“We are honored to have you join us at the Symposium on Ven. Cheng Yen's Philosophy and Leadership. This event marks the Ninth Tzu Chi Global Symposium for Common Goodness, a platform that brings us together in pursuit of a common mission - advancing toward a holistic understanding of Ven. Cheng Yen's teachings, and working out future possibilities for the Tzu Chi Movement,” said the emcee, Joe Huang (黃思浩), a Pure Practitioner from Hualien Jing-Si Abode on September 3 at the Geological Lecture Hall, in Harvard University in Boston, USA.
During the opening ceremony, Eugene Wang (汪悅進), Professor in Asian Art History, Harvard University, Po-Wen Yen (顏博文), CEO of the Tzu Chi Charity Foundation, and Stephen Teiser, Professor of Buddhist Studies at Princeton University delivered speeches to express their expectations for this intellectual gathering. Master De Chen (德宸法師) from Jing Si Abode attended the event to convey Master Cheng Yen's heartfelt blessings for the conference. Representatives from various US Tzu Chi chapters, as well as delegates from Indonesia, Singapore, and other regions, were also present at the conference.
In 1966, Master Cheng Yen founded the Tzu Chi Foundation; she was guided by the mission of "For Buddhism, For All Sentient Beings" (Serve all living beings and enlighten them with Buddhism) given to her by her master, Ven. Yin Shun. Today, Tzu Chi, rooted in Buddhist principles, stands as one of the most active international humanitarian non-governmental organizations worldwide. It has become a leading force in Buddhist studies, transforming Master Cheng Yen's philosophy of compassionate altruism into the "Tzu Chi School of Buddhism," inspiring a nationwide practice of benevolence within Buddhism and incorporating it into modern Buddhist research initiatives.
Organized by Tzu Chi Charity Foundation and Harvard FAS CAMLab, the symposium on "Ven. Cheng Yen’s Philosophy and Leadership," was held on September 3rd and 4th at the Geological Lecture Hall, Harvard University. It featured research papers presented by 12 renowned international Buddhist scholars and experts focusing on the study of Tzu Chi's philosophy.
Over the course of two days, this international forum brought together renowned scholars in religious studies, experts in Buddhist philosophy, and practitioners of humanitarian work. Through many academic presentations on the "Tzu Chi School of Buddhism," they aimed to explore the experiential model of practicing the teachings of Buddha within the Tzu Chi framework. This forum sought to establish a platform for the exchange of ideas and experiences between academia and practical applications.
It was a deeply inspiring conference that explored the profound love and ultimate truth of Tzu Chi's practice of the Bodhisattva path in the world. Click on the links below to watch the symposium online.
Symposium on Ven. Cheng Yen's Philosophy and Leadership (Day 1)
Symposium on Ven. Cheng Yen's Philosophy and Leadership (Day 2)
