:
　　　Let no time pass by emptily
　　　and take solid steps, every step of the way.
　　　Let good thoughts constantly arise from your mind
　　　and do good deeds each and every day.
　　　Let wisdom be applied, moment by moment
　　　and then share with others the blissful joy.
　　　Every step we take on this path should be steady and solid.

　　 We need everyone to do good. The greater the force of goodness, the stronger the positive karma, and in turn a greater chance for disasters to be dissolved. Over the years I've continuously encouraged you to “recruit” more living bodhisattvas. Not only should we inspire the fortunate to help others, but we should also inspire those who are helped to nurture such a giving heart. The little they can contribute will nevertheless have lasting impact--it is like a drop of water that merges with the sea and thus will never dry up. If even the poor can give, how can the wealthy pass up this chance to help others?

　　 Tzu Chi needs the support of everyone. When every person leads a life of kindness, every family will know peace. Then it will not be difficult to transform this world into a pure land.