Renowned international animal conservation expert, Professor Jane Goodall, known for her extensive research on chimpanzees in Tanzania spanning over three decades and her global advocacy for environmental conservation, has made her third visit to Taiwan. During this trip, she specifically scheduled a visit to the Tzu Chi Foundation and Master Cheng Yen, driven by her deep admiration for Tzu Chi's efforts in saving and honoring lives.
Professor Goodall: We are starting a youth education project named Roots and Shoots, it includes environmental, animal projects and supporting other nonprofit and less privileged groups. The target audience includes kindergarten to college students. We hope the students can travel to different countries, to experience different cultures and religions so that we may one day break down the barriers between animals and humans. I am really fortunate that I have inherited good health from my parents and great spiritual support from my friends to pursue my passion.
Master Cheng Yen: Tzu Chi volunteers should be considered your valued friends as well. Your journey began with research on animals and has since evolved into a deep commitment to humanitarian efforts and the promotion of respect for all forms of life. This transformation is truly remarkable and deeply personal.
In alignment with the principle of respecting all life, Tzu Chi has dedicated over three decades to its four core missions:
- Charity Mission: This mission is centered on alleviating the suffering of the impoverished and victims of disasters. Importantly, by aiding the less fortunate, Tzu Chi aims to educate and unite those who are more privileged, inspiring them to assist those in need.
- Medical Mission: Tzu Chi's medical mission is dedicated to saving lives and harnessing the compassion of doctors, nurses, and volunteers to address the physical and mental health needs of patients.
- Education Mission: This mission strives to make education accessible to all by establishing medical schools and academic institutions. Tzu Chi educators teach at all grade levels in Taiwan and emphasize the values of love and compassion in their teaching.
- Culture Mission: The culture mission aspires to elevate the humanitarian standards of society. It encourages the demonstration of love and moral values in our actions, serving as a beacon to improve societal norms and purify human hearts.
I also find solace in knowing that there are many individuals who share my mission and passion. Together, we are actively contributing to positive change in society, driven by our shared commitment to infuse love into our work. This collective effort truly makes us exceptional teammates!
Professor Goodall: We must give thanks for the support from people we know and don't know. Their support keeps us going. I believe as long as all of us work together, the environment will be restored to its original pure state.
Master Cheng Yen: We must maintain our faith in humanity. While humans have played a role in damaging the environment, it's crucial to believe that humans also possess the capacity to restore and protect it. We aspire for individuals who share our passion to unite in raising awareness about the environment and working collaboratively toward its conservation.
Professor Goodall: It is really important to inspire hope in our children; otherwise, there is no future for mankind. In some countries like Tanzania, the children are not able to receive a good education. Their classrooms are only made of walls—there's no blackboard or any stationary. Where is the hope for their future? Seeing all these children from impoverished countries, the children in the United States will learn how blessed they are in comparison.
Master Cheng Yen: Through our international disaster relief efforts, I've witnessed teachers and children conducting classes under the shelter of trees. It was truly poignant to witness this scene. Despite their challenging living conditions, these individuals maintain a remarkable sense of optimism. In comparison to children in more developed nations, these children possess even purer hearts.
Professor Goodall: The children in developed countries have lost touch with Mother Nature. They grew up in the concrete jungle. Without the company of trees and birds, they've slowly lost the most precious part of themselves.
Master Cheng Yen: This is why it's essential for you to prioritize self-care and serve as an inspiration for others to also cherish and value life.
Professor Goodall: I have a book about Master. So, I understood you before I came here.
Master Cheng Yen: In fact, I also have an understanding of you.
*Date of conversation: Nov 5, 1998
*Translated by Huiying Chin
*Edited by Dennis Lee and Eric Horng
