Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation

Dharma Master Cheng Yen, founder of the Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation, received an Honorary Doctorate in Humanities from the National Chung Cheng University (CCU) on January 7, 2019, at the Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital. This award recognizes her dedication to serving society and caring for people in need around the world with the spirit of selfless great love.

CCU has been collaborating with the Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital for nearly 20 years in the works of medical care, research, education, and culture.

Vice President of CCU, Ms. Tsai Jung-Ting, said, “Dharma Master Cheng Yen selflessly dedicates her life and overcomes many challenges to bring peace to the world. The most fundamental and ultimate goal of the discipline of humanities is to bring about peace and ensure the survival of humans. National Chung Cheng University presents Dharma Master Cheng Yen with an Honorary Doctorate in Humanities to pay our highest respect for her selfless devotion. This is also to inspire students to take her as a role model and be a person who shines light in this world.”

In receiving the degree, Dharma Master Cheng Yen expressed her gratitude to the National Chung Cheng University for giving her such an honor. “This [award] is an encouragement to all Tzu Chi volunteers as what they have achieved is recognized by the university. I just receive the honor on their behalf. I’m grateful to all Tzu Chi volunteers for supporting and making all of Tzu Chi's work possible.”

The Tzu Chi Foundation, founded in 1966, is a Taiwanese international humanitarian and non-governmental organization (NGO) with volunteers worldwide. It carries out humanitarian work with its focus on works of charity, medicine, education, and humanitarian culture, which includes works in bone marrow donation, environmental protection, community volunteerism, and international disaster relief.