Tzu Chi Foundation

The Hon. T.T. NGO (15:54): I rise to speak about a global charitable organisation, the Buddhist compassion relief foundation known as Tzu Chi. I had the great honour of meeting the founder of Tzu Chi during a parliamentary delegation to Taiwan with the Hon. Andrew McLachlan and the Hon. Terry Stephens in 2016.

Tzu Chi was founded by Dharma Master Cheng Yen in 1966 with the simple aim of helping the poor and educating the rich. This month marks Master Cheng Yen's 81^st birthday. The story goes that witnessing the death of a poor village woman was a call to action for Master Cheng Yen. Instead of collecting monthly donations, she asked 30 local housewives to pledge 50¢ a day to charity, explaining that, 'Saving 50¢ every day will train you in the habit of saving and cultivating love to give to others.'

The foundation grew exponentially from there. It was formed with four central missions: charity, medical, education and humanitarian. Acting on these doctrines, Tzu Chi provides international relief to people in need and runs free health clinics, dialysis facilities, hospitals and a bone marrow registry. Tzu Chi teaches the values of peace and compassion and promotes learning throughout the world. Community volunteers contribute to an environmental protection mission, primarily through recycling projects.

From those humble beginnings in a remote Taiwanese village, Tzu Chi has grown into an international force for good. Today, millions of members spread across the world are actively carrying out disaster relief efforts. Our country has, unfortunately, seen its fair share of natural disasters. Tzu Chi is often among the first to offer a helping hand and provide relief to Australians in their darkest hour. During the Queensland flood crisis in 2011, Tzu Chi distributed more than $1 million in assistance to flood victims through the generosity of many of its members. In 2015, the Sampson Flat and Pinery bushfires devastated local South Australian communities and left many families suffering. I understand that, through the goodwill of the Tzu Chi Adelaide office, 157 families were given cash donations totalling $117,750 to help them during the initial emergency period.

There is a saying compiled by Master Cheng Yen based on Buddhist teachings and life lessons, which states, 'With confidence, perseverance and courage, there is nothing in this world that cannot be accomplished.' I am amazed by the Tzu Chi volunteers who are undeterred by practical challenges and rally together to provide far-reaching support. Tzu Chi's compassionate spirit of empathising with suffering wherever it is felt in the world transcends geographical, political, cultural and religious boundaries. Master Cheng Yen wisely said, 'A fulfilling life is not preoccupied with material objects, prestige or power. It is a life that is filled with true friendship, sharing and caring for each other.' Tzu Chi volunteers live out this ideology and deliver direct relief to people from all walks of life, whether they live in war-torn countries or impoverished villages.

During a visit to Tzu Chi's headquarters in Hualien county, the Hon. Terry Stephens, the Hon. Andrew McLachlan and I were honoured to share a meal with members of Tzu Chi, participate in a cultural exchange of ideas and witness the daily activities of this remarkable organisation. I take this opportunity to express my heartfelt thanks to Master Cheng Yen and the Buddhist nuns in Hualien county for their warm and gracious welcome. I also thank members of the Tzu Chi Adelaide branch for organising our meeting with Master Cheng Yen and the humanitarian work they are currently doing.